Smoove & Turrell

If you're a regular visitor to this space (and we here at MM certainly hope you are), you might recall me mentioning an English act a few weeks back. If you didn't catch their name the first time, etch it into your dome now, funkateers... Smoove & Turrell. Smoove's the funky DJ and producer. John Turrell's the ridiculous singer. And their second full-length release, Eccentric Audio, should be on the year-end "Best of 2011" list of any funk/soul critic worth their salt. Whether I'm salty enough to sway your opinion is debatable, but it will be on mine.

It's rare that I have expectations for an album, but, after I marked out for 2009's Antique Soul, I had high expectations for Smoove & Turrell's follow-up. I don't know if the dreaded sophomore jinx applies in the UK generally, but it certainly doesn't apply to this here joint. Eccentric Audio exceeded my expectations, and it's better than their debut, which made me wonder how they tweaked their recipe to create this new and improved awesome sauce.

Through a little research (yes, we do research here from time to time), it turns out there was a huge difference in the two albums. Apparently, the beats on their first effort were, paraphrasing his own assessment, Smoove's leftovers, unfinished tracks, and what-have-you's that he felt were missing something. Turrell's voice turned out to be that missing something. Think of it like a baseball manager bringing in the ace closer from the bullpen. This time around, both guys were on the coaching staff, and that explains why Eccentric Audio has more focused and refined vibe than its predecessor. It was a collaboration between the two from the start, built from the ground up over two years while they worked and performed together, breaking in a solid backing band to help in the studio along the way.

Smoove brings a thoughtful flow and precise production throughout with a mix of styles that keep the journey fresh. He handles neo-soul ("Let Yourself Go"), disco-house ("In Deep"), jazz ("Slow Down"), cinematic funk ("Money") seamlessly while honing his hip-hop edges and shining his dancing shoes. Even moments that might initially seem a bit derivative, like channeling Michael Jackson in the opening riffs of "It's The Falling In Love," feel fresh and shiny (that track features some sterling bass work by Andy Champion). He creates ear-grabbing layers while never diluting the power and emotion of Turrell's voice.

Sweet jeebus... that voice. I hope England knows they need to just go ahead and put John Turrell on their list of great soul singers past or present along with Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, Steve Winwood, Adele, Joss Stone, and whoever else (Personally I'd like to hear a duet with Turrell and Alice Russell). He has the distinct tone and stylistic mastery of a true great, capable of everything from subdued sadness ("Gabriel") to propulsive, get-yo-ass-on-tha-floor joy. He's also found greater emotional depth in his lyrics that pops up across introspective ballads ("Wasted Man"), traditional soul subjects like bitching about evil women ("Hard Times") and financial woes ("Broke"), or a raging party jam that's a scathing critique of socially-climbing posers ("Higher"). That lyrical depth is really just gravy. Like any soul singer, it always comes back to the voice, and Turrell's is a gift from the blue-eyed soul gods.

Perhaps you feel I'm being a bit too effusive with my praise, but Eccentric Audio has everything I want from a great funk/soul album - slick production, a talented, honest and moving singer, a great band, and just the right variety of style and pacing. I've listened to this album 10-12 times easily already and have yet to grow tired of it, which leads me to one conclusion. Smoove & Turrell have made a must-have, instant classic. At the very least, it's my favorite album of the year so far.

Don't rest on the laurels of these glowing paragraphs though, Mssrs. Smoove & Turrell. There is a downside to all of this, blokes. Putting out this monster of an album just means the bar of my expectations has been raised even higher for your next opus. Good luck. - http://www.musicmarauders.com

If you're a regular visitor to this space (and we here at MM certainly hope you are), you might recall me mentioning an English act a few weeks back. If you didn't catch their name the first time, etch it into your dome now, funkateers... Smoove & Turrell. Smoove's the funky DJ and producer. John Turrell's the ridiculous singer. And their second full-length release, Eccentric Audio, should be on the year-end "Best of 2011" list of any funk/soul critic worth their salt. Whether I'm salty enough to sway your opinion is debatable, but it will be on mine.

