I highlighted Tomás Doncker’s True Groove label last year, with a focus on their gravitation toward the “global soul” movement, which is a loose stylistic classification for any music that promotes “the collective enjoyment of music as a positive force all throughout the world.” In addition to the pleasant ideology, I enjoyed several acts on the label — including Lael Summer, Marla Mase, and Kevin Jenkins. In addition to running the label, Doncker has a worthwhile career as a producer, singer/songwriter, and guitarist. Most recently, his new album Big Apple Blues has drawn acclaim for his usual musicianship and knack for melody. It was also co-written with Pulitzer Prize winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa. One of my favorites from the album is “The New Day”, a moody and swanky track with visions of small towns and hard work. It’s an apt summary of Doncker’s talents. Stream Big Apple Blues in full below.
Also of note: If you dig Doncker or any of the artists on True Groove, be sure to check out the first-ever South by South Orange Festival (SOxSO) during the weekend of June 26-28, 2015, featuring acts like Will Calhoun (drummer for Living Colour), True Groove All-Star Josh David (currently front-man for The Wailers), and critically acclaimed violinist Alan Grubner. The press release for the event is here.
