southern rock // soul Sothern rock bursting with soul! Alabama Shakes amplify my love for music. Their powerful groove and vigorous energy makes me a little less sad about great 60′s acts I was born too late to see live. Janis Joplin meets Nina Simone rocking out with The Black Keys, shedding gleams of hope to shake loose dusty spirits.

Turn it up. Alabama Shakes – Hold On (stream only) Alabama Shakes – You Ain’t Alone (stream only) + Purchase/Visit

soul // soft r&b The transatlantic success of British retro-soul singers is nothing new. From Amy Winehouse to Adele, British female artists have been strongly dominating the musical landscape for nearly a decade. LeaLea Jones delivers that kind of British retro-charm with an über-cool beat that brings to mind such Aurgasm favourites as Anjulie and Corinne Bailey Rae. She first captured my attention back in 2010 with her catchy single “Cake” and is currently working on her debut album. “Dry”, taken from the upcoming album, might be some of the finest urban grooves I’ve been listening to lately, offering some solid yet not overly produced beats and sweet soul vocals.

Sultry doze of neo-soul, jazz and R&B.

LeaLea Jones – Dry

• Purchase/Visit

Funk // Beats // Soul Lack Of Afro aka Adam Gibbons has released his third album already, and for lovers of funk, beats and soulful production he should not be a stranger. Often compared to the sound of an early DJ Shadow and besides producing his own LP’s also a producer of acts like The Diplomats of Solid Sound and Frootful, this funky dude is also a frequently asked remixer. Like Mark Ronson, but sans the cheeky funk covers, Lack Of Afro rolls with original samples mixed with original instruments. He manages to make any song he touches sound vibrant with organic soul & deep bass, whether producing a retro soul groover like “A Time For” or the throw back funk sampling “Roderigo”. To celebrate his love of music, you can listen to this special mix on Mixcloud. For more musical tasters also check out the LOA soundcloud page. Lovingly produced soulful grooves. A Time For (feat. Wayne Giddens) (from This Time) Roderigo (from Press On) [full quality MP3 of 'A time For' via the FSR mailing list] + Purchase/Visit

Quirky // Retro Synth // Funk Beta Hector makes retro funky space jams. Sprung from the mind of Simon Hill, the former bass player for retro funk outfit Baby Charles, this project sees a healthy contribution by the raw soul vocals of Dionne Charles. Her voice fits the bolder tracks on Sunbeam Insulin, while for the more subtle tracks Sarah Gardner provides trippy, haunting vocals. The sounds are best described as retro synth soul, with some tracks applying a more funky drum sound, while others are more orchestral. All tracks have two things in common: A deep soul in both the organic and synthesized elements, enhanced by the emotions of of the collaborating vocalists. Tru Thoughts were so kind as to provide an album track and a bonus acoustic version to test your palate. The album is out now in UK/Europe via Etchshop & October 18th in the US. Robots jamming out to funky beats and haunting vocals In My Skin (feat. Dionne Charles) Sleepwalking (feat. Sarah Gardner) (Acoustic Version) + Purchase/Visit

Songwriter // Jazz // Soul Stac (Stacey Dowdeswell) is signed to London based label Wah Wah 45s and her debut album Turn That Light Out was released June 21st 2010. This album is produced by label mate Scrimshire & engineered by previously featured Benedic “Nostalgia 77″ Lambdin. The album’s ten tracks have since been remixed into a pair of remix albums (vol.1 & vol.2) featuring versions by Bonobo, Kidkanevil, Hint, Ashley Beedle, Natural Self & TM Juke. Stac’s biggest influences are Lewis Taylor, Jamie Lidell, Erykah Badu and red wine, resulting in songs filled with emotion, subtle layers and an attitude that makes her an artist to keep an eye on. See for yourself with original album track “Tip”, a mature, intelligent track and its remixed counterpart “Tip (Hint remix)”, taking all that maturity into the club and shakin’ it like there ain’t no tomorrow. All three Stac’s albums are available for download on the Wah Wah 45s shop, including two free tracks from the remix competition.

Blue eyed soulstress from LDN Tip Tip (Hint Remix) + Purchase/Visit

soul pop // avant-jazz-pop “You’ll hear smoky soul, flights of dazzling invention and intricate layers of deeply felt emotion. With a voice that belies her age; twenty year old Kimbra already enchants her audience, having been inspired by jazz greats such as Nina Simone, while also bringing a contemporary edge more akin to Bjork and Camille.” I haven’t been this excited about a song in a while. (thx, benschwarz) Vocal precision, soul-felt thumps, & beauty Kimbra – Settle Down + Visit

Retro // Electronic-chill Lance Ferguson is one of the most prolific Funk & Soul producers in the retro scene, being the guitarist and producer for The Bamboos, Kylie Auldist & Cookin’ On 3 Burners, as well as having produced for a slew of acts on the Tru Thoughts, Freestyle Records & Record Kicks labels. On Her 12 Faces he teams up with Australian artist Megan Washington as the main singer among a few instrumental tracks. This second album as Lanu displays the full breadth of Lance’s versatility as a producer and shows he can do more than retro-soul or raw funk. Schizophrenic? Not quite, but many faced for sure. All songs tell a story, be it vocalized or written in melody. “Beautiful Trash” is an uptempo, sunny affair that has Washington bouncing along a retro vibe. “The Roosevelt Blues” is equally playful (both in vibe and execution) and envelops you in a lo-fi sumer breeze. Australian multi-faceted sunshine sounds. The Roosevelt Blues (feat. Megan Washington) + Purchase/Visit