It's rare that I have expectations for an album, but, after I marked out for 2009's Antique Soul, I had high expectations for Smoove & Turrell's follow-up. I don't know if the dreaded sophomore jinx applies in the UK generally, but it certainly doesn't apply to this here joint. Eccentric Audio exceeded my expectations, and it's better than their debut, which made me wonder how they tweaked their recipe to create this new and improved awesome sauce.

Through a little research (yes, we do research here from time to time), it turns out there was a huge difference in the two albums. Apparently, the beats on their first effort were, paraphrasing his own assessment, Smoove's leftovers, unfinished tracks, and what-have-you's that he felt were missing something. Turrell's voice turned out to be that missing something. Think of it like a baseball manager bringing in the ace closer from the bullpen. This time around, both guys were on the coaching staff, and that explains why Eccentric Audio has more focused and refined vibe than its predecessor. It was a collaboration between the two from the start, built from the ground up over two years while they worked and performed together, breaking in a solid backing band to help in the studio along the way.

Smoove brings a thoughtful flow and precise production throughout with a mix of styles that keep the journey fresh. He handles neo-soul ("Let Yourself Go"), disco-house ("In Deep"), jazz ("Slow Down"), cinematic funk ("Money") seamlessly while honing his hip-hop edges and shining his dancing shoes. Even moments that might initially seem a bit derivative, like channeling Michael Jackson in the opening riffs of "It's The Falling In Love," feel fresh and shiny (that track features some sterling bass work by Andy Champion). He creates ear-grabbing layers while never diluting the power and emotion of Turrell's voice.

Sweet jeebus... that voice. I hope England knows they need to just go ahead and put John Turrell on their list of great soul singers past or present along with Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones, Steve Winwood, Adele, Joss Stone, and whoever else (Personally I'd like to hear a duet with Turrell and Alice Russell). He has the distinct tone and stylistic mastery of a true great, capable of everything from subdued sadness ("Gabriel") to propulsive, get-yo-ass-on-tha-floor joy. He's also found greater emotional depth in his lyrics that pops up across introspective ballads ("Wasted Man"), traditional soul subjects like bitching about evil women ("Hard Times") and financial woes ("Broke"), or a raging party jam that's a scathing critique of socially-climbing posers ("Higher"). That lyrical depth is really just gravy. Like any soul singer, it always comes back to the voice, and Turrell's is a gift from the blue-eyed soul gods.

Perhaps you feel I'm being a bit too effusive with my praise, but Eccentric Audio has everything I want from a great funk/soul album - slick production, a talented, honest and moving singer, a great band, and just the right variety of style and pacing. I've listened to this album 10-12 times easily already and have yet to grow tired of it, which leads me to one conclusion. Smoove & Turrell have made a must-have, instant classic. At the very least, it's my favorite album of the year so far.

Don't rest on the laurels of these glowing paragraphs though, Mssrs. Smoove & Turrell. There is a downside to all of this, blokes. Putting out this monster of an album just means the bar of my expectations has been raised even higher for your next opus. Good luck. - http://www.musicmarauders.com

The North East’s funkiest are back with their second offering, Eccentric Audio. Building on the success of 2009’s Antique Soul, the duo show no sign of a sophomore slump.
Smoove & Turrell take their Toon roots and mix in electronic sounds and old-school funky soul to brighten your bleak, cloudy pre-summer days.
Bringing his signature breakbeat inspired soul and funk across 12 well crafted tracks, Smoove never fails to create a rocking beat.
John Turrell once again whisks you away to a much happier place with his ‘must brush his teeth with Jack Daniels’ husky voice. The Northerner is quickly becoming the go to guy for authentic soul in the UK.
Eccentric Audio starts in upbeat fashion with Higher, which will have you up on your feet and doing the electric boogie night or day, as John gives us swagger inducing melodies over Smoove’s funky backdrop.
The mood quickly changes, the up tempo grooves are still there but lyrically Turrell takes a look at the bleaker side of life and proves himself once again as a lyricist of the highest pedigree.
I Need a Change, Broke and Money take a soulful peek at the down and out and add a bluesy dimension to the album.
Smoove masterfully compliments Turrell’s lyrical assault with a vast array of styles – jazz, funk, easy listening, northern soul and hip hop all get a spin from the Nu-Funk legend.
The duo craft authentic, retro sounding soul peppered funk with a contemporary twist, perfect for those long, hot summer days.
Check out lead single Slow Down in the video box and pick up an album that deserves to be a huge hit this - Purple Revolover - Liverpool

