Expansion Records hit 2011 running with the release of great, new modern soul set from London-based trio SOUL TALK. The eponymous album features eleven brand new songs and a cover of the JAMES TAYLOR classic ‘Fire And Rain’. Throughout, the sound is totally modern but there’s a rugged, earthy, soulful quality that harks back to the great days of the 70s and 80s.
Lead vocalist in SOUL TALK is GARY POOLE who was previously in a band called TROI. He’s also worked with D’INFLUENCE and toured with PRINCE and MICHAEL JACKSON. TOBY BAKER plays guitar and keyboards with the band and his musical CV includes work with LIGHT OF THE WORLD, JAKI GRAHAM, BB KING, ERIC CLAPTON, CHAKA KHAN and MICHAEL McDONALD. The third member of SOUL TALK is ERNIE McKONE. The owner of Boogie Back Records, he plays drums, bass and guitar and his previous gigs have included acting as musical director for CANDI STATON and MARLENA SHAW.
The album is released at the end of February and already one cut – the uplifting ‘Really Don’t Mind’ – is making modern soul room waves. The song is one of the LP’s highlights and comes in its original format and in a pacey COOL MILLION remix. ‘Soul Talk’ by SOUL TALK will be reviewed here @ SJF very soon.