Jazz // Rhythm // Soul Nostalgia 77, also known as Benedic Lamdin, is a prolific producer of Jazz with a highly developed sense of rhythm. On the 22nd of March his new LP The Sleepwalking Society will be released on Tru Thoughts. This is officially the fourth Nostagia 77 studio album and it has taken almost four years since the previous release. In the mean time he has worked with Jazz legends Keith and Julie Tippett, played with Larry Stabbins of Stonephace and produced for Sara Mitra & Lizzy Parks. Last year he released two albums on his own Impossible Ark imprint: the afro-funky project Skeletons Smile LP and an afro-latin influenced project with Hugo Mendez titled Rhythmagic Orchestra. See discogs for an extensive list of his work. Out now is the single “Simmerdown” featuring the warm vocals of german Josa Peit (also on soundcloud). Josa provides all vocals on the upcoming LP, of which the track “Cherry” is included below. More material by Josa Peit can be found on her soundcloud.

Grooves for your jazzy moods. Nostalgia 77 – Cherry + Purchase/Visit

folk // soul // french vocal French-Senegalese chanteuse Madjo first captured my attention with “Le Monstre” back in 2009 making her debut album Trapdoor (2010) among my most anticipated albums of the year. While there is very little information about Madjo available to English speakers, she’s the new chanteuse on the rise among French music lovers. Madjo’s repertoire varies from vintage pop influences to Southern folk-blues and tender ballads, somewhat recalling Feist, Yael Naim and Okou with the subtle avant-garde touch of Camille. Une chanteuse extraordinnaire! From acoustic simplicity to multi-layered beauty. Madjo - Le Monstre Madjo - Cracheur De Feu + Purchase/Visit

Funk // Soul // Jazz The Haggis Horns operate as a quite successfull horn section, garnering praise from a wide range of recording artists, like Mark Ronson (“The best f***ing horn section in the World!”), Amy Winehouse & The New Mastersounds. Besides recording and touring with said artists (and many more), they also function as a full band. A little while ago their second LP ‘Keep on Movin‘ saw the light of day on First Word Records. The vocals on this album are by Nia Saw aka Lucinda Slim, who also sings on ‘The Cockroach Grind‘. The next track The Haggis Horns agreed to share with you is ‘The Bump‘, from their first LP titled ‘Hot Damn!‘. This track shows the band can hold its own in vocal and instrumental jams alike. In addition to the two tracks shared in this post, the complete output by the Haggis Horns can be streamed on their Bandcamp page. Both Keep on Movin’ & Hot Damn! are also available for purchase in various formats there. Funkier than a musquito’s tweeter and then some The Haggis Horns - Cockroach Grind (feat. Nia Saw) The Haggis Horns - The Bump + Purchase/Visit

soul // french // motown The sounds of Ben l’Oncle Soul are spreading through europe, with a major hit this summer in the form of an uptempo soul cover of Seven Nation Army. Signed to Motown, Ben has all elements covered. Some say his style is not original enough, but when the styles are blended and performed this well, and the songs are this catchy, who really cares. This is good music. Period. So if you like soul & funk and appreciate a singer that knows how to manipulate his sound to range from John Legend to Jamie Lidell and back to all the soul greats form the ol’ days, this should be in your audio system. French retro soul with a modern edge. Ben l’oncle Soul - Seven Nation Army Ben l’oncle Soul - Soulman [Editor's Note: Please join me in welcoming Sjoerd Kranendonk to Aurgasm. Also known as zephirnl on soundcloud and @mffonline on twitter, he has a mean habit of unearthing the good 'n raw funky stuff. We're thrilled to have him share his best finds here.] + Purchase/Visit

afrobeat // tropical funk Summer is the time for everything to slow down. While many of you are enjoying the warmth and summer festivals, cold beverages and roof parties, Saravah Soul will provide you with that kind of perfect Afro-meets-Brazilian vibe for the ultimate summer soundtrack. In their recently released album Cultura Impura (2010), Saravah Soul blends together West African melodies, 60’s funk and Brazilian rhythms. Their richly intense compositions are build around horn arrangements, vibrant bass, Pifano (bamboo flutes) and Berimbau, interweaving with hypnotic choruses. From Afrobeat to carnival in Rio. Saravah Soul - Alforria