19/03/11 Stepping into the bowels of London's Tavistock Hotel for a funk & bowls evening transported me back immediately to when I used to go to Butlins as a kid and the 70's decor (thankfully not ripped out) is a testament to a happy childhood era so I was automatically in a good mood and geared up for some no doubt jovial, Geordie gregariousness! Smooth & Turrell fleshed out with a young and hungry live band took to the stage running and kicked off in workman like fashion with the rather outstanding 'You Don't Know' from 'Antique Soul' which sounded really cool with a fantastic live vibe
adding that extra dimension followed by their souped up blaxploitation treatment of Yazoo's 'Don't Go'. Soul supremo Turrell was on top form with his refreshing and irrepressible personality. Brother T was eager to shake off a day's video shoot couped up underground in this hot & sweaty time-warp of a joint. The brooding intensity (as witnessed close-up with his guest performance at the Soul Immigrants jazz cafe gig the previous night) was festering and confessing to cabin fever gave him extra grit and a lot more bounce to the ounce! Next up came their forthcoming single 'Slowdown' from their eagerly awaited new album 'Eccentric Audio' (out in June). A slow-burner that will churn into your brain and lodge there like the musical earwig it is, exemplifying exactly how good this songwriting team are. Smoove gets in on the act too with some mighty fine conga/bongo playing and adds a sparkle to the young guns who play with thrustful energy and verve, they're an exciting band to watch, a cohesive unit and the crowd were pretty responsive to this blustery wave of fine northern soul inspired grooves with some hip-hop underpinning and fine drumming courtesy of the propulsive Oscar Nicholas Cassidy. The highlight for me was definitely the new track 'Gabriel' a heartfelt lyric coupled with spiritual nourishment that it assuredly evokes. A towering vocal from JT who rung the whole gamut of emotions that a soul singer of his immense stature could possibly have. Again a fine piece of songwriting which makes them so much more than just a great soul band-this edgier flip-side will no doubt keep this group in real good stead for the future. The Ray Charles like shuffle of 'Hard Work' saw their old school R&B roots come to the fore driven by the piano playing of Mike Porter (who incidentally is the spitting image of PJ Proby circa 1965!) as did a stonking version of the Spencer Davis classic 'I'm A Man'. But by the time the intro chords to the majestic 'Beggarman',brilliantly sequenced for the finale kicked in, these masters at work had sent the place into complete mental meltdown. A feel good factor that only hollywood knows how to muster! A band of it's time and a gig to remember, these lads are full of surprises and it's good to see them championing the new era of golden soul! Now then,all together now folks, the funk on the tyne is all mine all mine, the funk on the tyne is all mine!! A top night.... You can catch Smoove & Turell at the Craig Charles' Funk & Soul Club, Band on The Wall, Manchester April 30th.
WORDS EMRYS BAIRD - Blues and Soul Magazine

Confined until now to an audience of hardcore funkateers, north-eastern soul duo Smoove + Turrell deserve to break into the mainstream with this follow-up to their 2009 debut Antique Soul.

That description still applies to their general approach on Eccentric Audio, but producer Smoove's blending of funk, soul, disco and house elements is more timeless here, while John Turrell's vocals bring a beguiling flavour of Stevie Winwood and Chris Farlowe to hard-times numbers like "Money" and "I Need a Change". Opener "Higher" has a drive and exuberance akin to Cee Lo Green, while "In Deep" is like the missing link between "Funky Nassau" and CTI jazz-funk slickness; and "Slow Down" is typical of the whole album in its winning mix of ebullient acid-jazz groove and mahogany-toned vocals. - The Independent (News paper)

Confined until now to an audience of hardcore funkateers, north-eastern soul duo Smoove + Turrell deserve to break into the mainstream with this follow-up to their 2009 debut Antique Soul.

