The neo-retro soul movement that has been happening for the past decade on the other side of the Atlantic has been carried in large part by women. The late Amy Winehouse and Joss Stone are two Brits that stand out for their understanding of genres and production that echo past eras but with a modern perspective, either lyrically or in their use of the studio. The latest to combine that groovy vibe of the ‘60s and ‘70s with present day is Hannah Williams, teamed up with English funk machine The Affirmations, and produced by Heliocentrics’ head man and drummer Malcolm Catto. Together they churn out a Saturday night party playlist that ranges from the psychedelic inclinations of “Dazed and Confused,” (more akin to Jake Holmes than Led Zeppelin), to dancing invitations “Tame in the Water” and “Fighting Your Shadow.” The Affirmations’ brass section accentuates the sharp turns of a jar-tight rhythm section and jabbing electric piano, while Williams slips smoothly in and out of the pocket, sounding seasoned and confident, like a grittier, street-wise version of Carole King, particularly on the title track. She’s wise enough to leave wide spaces for the funk and soul to bubble and shake, deferring to harmonies on “Woman Got Soul,” that punctuate a collective driving ensemble while declaring a solidarity among the ladies. To some degree, Late Nights and Heartbreak sounds a bit like a lost Blaxploitation movie soundtrack, and that’s a high compliment. This isn’t an album of shortcuts and approximations of a mood or a feeling; it’s the real groovy deal.
- Hannah Williams & The Affirmations
- Late Nights and Heartbreak
News
Archive- Dog Days Fest Drops 2024 Artist Lineup: MJ Lenderman, Sheer Mag, Frankie and the Witch Fingers and More
- Neil Young and Crazy Horse Perform Augmented “Cortez The Killer” and Bust Outs During Love Earth Tour Opener
- The Rolling Stones Announce North American Tour Openers: Widespread Panic, Tyler Childers, Bettye LaVette and More
- Talking Heads to Reconnect for ‘A Night of Stop Making Sense’ Screenings in NY and LA
- Dayglo Presents Takes Over Bearsville Theater
- Goose Goes Back to Class: Band Members Return to Former High School for Student and Staff Concerts
- Marcus King Band Family Reunion to Return for First Time Since 2019 with The Avett Brothers, Sierra Ferrell and More
- Can’d Aid Announces Flyaway Sweepstakes for Two to Telluride Bluegrass Festival
Most Popular
- Warren Haynes, Bill Kreutzmann, Devon Allman and More Share Tributes to Dickey Betts
- Duane Betts Responds to Outpouring of Support Following Father Dickey Betts’ Passing, Shares Tour Update
- Phish Change Forms for Final Sphere Performance
- Phish Dive Deep for Night Two at Las Vegas’ Sphere
- Warren Haynes and Gov’t Mule Pay Tribute to Dickey Betts at SweetWater 420 with Allman Brothers Band Classics
- Brooklyn Bowl to Host Benefit for Bad Brains’ HR, with Members of Bad Brains, Fishbone, Living Colour and More
- Brothers in Frequency: Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
- Jaimoe to Participate in One-Off Performance with Friends of the Brothers in Fairfield
No Comments comments associated with this post