Even though we have all been in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There has still been some excellent music being released to get us through isolation. This month saw notable releases from Colemine Records, Daptone Records as well as new material from Smoove and Turrell on Jalapeno Records plus much much more.

Kelly Finnigan – I Called You Back Baby
Label: Colemine Records
Released: 22-May-2020

On the heels of his successful European tour and new album from his band The Monophonics, Kelly Finnigan delights us with a brand new 45 on Colemine Records. ‘I Called You Back Baby’ is an answer song to the Gloria Barnes soul gem. This uptempo gritty number, is the perfect tune to lift your spirits and get you pogoing around the loungeroom.

Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio – Inner City Blues
Label: Colemine Records
Released: 22-May-2020

Second up this month we have another release from Colemine Records. Kicking off their ‘Brighter Days Ahead’ series, where Colemine will be releasing a new digital/streaming single from their roster every Friday! This digital only release comes from the excellent Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio covering the Marvin Gaye classic ‘Inner City Blues’.

Vicky Tafoya – Forever
Label: Penrose Records
Released: 22 May 2020

Another record label that has been doing its best to keep its fans happy with new music during the pandemic is Daptone Records. They have launched a series called ‘Tomorrows Hits Today’. The series is a sneak peak at the new music they have lined up for 2020 and beyond. Each Friday they drop a track from and upcoming album or single from the Daptone / Dunham / Penrose labels.

‘Forever’, is the debut single from Vicky Tafoya, the latest signing to Penrose Records. With moody minor chord ballad and girl group harmonies to die for.

Vicky has a background in singing Acapella Doo Wop, so her vocals are as you’d expect more than a little reminiscent of a time gone by. Listen to the track below and check out the full ‘Tomorrows Hits Today’ playlist here.

Smoove + Turrell – It Ain’t Working
Label: Jalapeno Records
Released: 08-May-2020

‘It Ain’t Working’ is the third single to be released from Smoove and Turrell’s forthcoming album. The new album titled ‘Stratos Bleu’, will be released early June on Jalapeno Records.

Well known for their blistering live shows, Smoove and Turrell fuse elements of soul, disco, funk and electronica in their music.

‘It Ain’t Working fuses chicago house rhythms with John Turrells soulful vocals and the new single comes resplendent with an animated video.

DJAR One – Rescue Me
Label: Beats House
Released: 14-May-2020

On DJ/Producer extraordinaire DJAR One latest offering he works his magic on two well known and well loved nuggets of soul. On the A side he beefs up ‘Rescue Me’ by Fontella Bass and for the flip he reworks the funky northern soul classic ‘Bar-B-Q’ by Wendy Rene.

It’s often a risk when such well loved tunes get the remix or re-edit treatment. But DJAR One has treated them with the respect they deserve. Beefing up the drums and bass while leaving the originals fairly intact.

Caserta – Diana
Label: Bridge Boots
Released: 05-May-2020

Another re-edit that has taken our fancy this month comes from Caserta. Taking on ‘I’m Coming Out’ by Diana Ross. There are 2 mixes on this red 7″ single. The A side features the ‘Long Way Mix’ and the B side is ‘Sing-A-Long Dub’. Both great sides in their own right focusing on different elements of the track.

Much like the DJAR One release above, it’s a big risk taking on such a well loved tune. But the gamble has paid off for Caserta. This release delivers a classic tune, updating it for the modern dancefloor.

Listen to Caserta – Diana on Juno.

BOSQ – Wake Up
Label: Bacalao
Released: 14-May-20

For his first release of 2020, BOSQ has teamed up with Afro Funk superstar Kaleta. ‘Wake Up’ is an Afrobeat meets Disco Funk cut. The second track on the 4 track EP also features Kaleta on vocals, this time the pair channel Afro-Cuban vibes on ‘Oma Lya’.

Squarely aimed at the dancefloor and destined to be a future classic with huge potential to crossover into multiple genres. Don’t sleep this one is sure to sell out in double quick time!

Listen to BOSQ – Wake Up on Juno.