That description still applies to their general approach on Eccentric Audio, but producer Smoove's blending of funk, soul, disco and house elements is more timeless here, while John Turrell's vocals bring a beguiling flavour of Stevie Winwood and Chris Farlowe to hard-times numbers like "Money" and "I Need a Change". Opener "Higher" has a drive and exuberance akin to Cee Lo Green, while "In Deep" is like the missing link between "Funky Nassau" and CTI jazz-funk slickness; and "Slow Down" is typical of the whole album in its winning mix of ebullient acid-jazz groove and mahogany-toned vocals. - The Independent (News paper)

Like most great bands Smoove & Turrell are adept at mining their influences, for these Geordie boys it's Stax and Philly soul

“You would not believe how much effort has gone into making it sound that effortless” laughs singer John Turrell in conversation with Sabotage Times about his band Smoove & Turrell’s superb new album “Broken Toys”.

“Broken Toys” has indeed been a while in the making but it is well worth the wait. The amalgamation of perspiration and inspiration prompted BBC 6 Music’s Craig Charles to remark “it would be a massive understatement to say Broken Toys is one of the great modern soul albums”.

The album marks a departure from the sample-based sound of its two predecessors in favour of Smoove’s perfectly produced take on the band’s passionate live sound. It also bears the imprint of their recent work with Nile Rodgers of Chic, adding a disco sensibility to their distinctive modern soul/funk blend. This is most evident on tracks like “Will You Be Mine”, which could slot right in on Alexander O’Neal’s ‘80’s classic “Criticise” album, and “I Just Want More” almost begs to be recorded as a duet with disco-era Diana Ross.

Like most great bands, Smoove & Turrell are brilliant at mining their influences, such as Stax and Philly Soul. But it is their ability to stretch the soul template into a wide range of beautiful new shapes they makes them stand out from their contemporaries.

It is also hard to go wrong when you have so many stunning songs. Each track on “Broken Toys” works wonderfully in isolation. But one of Smoove & Turrell’s great strengths is their ability to assemble their songs into a coherent album that enhances its component parts. Turrell attributes this in large part to Smoove’s experience as a DJ, which gives him “an uncanny ability to find the flow for the audience”.

It stems too from Turrell being one of the best lyricists and singers of our time. His skill as a storyteller allows the band to combine songs exploring deeper themes with flat-out soul stompers like the single “Lay It On Me”.

Sometimes this combination comes together within a single song. The first track “Have Love” is an irresistibly funky opener. But its enduring emotional impact comes from it being an eloquent tribute to a friend of Turrell’s who took his own life.

The warm and inclusive “Now or Never” inspires thoughts of what The Pogues could have been like with a better singer. Turrell explains that the pub singalong feel arose very literally when the band were marooned and morose in a remote hostel on the South Downs after a festival appearance. In a desperate search for adventure or, at least, a shelter without rising damp, they stumbled upon a pub and were invited to play a few songs in exchange for free drinks. “Now or Never” was born. And I’m not sure if even Shane MacGowan has ever come up with a more poetic opening line to a song about real life love than “Your face, it stood out like a bombed out house on the terrace….”

In a collection of wonderful songs such as this, it is hard to select a standout. But if pushed, I would have to go for the spine tingling title track, “Broken Toys”, about our failure to take care of the soldiers who return home from fighting for our freedom. Quite simply, it is the most poignant song about war since Elvis Costello’s “Shipbuilding”. The musical style is different but, as with that classic, Turrell achieves intense emotional impact by deploying his subtly sharp lyrics in an exquisitely elegiac setting.

Perhaps the final word on “Broken Toys” should go to a stunned Robert Elms. When he blurted out “blimey, I never knew that Marvin Gaye came from Newcastle….” after the band’s recent live performance on his Radio London show, he was not speaking entirely in jest. - Paul Knott

