‘Come on in‘ sings Ruby Turner with gravelly warmth, inviting the listener to a musical journey which, although brief (clocking under three minutes), leaves a comforting, soulful impression.

Co-written by Turner and Jools Holland – a strong collaborative pairing who tour across the country – ‘Come On In’ is partly an homage to defining figures in soul and gospel. Turner explains: ‘When I wrote this song I was inspired by the wonderful BB King and Al Green, their commitment to music and love of gospel, blues and soul. It gave me such peace and a strong sense of fellowship and gathering together. I proposed it to Jools but his schedule is always so manic that it took him nearly two years to get to it. I sang it down the phone to him and he wrote the music, changed the chorus, switched the bridge and structured it. We then tried it out live, with no rehearsal, at one of his biggest shows we played that year…’

Turner invokes an old friend to reflect nostalgically on the good old days, putting their problems behind them. It is a simple sentiment – hardly unique – but is delivered with such soul-baring authority and humanity. (I guess that’s what soul music is all about?) There are flashes of Mavis Staples in Turner’s vocal as she leans into that growl. The single features Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra who support Turner with a good measure of organ, gospel backing vocals, and horns.

(Image Copyright: Warner Music UK)