The 70s, flared corduroy, big collars, brass sections, deep bass, choppy guitar and wah, Hammond and Rhodes, rare groove, jazz funk, blah, blah……Stone Foundation, they do it brilliantly! But this is not some pastiche of a bygone era, we’ll leave the tribute act to Silk Sonic, this is NOW! Heartfelt, genuine Soul, timeless and classic yet instantly modern music, that straddles the generation gap. I dig it and so do my nippers!
Did I mention the quality? It’s in the songwriting, the musicianship, the playing and players convey a real feeling, they mean it Man! Yeah, yeah, there is a Paul Weller connection and he can be heard on a few tracks, but I would wouldn’t you? There are some great lyrics to be found as well as a genuine feeling of much needed Love.
Stone Foundation are a friendly, collaborative, and welcoming bunch and this album includes guest artists both old and new to great effect. Delve into the tracks and you will find performances which compliment, lift and enhance this already solid record from, the legendary Melba Moore, Laville, Sulene Fleming (ex-Brand New Heavies), Sheree Dubois and Graziella Affinita.
Unbelievably this is the bands tenth studio album released over a nearly twenty five year career; it’s incredible that they are not better known. Do yourself, and your families, a favour get out there and buy a copy, it’s available through all the usual outlets or direct from the band’s website www.stonefoundation.co.uk.
And hey, my Brother-in-Law’s Father-in-Law rates them, he says “Catch Stone Foundation live if you can they are ACE!” and he knows his onions having interviewed Bob Marley for Melody Maker back in the day. The real deal with a real feel, dig it!
By: Travis Blake