Review: Jalen Ngonda is the latest talent to join the excellent ranks of US label Daptone. Here he serve sup his first music after a life formed in just outside of Washington D.C.. Since age 11 he has been deep into the joys of soul music and now he is a standalone artist with incredible skills. Here hex pores mid-tempo and mellow sounds with their own unique take on his Motown roots. 'Just Like You Used To' has a warm rhythm section that allows Jalen's vocals to soar. Flip it over for 'What a Difference She Made' with its lush strings and plaintive vocal.
Review: Presenting a standout 45 from Jalen Ngonda and his bandia release that's already making waves. With 'Illusions' gracing the BBC Radio 2 A-List and 'Rapture' lighting up BBC Radio 6, these tracks deserved a spin on vinyl. Packed with sophisticated arrangements and grooves so smooth they practically glide, Jalen's voice holds it all together with a richness only seasoned live performance brings. Both sides are primed to ignite dancefloors, adding class to soul nights around the world.
Review: Jalen Ngonda himself can personally vouch that he is 'Here To Stay'. At least, as much is true for his inclusion on the Daptone roster: his latest 7" here commands a gorgeously breezy vocal performance, a formerly hidden gem recorded during the Come Around And Love Me sessions. A throwback to Motown in two parts, the record is also backed up by the sweet and joyous 'If You Don't Want My Love'.
Review: Jalen Ngonda is a hotly tipped soul artist who finally unveils his long awaited debut album. Come Around and Love Me was written at Hive Mind Studios in Brooklyn, NY with musicians form the wider Daptone family and producer and arrangers Mike Buckley and Vincent Chiarito from Charles Bradley's Extraordinaires. The result is a modern soul sound tinged with r&b, the harmonies of The Beach Boys and hooks of the Beatles, but all with a timelessness and classic edge that is sure to make it a lasting pleasure.
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