New Jersey’s ERIC ROBERSON steps into 2014 with an interesting new album… though “new” isn’t quite an accurate description. The 13 tracker – ‘B Sides, Features & Heartaches’ – is a bit of mash up… made up (as the title implies) of hard-to-find and in-demand old B-sides, a selection of other artists work on which Eric is featured and just three brand new songs (the “heartaches”, I guess).

One of the new songs – the sweet ‘Anymore’ – is the album’s lead single. An harmonic ballad, with just a touch of classic Philly soul about the arrangement, it’s already getting plenty of Stateside airplay.

‘Postcards From The Edge’ is another of the album’s more laid-back, languid cuts. Featuring Wes Felton with bvs from Raheem DeVaughn and Bilal, it shows the direction that current neo-soul is taking. The tight ‘Far Away Girl’ (a collaboration with Aaron Camper) is another genre classic while the energized ‘Games’ will keep the dance denizens happy as Eric and collaborator M-Swift sweep into soulful house territory.

Other collaborators on the set include Angela Johnson, DJ Spinna (a lovely, lithe ‘Butterfly Girl’ from them), Full Crate, DJ Kermit, Zo! and Les Nubians… their cut is ‘Déjà Vous’ on which Roberson shows off his French language skills.

Eric will be promoting the album on a visit to the UK in February. He’ll be playing London’s Clapham Grand, Manchester’s Band On The Wall and the Drum in Birmingham. Check with the venues for dates and details.

ERIC ROBERSON; ‘B-SIDES, FEATURES & HEARTACHES’ is out now on DOME RECORDS