Over the last few years the eclectic duo YOUNG GUN SILVER FOX (Mamas Gun front man Andy Platts, the “young gun” and performer/writer/producer Shawn Lee, the “silver fox”) have built up a devoted  cohort of fans who enjoy their unique  take on blue-eyed soul and west coast harmony pop. The sound of YGSF is an eclectic blend of all sorts of everything – maybe think a cocktail of Steely Dan, Earth Wind & Fire, Bobby Caldwell and even Paul McCartney. Yes, we did say “eclectic” – but the sound has definite attraction. Some call it “Yacht Rock” – but it’s a lot more than that! Right no ..read more

D’JEAR is the musical alter ego of Brighton-based DJ/Producer Andy Perrett. Andy/D’Jear’s a bit of a soul and dance veteran. He’s been in the biz for 30 years and has had his works anthologised on labels like Seamless, Puro Beach and Blue Marlin (Ibiza). His music has a certain sound and quality that appeals to both the soul crowd and the house heads – try his 2021 UK soul chart #1 ‘Show Me’ for starters. Or maybe you could check out his upcoming single – ‘Broken Emotion’, a crisp and tight beater that, like we’ve said, has cross genre appeal. There’s a sweeping soundscape and a sweet femme vo ..read more

Acclaimed soulful jazz singer JOSÉ JAMES  is preparing the release of a new album – ‘1978: Revenge Of The Dragon’. The LP’s due May 16th and his team tell us that the album will be “a bold, genre-bending project shaped by his deep study of Kung Fu and QiGong and inspired by the cultural landscape of his 1978 birth year.” While we wait, intrigued by that description, we can enjoy the album-heralding single… ‘They Sleep, We Grind (for Badu)’. It’s a hypnotic groove steeped in dub and percussive funk, with a hint of psychedelia. We’re told that the track “delivers lyrical nods to Bob Marley ..read more

Veteran soul and R&B artist/producer/entrepreneur BEY BRIGHT has just delivered his first outing for 2025. It’s a seductive ‘I’m Sorry’ – a tune that sits (as most of Bey’s work does) right on the cusp of soul and R&B. It’s a melodic piece of work  featuring synth sounds, strings, and keyboards, all adding  to the romantic soundscape. The track comes alongside a “bonus” offering – a similar, seductive groove ‘I  Can Do It Better’.  This one feature Miel “The Beautiful One.” And its sultry  soundscape makes this perfect for   “quiet storm radio shows ..read more

DAVID KEECH is a British soul and jazz trombonist. Originally inspired by his trombone playing grandfather, David  has performed across the UK, Europe, and beyond, working with some of the most respected names in jazz. For a  time he lived in Japan  where he immersed himself in that country’s vibrant jazz scene, performing with small groups and big bands, and also working with leading musical instrument designers. Back in the UK, David founded the JAZZUP club night system – a platform to promote all forms of jazz and to allow young musicians  to thrive. Right now David is w ..read more

Without too much fuss or fanfare, new soul star JALEN NGONDA has released a brand new single – ‘Just As Long As We’re Together’. If you know Jalen’s music (and we’re sure you do!)  you’ll be familiar with the sound – passionate contemporary soul  with its roots in Soul’s golden age – and delivered in that distinctive nuanced voice with the sublime falsetto. It’s out now via Daptone ..read more

Cult southern soul man, RANDY BROWN (above) died earlier this year – one of too many soul casualties already in 2025.  The obituaries and tributes were fulsome – all detailing his time with of Stax group, The Newcomers and his revered solo work with labels like Parachute, Chocolate City and Stax. What many of the tributes to Randy omitted was the  recordings he made with his brothers Bertram (with whom he worked in the Newcomers) and William (who was part of another Stax group, The Mad Lads). The siblings worked as TEN 63 and recorded one album in the 80s, It was ‘Facing The Music ..read more

STEDMAN PEARSON the oldest of the family quintet band Five Star died on Monday 10th March adding to the growing list of musicians who have passed away this year already. Stedman was aged 60 and had been battling diabetes and kidney issues.  The family posted: “We are very saddened to say on this day – our beloved son/brother Stedman Pearson Jr has passed. He was a gentleman to the very end – in every way and an amazing son/brother and uncle. May the memories and love he gave to us and the world be our greatest comfort. He will be deeply missed.” The  family hailed from Romford, Essex ..read more

Brit soul vet DON-E has just released his first single of 2025 – ‘Pull It Up’, sonically, delivering all the sounds, vocal mannerisms  and beats  that we’ve come to associate with the man. It seems the track comes from an upcoming album project and it comes in three edits – main one, radio edit and a no rap edit. Right now it’s only available from Don-E’s site – https://www.donmusic.co.uk ..read more

Upcoming from QUANTIZE RECORDS is a whole album from TASHA LARAE. You probably know that Ms L has quite a CV. Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska but working (chiefly) out of  Atlanta, Georgia, in 2008 she became the new lead female vocalist in  Arrested Development. She’s out there on half a dozen of their albums but in recent years she’s  moved more and more into soulful house territory, with her 2019 album ‘Tasha’ becoming a favourite with house heads. Right now she’s super excited about the new LP, ’Right Now’ (wow, see what we did there!). This new album sees the lady working with ..read more