Ever catch little rhythms or grooves as you're traveling out and about in the world, and you wonder to yourself who was that? What fantastic pearl of a song just streamed through my radio right now or over the speakers of the grocery store? From a slightly biased standpoint, I suggest it easily could've been from the soul/R&B genre. How close one is in relationship to this dynamic and soul stirring family of melody depends on one's musical foundation and inclinations. Here’s a comprehensive gaze into a very near and dear, enigmatic family of melodies. (However, it is impossible to do all of these artists justice within such a brief synopsis)
Being from Memphis, I have to start with Al Green; his smooth voice delivers ballads of Love and Happiness and all down to the river he takes the listener with his croon.
Otis Redding is a distinctive singer you’ve heard no doubt and you too will have that sunshine on a cloudy day if you sashay through life with him in your earbuds.
We all have respect for Aretha Franklin and if you too say a little prayer for your love the moment you wake up, and enjoy the wide stretching wingspan of a talented songstress then she should be on replay on your spotify.
It’d be a sin to not mention t h e Marvin Gaye when talking about soul/R&B. Seek him out for feel good croons on feeeeeeling ~
Richness is the word for Bill Withers whose pleads and praises touch the heart’s sway, especially when he is without his sunshine or living a lovely day.
Groove is never without the funk and the funk is never without James Brown; upbeat and unceasing in vibes that that will get you up in an instant.practically produce color to match his outfit choices.
Stevie Wonder is an unequivocal lift; a storyteller and hoper for better todays and believer in beautiful todays, his essence streams through his melodies. Check out his early days of Fingertips to the always classic Sir Duke or the oh so sweet Signed Sealed Delivered I’m yours
Ray Charles lays such a foundation for those to follow him and if you stick with him long enough you can see where Kanye’s “Gold Digger” originates; Charles will give let your sing your blues out or raise your voice for your love. Teddy Pendergrass is a go-to for that sensual soul while Curtis Mayfield will put a hop in your superbly step
Isaac Hayes’ robust tones are irresistible and Nina Simone has a divine aura that will trail you throughout the day if you let her seep from your stereo.
Interested in multifaceted works from groups of prime groove? Let them show you the dynamic they are all such masters of; their impacts are all more than evident today. Absolutely check out the following mellifluously incredible Motown groups:
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles:
The Supremes
The Isley Brothers
https://youtu.be/PDVcxr43ZOgThe Jackson 5
There's the classics, and what is so lovely about this collections of individuals and groups is that many of their tunes are incorporated into some of the modern day hip hop and rap that also sparks our spirits. (For example, "Cameras/good ones go" by Drake or Jay Z's "99 Problems")
Then what is also beyond noteworthy are artists such as Leon Bridges, Lianne La Havas, Aloe Blacc, Maxwell, Gary Clarke Jr., and Bruno Mars who allow themselves to be both portraits of the past and the present. They allow history’s rhythms to filter into their melodies and truly, truly, art in a raw, admirable form is at play. This flock of artists and groups are able to access the truths that are integral to all of humanity; they tap into this and let the soul get painted upon wavelengths that hit our ears, our hearts, and get our feet moving.