bohemian retro ballad // singer-songwriter Belfast artist Duke Special, a.k.a. Peter Wilson, is a de-facto Vaudeville revivalist. Duke’s songwriting is highly theatrical and colourful, somewhat recalling the aching beauty of such artists as Rufus Wainwright and Antony Hegarty as well as the Dresden Dolls’ cabaret extravaganza. In “Our Love Goes Deeper Than This” Duke merges a variety of inspirations such as melodramatic Vaudeville, big band and Bebop with rich and bouncy piano, clarinet, trumpet, drums and quirky sound effects. “Wanda, darling of the Jockey Club”, taken from his latest release The Stage, The Book And The Silver Screen (2010), parades the jaunty and retro swinging side of Duke’s song crafting. Bittersweet Vaudeville melodies. Duke Special - Our Love Goes Deeper Than This Duke Special - Wanda, Darling Of The Jockey Club + Purchase/Visit

nu-jazz // british soul Praised by such music figures as Laurent Garnier and Gilles Peterson, Lizzy Parks is mostly known to a wider audience for her collaboration with Ben Lamdin and his Nostalgia 77. In her solo work, Lizzy blends singer-songwriter tradition with modern day jazz. While Nostalgia 77’s influence is evident, it does not overshadow Lizzy. Taken from her album Raise The Roof (2009), “Take Care” embodies complex nu-jazz arrangements, rich vocals and excellent Lamdin’s production. Her cover version of Etta James’ “Seven Day Fool” is a real old-school R&B meets funky jazz treat. Simple soul-jazz elegance. Lizzy Parks - Take Care Lizzy Parks - Seven Day Fool (stream only) + Purchase/Visit

soul // blues // french acoustic The story of Okou begins in a Parisian bar. Tatiana Heintz, originally from the Ivory Coast, and Gilbert Trefzger, a Swiss guitarist with Egyptian roots, are truly world artists. Their debut album Serpentine (2010) blends sounds from around the globe. Serpentine captures the spirit of soul, blues and roots music, evoking the best American folk traditions and New Orleans’ sound with a delicate European touch. The acoustic guitars and banjo arrangements with the somewhat old-fashioned groove make “To The Bone” a perfect road trip soundtrack. Seductively mellow, French sung “A L’aurore” is a real West Africa meets New Orleans musical gem. The outstanding song carries rich instrumentation that includes strings, banjo and tuba. Soulful southern yet cosmopolitan vibe. Okou - To The Bone Okou - A L’aurore

vocal harmony // close harmony // country-folk The Living Sisters might be releasing their debut album Love To Live, next month, but they certainly aren’t new to the scene. LA-based singer-songwriters Inara George (The Bird And The Bee), Becky Stark (Lavender Diamond) and Eleni Mandell have been performing for years with their own respective projects. Mandell first proposed the idea of a harmony group to Stark in 2005, and George jumped on board the following year. Since then, the trio has been working on The Living Sisters in rare stolen moments when all three were available, and the result is well worth the wait. Love To Live is a gorgeous collection of songs with nods to classic country harmony groups and a healthy splash of gospel, soul and folk for good measure. Throughout the album their crystalline voices take the spotlight; the trio’s heartfelt and pure harmonies give an intimacy to each song, and the end result is lovely and effortless. Take a listen to “Double Knots,” a sweet doo wop-inspired track, to tide yourself over until Love To Live becomes available in March. Pure, unfiltered loveliness. The Living Sisters - Double Knots + Purchase/Visit

Downtempo // Jazz // Soul Adam Scrimshire’s music fascinates me with a quality that I can best describe as being patient with the listener. As if built from maps referencing harmony’s emotions, this introspective and worldly odyssey flourishes with sublime enrapture and plush vitality. It’s spacious and grand, uplifting and cinematic, yet personally affective to the tune of something nestled deep inside. Along came the Devil one night… transpires awe, friendly accord and console; a beautiful achievement by a gracious music lover and maker.

Mellifluous embodiment of music. Scrimshire - All Roads Lead You Home Scrimshire - Springtime (with Claire Laurent) + Purchase / Visit

folk // acoustic blues // world Soul, folk, jazz and creole influences shine throughout Camphor & Copper (2008) — the first full-length of self-taught guitarist and singer-songwriter Mélissa Laveaux. On her debut album Mélissa displays impressive musical range and clever lyrics. Mélissa’s folk-blues arrangements, catchy hand claps, whispery vocals and her unique percussive finger-style guitar will be appealing to the fans of Ayo and Aurgasm featured Asa. Of special quality is Mélissa’s sharp and powerful cover of Elliott Smith’s “Needle in the Hay”. From world music rhythms to brutally honest blues. Melissa Laveaux - Needle In The Hay Melissa Laveaux - Koud’lo + Purchase/Visit

afrofunk // jazz The opening to “Too Many Prisoners (Elewon Po)” sounds like it could be taken right off an Isaac Hayes record (one extremely well-known one in particular…), which is funny because Hayes is one of the few people not commonly listed as an Allen influence (viz. Art Blakey, Dizzy Gillespie, James Brown, Fela Kuti, etc.). After that, though, the Shaft theme is quickly dropped for something more like Pucho Brown: a breezy, carefree collection of bass, vocals, and the drumming for which Allen is most renowned. The single was released May 11 and is available on iTunes; the album (Secret Agent) comes out June 8. Bright and flavorful Tony Allen – Too Many Prisoners (Elewon Po) + Purchase/Visit