Sam Ford, Trudi Green and the Soulahula Band: OOOEE! (Choice/digital outlets)

The irrepressible and enthusiastic Sam Ford and Trudi Green make a welcome return with their horn-driven Pasifika-soul.

Recorded during lockdown with the musicians sending their various parts for collation, these 11 songs sound freshly minted and anxious to be delivered live – see below – for full appreciation of their Southern swing (the title track, the funky political Division Pt 1), sophisticated country (I'm Free), soul in the manner of Dr John/Nawlins (Ain't No Easy Way, Someone) and Pacific-cum-Caribbean pop (the humid A Picture of a Palm Tree).

For those who don't know, Green and Ford were in the Sam Ford Verandah Band then the Neighbours (alongside the late Rick Bryant) who rocked the Gluepot and beyond in the Eighties .

Then they moved to London where they formed their Soulahula band and resurrected the concept when they moved back home.

Ford writes unique songs within the many idioms at his command and with the Soulahula Band (horn player Chris Nielson, keyboard player Ernie Semu, bassist Neil Hannan, drummer Tim Robinson) has the seasoned delivery mechanism who bring a tight energy to songs like the terrific Someone, the whimsical and bright Sixties pop of It's My Turn and the bluesy soul of I'm Not the Man.

OOOEE! is chock full of great, catchy and memorable songs which are guaranteed to raise a smile or get a catch in your throat . . . and acknowledge the talent on display.

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You can check out Sam and Trudi's music here, this album will be at bandcamp after the launch (see below)

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