Browsing Tag

Marvin Gaye

Sir Jeremy Green – on a deep, soulful Motown ‘Cruise’

Posted on 20 January 2021

If Marvin Gaye hadn’t fatally intervened in his parents’ argument in 1984 and had, instead, continued making music, it might have sounded very much like Sir Jeremy Green on new single ‘Cruise’, a deep, classy nu-soul cut that simply oozes with class.

Mixing up a little of the retro, sexual, sensual ‘70’s Motown vibe with a modern take and a little bit of 90’s Brand New Heavies, a little jazzy funk, and just enough old-skool hip hop beat to add some groove, ‘Cruise’ is an absolute dope stunner of a track, Green’s rich, smooth vocal perfect over the top of a full-on retro track, all movie-soundtrack (like the accompanying official video), Rodgers-style funk off-beat guitar and Rhodes-style electric piano stabs. And then there’s that bassline, before the track resolves to drop into grooving-yet-chilled middle eight and breakdown.

‘Cruise’ is the first single from Green’s new EP; if the rest is as good as this, 2021 is going to be a VERY good year for Sir Jeremy Green.

See the awesome video for ‘Cruise’ on YouTube. Follow Sir Jeremy Green on Facebook.

Review by Alex Holmes

 

A taste of nostalgia – Honey Made’s ‘Brand New’ may be the real meaning of ‘soul food’

Posted on 21 December 2020

From the opening few bars of ‘Brand New’, the latest single from Austin, Texas, funk/soul groove-merchants Honey Made, it’s impossible to stop toes or fingers tapping and heads nodding; a delicious, salacious, warm and mellow slice of beautiful nostalgic funk in the vein of Sly Stone, Curtis Mayfield, or Marvin Gaye.

The honeyed (pun very much intended) vocal duetting of vocalists Willie Barnes and Donald Ford Jr. is silky smooth, deep, rich, and velvety – the superlatives just go on and on; the musicianship across the board is sublime, the bass and played-around-the-beat drums of Lee Braverman and Chris Barnes absolutely in the pocket, sitting together like only the very best soul and R&B rhythm sections can, the keys, sax, and horns absolutely perfect and mutually complimentary across the whole track.

This is contemporary-yet-old-school funk/soul at its absolute best; there’s no other way around it, ‘Brand New’ really is exquisite.

You can check out ‘Brand New’ over on Soundcloud now, or follow Honey Made on Facebook and Instagram.

Review by Alex Holmes

‘Let’s Get It On’ – Doyle Remix: A Musical Layer Cake Perfect for Isolation!

Posted on 25 April 2020

If asked for sane, measured advice as to which songs one must listen to in a pandemic, ‘Let’s Get It On’ by Marvin Gaye, would be way, way, way down there near the end of the list. If you live alone, it’s the song you play when you finally grieve your genitals as they have to turned to dust and ashes and you are ready to send them off with tears and a service. ‘Let’s Get It On’……ah the good old days!

So it behooves one to amend the isolation list with this new release from Doyle. He has remixed the heck out of this classic, brought it to the top of my list and, where once it was a beautiful dirge that reminded me of the slow disintegration of my bits and the unchecked growth of leg hair, Doyle has waved his wand and magically turned it into a Celebration of Life. His head must be chocked full of grand influences like Reggeaton, Afrobeats, Trance and Dance. I say that because he has turned a masterpiece into an anthem. A dreamy interpretation of an old favourite; the unadulterated sexy growl of Gaye combined with the hopeful, eye-closed, dancing around the kitchen in your knickers,  inspired funk-fest.

Listen to The Doyle Remix of ‘Lets get it on’ on Soundcloud. I think it deserves a deep curtsy!

