Soulphonics & Ruby Velle celebrate new single this weekend
The debut single from Atlanta’s premiere indie funk/soul act is smooth blend of cool and classic R&B rhythms and croons
The Soulphonics & Ruby Velle mark their debut release this weekend with the “Feet on the Ground” 7-inch single for Element Records.
“Feet on the Ground” is cut from a cloth of timeless soul and R&B rumination where vocalist Ruby Velle’s telltale croon traipses through the verses with a world-weary swagger while classic rhythms and horns wax and wane. There is an undeniably ’60s feel to it all, which should come as no surprise to anyone who has seen the group play, but this is not simply a revival act. The performances from both Velle and the eight-piece band behind her are earnest and rely on their own musical, spiritual and personal devices to carry the music. But with just one song, “Feet on the Ground” is a full-on a tease. It’s only the tip of the iceberg for larger body of work the group has been showing off on stages around town. The single offers just a glimpse of how the Ruby and the Soulphonics translate to the permanence of vinyl, and it is a warm and sultry affair that leaves the brains and hips clamoring for more.
For the single release party at the Earl on Sat., March 6, the Soulphonics will also back ’70s funk legend Lee Fields as he graces the stage with a set of classic grunts, shouts and cool croons. DJ Brian Proust of the Peachtree Soul Club keeps the party moving with classic soul, funk and R&B cuts on through the night. $10. 9 p.m. 404-522-3950.
Earlier on Saturday afternoon, the Soulphonics & Ruby Velle are also playing a free, 4:30 p.m. in-store at Criminal Records in L5P.
(MP3 no longer available on the site)