If by any rare chance you are not familiar with this ever growing Geordie duo then I can whole heartily say "Broken Toys" works as a first - disc choice for newcomers and has some of the best songs this loveable lot has ever cooked up…Singer John Turrell sounds never less than compelling over a lush expensive slick sounding production. A breezy, open affair full of exceptional groove playing, hammering home a well stocked supply of funk, disco,northern and soul jazz flavours, areas these guys can easily revel in."Lay It On Me" does what it says and with a thick heavy trowel too! Jerky sparse piano over a banging Motown inspired beat, a sublime shaker….& "I Just Want More" could rival anything the heady days of Studio 54, Quincy or even the Bee Gees could muster, discofied blessedness with a Geordie twist!"People Keep Talking" a real cracker, is a champion head nodding, goose necking giant of a groove bolstered by a great lolling beat and some twisted horn riffs entwining the track into a super tight coil. In fact each track is a massive statement of intent, throwing down the gauntlet as if to say 'try bettering that!' Smoove & Turrell have come out of the traps flying and are taking no prisoners! Heavy beats, mixed with well spaced horns and gut wrenching organ/keys (and of course great tunes) will keep you rocking till the end of this sterling platter. They've been nudging at the mainstream for sometime now this might just be the one to tip the balance!Yes, like fine wine and whiskey they just get better with age and however their bleak surroundings, perverse stories and rallying calls get, there is always a great sense of hopefulness and positivity these guys bring to the table.S&T are no one trick ponies either (like many funk bands who now find themselves up a dead end facing a cul-de-sac) title track "Broken Toys" a mood enhancer for the disenfranchised, sees the group in a fit of peak,sinewy double bass and an atmospheric flute sees them entering the heady realms of physchedelic / spiritual jazz….no wonder Gilles Peterson has pick up on them! (Egged on no doubt by their biggest fan Mr Craig Charles, the one and only mooga fooga (awoogaman!)"Always" sees another change in direction and is is a quiet storm ballad a type of tune that routinely courses through Turrell's veins and fills the ether with such earthiness and splendour. It's funny he is amazing when he is giving it some on the belters but the true soul of the man shines even further on the slow ones.The songs on this their third album are chock a block with such richness that even in the band's quietest breath (check the simmering intro to Broken Toys) there is still a funked up resonance that exemplifies Smoove & Turrell ambitious vision fully and shows to a T how naturally in sync they are with one another. Surely their time is now? - Emrys Baird

Northern funksters Smoove & Turrell are back with their third studio album 'Broken Toys', which is set for release at the end of May.

The album launch will take place at the Jazz Café in London on the 29th May 2014, after which the band are planning a UK tour for June, with details to be announced soon.

Smoove & Turrell's rise through the ranks of British soul has been unstoppable and the lead single 'Lay It On Me' from their upcoming album sends the signal that they fully intend for 2014 to be the year they take their unique brand of northern soul worldwide on a major scale.

Having broken through onto the Radio 2 playlist in the UK with their last album 'Eccentric Audio' the boys then went on to repeat the trick gaining national playlists in Holland, France and Germany, also gaining the support of influential tastemaker stations like KCRW in LA who made their single 'Hard Work' “Todays Top Tune”.

As most KCRW DJ’s are also Hollywood Music Supervisors this then led to Moby like levels of sync activity for the band with Smoove & Turrell's music being used on two US TV shows, a US feature film, a video game, a US TV ad, a UK TV ad, a French TV synch and a whole host of UK TV syncs including Strictly, Corrie and Match Of The Day.

'Broken Toys' signifies another jump forward both in terms of production and appeal. Sparkling pop songs flirt with disco influenced floor fillers in between the blues, jazz, funk & soul the boys are so well known for.

The band are currently gearing up for a month of UK touring in June and a whole host of summer of festival appearances, including Great Escape and Kendal Calling, to promote their new album.

Take a peek at their latest video for their soon to be released single 'Lay It On Me' to get a glimse of the direction these modern day funksters are going in. - Emma Baker

Following a two year gap since their last release, northern funk duo Smoove and Turrell return with their third album, ‘Broken Toys’. Having supported disco legends Nile Rogers & Chic and Motown hit-makers Martha and the Vandellas since 2012’s ‘Eccentric Audio’, there has been a lot of hype surrounding this album and it does not fail to deliver.

Smoove and Turrell have become renowned for their array of blues, jazz, funk & soul tracks and married with the sparkling pop and disco influenced floor stompers on ‘Broken Toys’, Turrell’s sleek, soulful vocals and Smoove’s funky, northern soul production, this album is a delight from start to finish. Opening track ‘Have Love’ immediately showcases the albums toe-tappingly catchy disco beats and laced with some memorable trumpets, we are instantly thrust into a 1960’s soul soiree.

The upbeat and brass-heavy ‘Play To Win’ is a summery sounding jaunt with an occasional smattering of the duo’s trademark funky keys and it stands out as one of the album’s more dancier offerings along with ‘I Just Want More’ which exemplifies the duo’s disco sound with a wealth of funk guitars and a body moving bassline making it easy to see why this was chosen as the first double A side single to be released from the album alongside ‘Lay It On Me’.

