Booker T. Jones - Down In Memphis

My favourite piece from the new Booker T. Jones album, The Road From Memphis, which is produced by Jones with help from ?uestlove and Rob Schnapf - the album was recorded by Daptone Records mastermind Gabriel Roth with backing by The Roots. The Road from Memphis refers not only to Booker T’s journey but to the evolution of the soul music he helped invent as it traveled from Memphis to Detroit, Philadelphia and beyond. This track sees a rare vocal from Jones himself offering a first-hand look at his hometown. Real music.

Baby Jaymes - Heart & Soul

Lead single from Baby Jaymes' upcoming album Ghetto Retro. Apparently he's being mentored by Raphael Saadiq - having listened to this, you can definitely hear his influences. Soul music done right.

R. Kelly - When A Woman Loves (Live on Jools Holland)

Really didn't expect to see R. Kelly on Jools Holland this Tuesday, but that's where he was and that's where he was absolutely smashing the place to pieces. Exceptional vocals, as always. Nice to see he's still got it.

Dezaray Dawn - Sail Away

Not what you would expect upon first hearing her voice, Dezaray Dawn is a German-born, Southern-raised, army brat/self-described gypsy. This is the lead single from her upcoming EP, Deep, which is produced by Marc Mac and will be available on May 31st. Soulful.

David Stewart v Frank Ocean

David Stewart is putting the work in right now with these covers. This week he has decided to take on a mash-up of two of my favourite Frank Ocean songs, Swim Good & Novocain. I'm a massive fan of the upcoming Odd Future star and I love what David has done with this cover. Download HERE.

Ledisi - Shut Up

This is the newest track to be released from Soul singer Ledisi's upcoming album, Pieces Of Me, which is due June 12th. Always has been one of my favourite vocalists since she dropped Soulsinger back in 2000. Beautiful stuff.

The Foreign Exchange - The Last Fall

Out of the blue, here is a new video for one of my favourite tracks from The Foreign Exchange’s 3rd studio album, Authenticity. Phonte and Nicolay never disappoint with anything that they release, and this is no exception. Amazing stuff.

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Amin Payne - Darker Than Blue

Amin Payne is a New Zealand born producer living in Melbourne, Australia, and I think it’s safe to say that this kiwi is doing things right. Released on April 20th, his Curtis Mayfield Tribute EP is nothing short of spectacular. A perfect Hip-Hop release with soul, swag & sensibility; this is definitely Amin’s best release to date. I hope he gets recognised - you have no excuse not to get it, it’s FREE.

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Ed Sheeran - Live on Jools Holland

After being given the Hottest Record In The World by Zane Lowe, Ed Sheeran dropped in to see Jools Holland last night where he performed his stunning cover of Jamie Woon’s ‘Wayfaring Stranger’. You can catch an extended version of the show on Friday @ 11:50pm where he performs two of his own tracks. So bloody proud of him.

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Dowehaveto

Here is the second single to come from Musiq Soulchild’s upcoming album, MusiqInTheMagiq, which is out on May 3rd. For me, this guy is one of the most consistently brilliant R&B/Soul singers of the past 10 years, making the sound of the 70s sound as beautiful and relevant as ever in 2011. Can’t wait for this.

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