This season marks the release of the eponymously titled debut album from new London collective, The Soul Dogs. As part of the Soho Live Jazz Week lineup, I managed to catch their pre-launch live show at The House Of St Barnabas chapel. The space lent itself to the rich acoustics which bounced off the walls filing the intimate chapel with a soulful warmth. A fitting venue which, in hindsight, took us to church on the day the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth passing spread through London like wild fire.
The brainchild songwriter and producer Tim Shoben, The Soul Dogs’ unique blend of blues, soul and Motown interweave compelling, contemporary narratives on subjects as diverse as knife-crime (Karma), climate change (Get Ready for the Storm) and lost love (Still You Babe), fortified by powerful vocals and rousing riffs from some of the capital’s very best musicians.
Shoben’s songs are delivered with passion and flair by Lifford Shillingford, an outstanding singer who honed his skills in the UK Garage scene of the late 90’s, performing with iconic DJ’s of the era such as Artful Dodger and releasing the hit anthem ‘Please Don’t Turn Me On’. Later Shillingford further enhanced his profile with appearances on hit TV programmes Britain’s Got Talent and The Voice, reaching the final stages on both and receiving much praise throughout the process, before channeling his abundant energy into The Soul Dogs, a project very much close to his heart.
Backing this charismatic frontman are an ensemble of key players have lent their expertise to a plethora of successful musical endeavours, notably, the award-winning pianist & producer Nathan Britton, who runs the label at Soho Live Studios. The synergy between each of the artists is clearly apparent, seamlessly gelling to create deep, resonating music that captivates the listener from the offset.
The impact of Shilingford’s powerful vocal delivery combined with Shoben’s subtle yet edgy songwriting is a vital concoction and a genuine force to be reckoned with. Their sound marks the rise of a new era of UK soul artists – drawing upon legendary labels such as Motown / Stax and iconic artists such as Bill Withers and Stevie Wonder, combined with inspiration from the sounds of Memphis and New Orleans -The Soul Dogs project a classic sound with their own unique British vibe. The result is a mesmerising force that is as technically impressive as it is entertaining, laced with universally good vibes!
Soho Live Jazz Week offered a great introduction from the British collective of what’s to come.
Debut single ‘Karma‘ out now. Album release date: 14th October.
The Soul Dogs Are: Tim Shoben – Producer/ Songwriter/ Guitars, Bass & Percussion, Lifford Shillingford – Vocalist, Nathan Britton – Producer/ Pianist, Joe Glossop (Hammond Organ), Mark Claydon (drums).
Shared by Kai Lutterodt | @the.soho.girl
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