Review by Susan Harriott

Dozenz – The Truth: 80’s Pop Hype with A Little Extra Bite

Posted on 4 December 2017

Dozenz is the latest solo project from British singer song writer and producer, that brings the essence of essential 80’s pop to life. His latest track The Truth borders on the classic sound with a contemporary hype. Fans of the genre are in for a treat. His latest track which is now available for download has quickly gained notoriety amongst fans with his unique approach to his music. Inspired by Britpop artists such as Frankie Goes to Hollywood for their playful approach to rhythmic energy and lyrics. Dozenz has created a sound that will almost surely end up just as notorious. He creates an infectiously atmospheric sound, that’s a rich synthesised cacophony as he mixes his unique brand of Hip Hop into the mix

The talent that lies behind Dozens is Saleh Hamed and his passion for mixing trailblazing anthems that are piqued with the essence of diversity. He creates music out of his passion for unity, and uses his platform to spread messages of positivity that can resonate within everyone. With such a charming reproach to music production, it’s hard not to love Dozens.

So, check out the official music video to The Truth on the Youtube link below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xEgjz8l8_w

“It’s Music” – The HiGrounds’ Latest Rock And Roll Hit

Posted on 30 November 2017

Based in Manhattan Beach, CA, The HiGrounds are a band with a very particular sound that is essentially rock and roll with an evident contemporary flair. These guys share a passion for this type of music in particular, and this is shown in their music which clearly has a vintage character with a modern touch that only true dedicated musicians are able to create. With funky guitar progressions, punctuated by percussive piano and Hammond organ sounds backed by a solid rhythm section, their music is just one of a kind.

“it’s Music,” which is taken right off of their latest album “Wouldn’t Hurt To Show,” is a true reflection of what sounds and stylistic choices these guys are passionate about. The instrumental arrangement and texture do indeed provide that special vintage feel, particularly through the use of the organ, but this is not all the song has to offer. It has no shortage of catchy choruses and it also presents a feel-good sound suitable for pubs and bars, providing an authentic warm atmosphere. “It’s Music” is not only a song which is enjoyable to listen to. It is well crafted and performed. So if you like what you hear, make sure to check out the rest of the album too, and you will not be disappointed !

-Sarah Marie Bugeja

Pop Singer-Songwriter Lence George Releases Newest Single ‘Coming Home’

Posted on 10 October 2017
https://youtu.be/TVGiOzAFGSw

Lance George immediately strikes for his unique personality. His recent music video for single, Coming Home, is almost like a short movie. The visuals are extremely professionals and Lence showcases his ability as an actor and performer, as well as his outstanding musical chops.

Lance’s vocals are extremely soothing and soft, yet powerful and energetic. Think of a blend between timeless soul singers such as Marvin Gaye or Seal, combined with a more modern twist. The minimalistic arrangement also really help the emotion of the song come through. The bright acoustic guitars are a particularly amazing addition to the song, because they complement Lence’s voice with melodies and rhythms. The sparse drum arrangement also helps the song keep moving, adding groove to the mix. The vocal harmonies are amazing as well, complementing the lead vocals beautifuly.

“Coming Home” is a very positive song, with lyrics such as “It is a new dawn, a new day for me to change my way”, sharing a beautiful message with the world.

Facebook | Instagram | Official Website

A&R Factory Present: Rushes debut single “Wild High”

Posted on 31 May 2017
https://youtu.be/rdiqkTmeGF0

Contrast would be the best word to describe singer-songwriter/producer Rushes. Growing up in a small rural town in Ireland isn’t something you normally associate with soulful cutting edge electronic sounds. The time had finally come for Rushes to fly the coop and explore his opportunities by moving to Dublin permanently to refine his craft and link up with innovators who understood his vision.

In 2017, Rushes joined creative collection Diffusion Lab, who has the likes of Soulé and Jafaris in their ranks to bring his diverse ideas alive. Rushes draws inspiration from artists like N.E.R.D, D’Angelo, Frank Ocean, Radiohead, Jai Paul, Kanye West, Marvin Gaye and Prince but never limits his sonic palette.

 

Rushes debut single “Wild High” droped on May 26th. An alluring blend of electro-RnB infused with smooth wavy vocals and perfectly polished production.

With “Wild High”, Rushes launches himself into the eye of the music industry with the intent of being heard. For visuals, he teamed up with Gorilla – Nathan Barlow, responsible for Soulé, Jafaris recent music videos.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RushesOfficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RushesOfficial