Durand Jones & The Indications – ‘Young Americans’ (David Bowie cover)

The title track of his 1975 album, Bowie based the melody and arrangement of ‘Young Americans’ (like the rest of the album) off the lush sounds of Philly Soul – a considerable departure from his previous glam rock output. Indiana-based soul outfit Durand Jones & The Indications – a contemporary soul act to look out for – have recently shared their cover. Drawing out the soulful influences, smoothing the edges, and doing some magical work with the backing vocals, the group do a fantastic job with the song.

Shaun Escoffery – ‘River’

The last time we saw Shaun Escoffery he was giving the soulful treatment to some Gershwin. The British soul singer, known for his knockout performance as Mufasa in The Lion King, has a voice wrapped in thick velvet. His newest single ‘River’ – about the feeling of ‘all-consuming helplessness‘ – is an impassioned three-minute workout where Escoffery digs into some angst and pain. He delivers a bold, resonant vocal – with top notes flecked with grit – that drives the piece.

Quinn Devlin & The Bridge Street Kings – ‘California Wine’

Born out of Columbia University, Quinn Devlin & The Bridge Street Kings are a 9-piece rhythm and blues outfit based in New York City. Their latest single ‘California Wine’ is a tranquil ditty – almost Simon & Garfunkel-esque in its melody – with some lovely Rhodes piano and brass. Devlin explains: ”California Wine’ is essentially an ode to relevance, and how it manifests in all aspects of life. A general navigation through the ups, downs, and detours we go through in that ever present search for the proverbial promised land.‘

Neighborhood Goliath – ‘Dark Stars’

Neighborhood Goliath are an alternative indie soul group, formed in Orlando, Florida and now based in London. The group comprises vocalist/lyricist/producer Trevor Dion Nicholas (currently starring in Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre), guitarist Andrew Cooksley, drummer Steve Gilbertson, bassist Pete Hunt, pianist Steve Corley, and co-producer J.S.T. Andrews. Citing influences spanning the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Radiohead, and Erykah Badu, the group craft what they term ‘alternative indie soul‘. Their latest single ‘Dark Stars’ is a cosmic, soft-rock midtempo about self-denial (‘keep pretending we don’t know what we are‘). The song takes off when Dion Nicholas jumps into his higher range.

Image Attribution
Durand Jones & The Indications, Young Americans’ – Dead Oceans
Sean Escoffery, ‘River’ – Universal Music
Quinn Devlin & The Bridge Street Kings, ‘California Wine’ – Quinn Devlin
Neighbourhood Goliath, ‘Dark Stars’ – Neighborhood Goliath