SOUL UNLIMITED Radioshow 682

We’ll kick things off with an extended set of soul classics and current tracks. Then it’s time for the Album of the Week:

Joey Quinones, the lead singer of Thee Sinseers, has released his first solo album, Inna Soul Steady Situation. Here, all the influences that have shaped Joey Quinones’ musical development come together. From Chicano soul through his formative years in rocksteady and roots reggae to the richly orchestrated harmony soul for which Thee Sinseers are known. The resulting blend of styles is already evident in the title track “Inna Soul Steady Situation,” which opens the album and sets the tone. An album that’s compelling from the first track to the last—and, above all, a lot of fun. Great!

Next up is a brief foray into reggae, until we finally arrive at the new album by Karl Hector & The Malcouns. On “Yolek,” the band led by Karl Hector (aka JJ Whitefield) and Zdenko Curulija unfolds its musical vision, which they like to call “Kraut-Funk.” Inspired by key figures of the experimental German music scene of the 1970s—bands like Amon Düül, Popul Vuh, and especially Embryo—the band delves deep into the history of Krautrock. “Yolek” is a contemporary interpretation of Krautrock that’s pretty funky and also has a laid-back, psychedelic atmosphere that I really enjoy.

The compilation “Krautrock,” released in late 2024 on Funk Night Records, also fits in quite well here. These aren’t re-released recordings; rather, it’s a kind of concept album for which several musicians came together, each contributing four or six songs. Each band has its own take on Krautrock, which together result in a varied and exciting album that’s also structured like a library music album, complete with descriptions of the songs’ characteristics and key signatures. Very nice!

JJ Whitefield is also featured with another new album. “Exotic Meditation / Sloppy Souls” was released in early March. Here, JJ Whitefield continues his recent exploration of the library funk sound in a fantastic way that treats us to two distinct styles. Side one is titled “Exotic Meditations”—tracks that blend robust funk rhythms with more exotic influences, a touch of Ethio-jazz, elements from the Middle East, and other cool touches, resulting in some seriously groovy sounds. Side two is titled “Sloppy Souls”—tracks with a lovely, laid-back funk vibe, almost late-night in style, yet still featuring a pleasant crackle in the background and an approach where JJ Whitefield definitely achieves so much more with so little!

Enjoy listening to this episode!

Soul Unlimited – Radioshow Theme
Brief Encounter - Human
Minnie Riperton - Here We Go
Labi Siffre - The Vulture
The Supremes - Bend A Little
Messengers Incorporated - Twenty Four Hours A Day
The Quotations - I Don’t Have To Worry
Eula Cooper - Try
Patty Williams - Do You Know
Ella Thompson - Promise To Keep
Aaron Frazer - It’s A Shame
Thee Marloes - Crazy Eyes
Thee Sacred Souls - Any Old Fool
Jalen Ngonda - Burning Temptation
The Scha La Das - Young Love & Laughter
Thee Sinseers - Give It Up You Fool
Joey Quinones - Don’t Let Go
Joey Quinones - Inna Soul Steady Situation
Nico Collins & The Soul Chance - Give love A Try
The Park Rangers - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Charles Bradley - Watcha Doing (To Me)
Principles Of You - Don’t (Lovers Rock Version)
Khruangbin - Dern Kala (Khruangbin Dub Mix)
Karl Hector & The Malcouns - Mellow Skyfall
Karl Hector & The Malcouns - Yolek
The Rhythm Snipers - Move The Kraut
Tendaji / Donje - Hyperreal Simulacra Cake
Giuliano Sorgini - Arabian Safari
Piero Umiliani - Open Space
JJ Whitefield - Shattered Dreams
JJ Whitefield - Assra And Pt.1
Eleven 76 - Someone’s Always There
The Whitest Boy Alive - Done With You