Bella Brown & The Jealous Lovers release new album ‘Soul Clap’
LA-based sister funk diva Bella Brown and her band The Jealous Lovers release new album Soul Clap on LRK Records, connecting the dots between the past and present of funk & soul while celebrating individual truths, shared experiences, and the timeless power of music.
Retro soul/funk sensation Bella Brown & the Jealous Lovers are set to ignite the music scene with this highly anticipated album. Born from the creative genius of Grammy Award-winning vocalist/songwriter Carol Hatchett, Bella Brown emerges as a diva with a fiery stage presence, drawing inspiration from the likes of Tina Turner and Sharon Jones, and channeling the empowered female leads of 70s Blaxploitation films.
The essence of Soul Clap is derived from the cultural phenomena it is named after—a shared and improvised rhythm-making by a collective. The album, spanning 40 minutes of pure musical bliss, invites the audience to immerse themselves in the groove and discover their individual truths in the music.
Title track “Soul Clap“ and the infectious “Living Proof“ serve as funky dance bangers, echoing the spirit of Bohannan and The Tramps. These tracks, punctuated with jazzy improvisations and soulful horn arrangements, are simple yet joyful expressions of shared humanity and self-love.
“Coming For You” is Bella‘s audacious response to the breaks classic “Apache”, boldly announcing her and The Jealous Lovers’ arrival on the modern soul landscape. “I Found You” takes a northern soul love song approach, reminiscent of Gloria Jones with a touch of modern influence, giving it a distinct Amy Winehouse feel.
Bella Brown seamlessly weaves social commentary into her art, such as on “Bang Bang Bang”, an uptempo number with a funky Motown groove, that reflects on American gun culture. While “Lady Time” takes a driving afrobeat groove, employing brassy horns and reggae-like echoes to address the issue of homelessness.
However, the album is not without its lighthearted moments. “Fast As Lightning” celebrates a cleaner future by imagining Jimi Hendrix joining Ike and Tina Turner’s band to create a classic Chuck Berry car song. “There Is Love” blends horns, strings, and vocals reminiscent of The Stylistics over a Chi-Lites-style rhythm section, to create a lush message of support to those among us with mental health issues.
Finally, “What Will You Leave Behind” is a revamped version of the group’s sold-out vinyl 45 release. This track serves as a powerful call to action for a better future, delivered over a straight-up Motown groove with a funky Sly Stone finish.
Bella Brown & The Jealous Lovers have crafted an album that transcends genres, embracing the roots of soul and funk while pushing musical boundaries. Soul Clap is a celebration of individual truths, shared experiences, and the timeless power of music.
‘Soul Clap’ out via LP / CD / Digital on February 2nd 2024 via LRK Records