The title track, ‘Broken Toys’ provides a smooth jazz-inspired alternative to the disco/soul sound that drives this album along and it arrives as a pleasant change. Offering a more minimalistic and bass heavy sound, the track would not find itself out of place on the soundtrack of a contemporary art film with the repetitive lyrics ‘Broken toys for adult boys’ providing a haunting outro.

‘Always’ is another track that offers an alternative to the disco dancefloor stompers that fill this album and slows the pace down to a pleasant stroll, whilst showcasing Turrell’s passionate and emotionally stirring vocals as he describes the tenderness of a relationship exhibited in the lyrics “Every single time that you need a man and a friend, always, I’ll be there.”

With their music having been featured on TV shows as wide spread as Match of the Day and Strictly Come Dancing as well as in the video game The Crew, Smoove and Turrell have already built up something of a cult following across the UK and once the music buying public get their hands on this little gem, their meteoric rise as the kings of northern funk is sure to escalate at breakneck speed. - Matt Tarr

Captured in literature, cinema and song, the road trip will always be – for many of us at least – the definitive travelling fantasy. And for Geordie boys Smoove and Turrell, who have made a name for themselves with their buzzy, danceable, contemporary northern soul compositions, the only time they really get to travel is when they are on the road with their band.

"Unfortunately, we don't really get to take many holidays," they explain. "As being in a band on tour is looked upon as a constant holiday in itself!"

The inspiration for this mix, that should get your fingers tapping on the steering wheel, comes from being on the road. It features an eclectic mix of music, taking in the musical tastes of all their band members, including Kool Blues – a mash up they did themselves using the acapella from Kool G Rap's Ill Street Blues: "A track that really gets everybody's heads nodding at the start of a car journey," and Le Pamplemousse Gimme What You Got, which made it into the mix after being overheard playing over the speakers in a service station on the A1.

As for their standout track on the mix, the prize goes to Gregory Porter's song 1960 What?, which "became a Smoove & Turrell theme tune in our tour bus last year".


• Smoove and Turrell's new album Broken Toys is released on Monday 9 June on Jalapeno Records -

Smoove & Turrell's slick soul infused funk has been a firm favourite of ours for a while now, with this year's album Broken Toys soundtracking aspects of our summer. They've released the video to the latest single 'Will you be mine', which you can watch below.

The video adapts the love tenet of the song slightly by switching the eye of the protagonist's affections to a Stone Island parka - clearly a recurrent theme for the band seeing as the majority of them are adorned in the garbs from the the clothing brand of designer Massimoi Osti which has become a legendary staple of terrace wear.

The group, who have ignited praise from Craig Charles and Gilles Peterson during their career to date, are currently touring the album with a few dates, having most recently played at Bestival. You can catch them in the UK at the following:

Bristol - Funk n Soul Club @ The Lanes, Friday 26th September 2014

Leicester - Streetlife, Saturday 27th September 2014

Liverpool - East Village Arts Club, Tuesday 21st October 2014

Edinburgh - Voodoo Rooms, Wednesday 22nd October 2014

London 229 The Venue, Wednesday 29th October

Stockton-on-Tees - Stockton Fireworks Display Wednesday 5th November 2014

Exeter - The Angel, Saturday 13th December 2014

Newcastle - Hoochie Coochie, Friday 19th December 2014

Newcastle - Hoochie Coochie, Saturday 20th December 2014 -

As CeeLo Green's accountant could tell you, the market for slick updates of vintage soul remains buoyant. While this seven-strong crew built around the talents of Newcastle producer Smoove and vocalist John Turrell may lack the same polish, they are every bit as funky. The sonic Blueprint established on 2011's Eccentric Audio remains largely intact - breezy funk, soul and house grooves put through a contemporary filter - but their third album comes with added depth. So, While Lay it on Me is a floor-filler worthy of Wigan Casino and I Just Want More suggests The Isley Brothers holidaying in Ibiza, their darker sides emerges on the title track, where Turrell's extraordinary pipes - think a huskier Steve Winwood - tackle gritty social comment. Soulful in every sense. - Paul Moody