Putumayo's newest release, Rhythm & Blues, features first generation soul legends and rising stars of the retro R&B revival. Scheduled for release on February 9th, it's the labels first album exclusively dedicated to the genre. The 60s and 70s rhythm and blues of The Four Tops, Sam Cooke and The Supremes, among others, became a global phenomenon and has inspired a new generation of artists who are reviving the classic soul sound.
On Rhythm & Blues, Crescent City legends Snooks Eaglin, Irma Thomas and Rockie Charles join other first generation soul artists Lavelle White, The Emotions and Sam Moore (of the classic soul duo Sam & Dave). Moore unites generations in a collaboration with Keb' Mo' and Angie Stone on the Willie Dixon-penned Howlin' Wolf classic, “Wang Dang Doodle."
Rhythm & Blues features songs by other contemporary artists including British musician James Hunter, who blends intricate guitar licks with an Otis Redding-like wail on “'Til Your Fool Comes Home." The Quantic Soul Orchestra mixes rhythm & blues with elements of reggae and Latin jazz in their cover of the Marion Black classic “Who Knows." Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings deliver a deeply stirring performance on the song “100 Days, 100 Nights." Other featured artists include jazz and blues vocalist Catherine Russell, Austin's Ruthie Foster and New York collective Cracked Ice.
Rhythm & Blues is the newest addition to Putumayo's successful American series, which includes American Blues, New Orleans, Women of Jazz and Mississippi Blues.
