The past year has seen the release of a number of great traditional Soul Music records, chief among which was Durand Jones & the Indications' sophomore LP American Love Call (check out our review HERE). Their traditional approach to the genre lends itself particularly well to the stage: like on their records, there are no tricks or gimmicks to their performances. Just great tunes performed with passion and craft.
Durand Jones might be the name and the face of the outfit, but like some of their old school inspirations he has no qualms about sharing center stage: drummer Aaron Frazer takes lead vocals on a few numbers and his falsetto recalls some of soul music's halcyon days.
Comparisons with Curtis Mayfield, whose (Don't Worry) If There's A Hell Down Below We're All Going To Go they cover on stage, are inevitable: like him (and his Impressions) they have a subtle, supple but relentless groove, delicate harmonies and a songwriting that goes from the festive to the socially conscious.
For everyone who lives in or loves or knows the United States of America, the recent senseless murder of Atatiana Jefferson at the hands of a police officer was another punch to the gut. Durand Jones mentioned the incident, because in Soul Music as in life, tragedy is never far. This is why, more than ever, it is important to dance. This is why, more than ever, it is important to answer that American Love Call.
