ROB PICAZO (above) is an upcoming soul and rhythm and blues singer/guitarist/songwriter. He was born in Madrid but is now based in the UK’s south east. However, his heart’s in places like Memphis and Muscle Shoals. Rob’s love of those places southern soul came from his father’s vast record collection which was packed with music from people like James Carr, Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Solomon Burke, Sam Cooke and Dann Penn. Inspired by those icons , young Rob was inspired to write his own songs – songs that spoke with the same soulful vulnerability, intensity and heartache.
When he had enough songs he bravely decamped to Memphis to record them! And to make his music even more special he drafted in some A list Memphis session players to help him deliver – people like the legendary Hi/Royal studio organist Charles Hodges, sax man Kirk Smothers who’s worked with Silk Sonic and star gospel singer Shontelle Norman-Beatty who helped out on BVs.
Rob is now putting the finishing touches to his album, ‘Soothe My Soul’ which wins release 10th November. In the meantime, he’s lining up some singles to herald the LP’s release. First up there’s an old school, R&B beater ‘I Want The Money’ . With full horn section, there’s an ironic charm to the song which reflects on social issues and challenges self-serving leaders! Sonically you may be reminded of James Hunter while Rob’s vocals have flavours of Mose Allison and even dear old Zoot Money.
‘I Want The Money’ is released August 25th and there’s a second single, ‘Wall To Wall’ lined up for an October release.
