Juno Recommends Soul August 2020

Review: Retro soul fans rejoice. This is a superbly suave collection of instrumental soul and classic British library sounds that ooze class. The lush keys bring lounge goodies, the wind leads bring the feel of a 60s spy drama or detective show theme tune and the tight rhythm sections will bump on any floor. All the tracks have an inescapable sense of conversational narrative and while some strut their stuff in chest pumping fashion, others glide on more silky and seductive keys. If ever you want to imagine you're an international jet-setter, this is the perfect soundtrack.

Review: Since 2016, Aloha Got Soul has been on a mission to showcase overlooked and slept-on music from Hawaii. Later this year, the label will reissue Steve Maii and Teresa Bright's brilliant 1983 album "Catching a Wave", whose brilliant title track kicks off this must-check seven-inch. The track itself is impeccable, offering a humid Hawaiian take on the folk-soul sound made famous by Terry Callier. It's the kind of track that's best enjoyed while watching the sun set or rise, ideally over the Pacific Ocean. Over on the flip you'll find bluesy album cut "TAhuala", a hybrid jazz/folk/rock and roll hoedown with serious dancefloor potential.