Smoove and Turrell booked in Stratos Bleu Tour 2021
5 years ago
United Kingdom Smoove & Turrell are a British funk and soul group known for their 'Northern Funk' sound, blending elements of funk, soul, Northern Soul, hip-hop, and electronica.
Interested in booking Smoove and Turrell?
Request A ShowSmoove & Turrell signed with Jalapeno Records, who offered them a deal within an hour of listening to their debut album. The label has released multiple albums and singles for the band, including 'Antique Soul', 'Eccentric Audio', 'Broken Toys', 'Crown Posada', 'Mount Pleasant', 'Solid Brass – 10 Years of Northern Funk', 'Stratos Bleu', and 'Red Ellen'. Smoove also released a compilation album, 'First Class', on Jalapeno Records.
Released Smoove & Turrell's first track, 'I Can't Give You Up', as a limited edition 7" single in 2007. The initial 500 pressings sold out, creating a secondary market with records selling for up to £160.
Supported Smoove & Turrell heavily, resulting in two 'Record of the Week' accolades and repeated playlisting. The band performed New Year's Eve live sessions and had multiple album playlists.
Playlisted Smoove & Turrell's music, provided a platform for their songs, and awarded their album 'Stratos Bleu' the 'Album of the Day' accolade. John Turrell was voted best funk male vocalist in their 'Fantasy Funk Band' series.
Used Smoove & Turrell tracks in a primetime advertising campaign.
Featured Smoove & Turrell tracks within the video game.
The LA-based radio station featured 'Hard Work' in their 'Today’s Top Tune' slot, increasing the band's exposure to West Coast audiences and the US sync business.
Awarded Smoove & Turrell Music for Export Growth Scheme funding to support an extended touring schedule.
Smoove & Turrell host 'The Northern Coal Experience' radio show on Brighton-based community radio station 1BTN.
Smoove (Jonathan Scott Watson) signed a deal with Acid Jazz Records prior to forming Smoove & Turrell, releasing two albums: 'Dead Men's Shirts' (2005) and 'Gravy' (2007).
Released Smoove's (Jonathan Scott Watson) single 'Dubbin' Up The Pieces' under the band name Ashbrooke All Stars in 1991. The track reached number 16 on the UK Dance Chart.
Commissioned Smoove to remix 'No Nose Job' by the hip-hop band Digital Underground.
Released Smoove's debut single 'He Won't Get Far' as a 12" picture disc.
One of Smoove's record labels, which releases vinyl and digital EPs featuring mashups under his alter-ego S.M.O.V.
Another of Smoove's record labels, providing a platform for original music rooted in jazz, hip-hop, and funk with a contemporary sound. The label has released music by Renegades Of Jazz and Daytoner.
Released John Turrell's debut solo album, 'The Kingmaker', in 2013.
Smoove and Turrell put together a road trip-inspired mix of northern soul, funk, and hip hop as part of the publication's 'Summer Sessions' series of mixtapes.
Smoove & Turrell's track 'Hard Work' was featured in a TV commercial for Rust-Oleum.
The story of Smoove & Turrell began in the North East of England, founded on a shared passion for soul music. Smoove, whose real name is Jonathan Scott Watson, co-founded the group. Smoove had previously released music under Acid Jazz Records with albums like ‘Dead Men’s Shirts’ (2005) and ‘Gravy’ (2007). He met keyboardist Mike Porter and then encountered John Turrell, a skilled carpenter and lecturer, singing. After initial collaborations, the trio began writing and arranging original material. Their first track, ‘I Can’t Give You Up,’ was recorded at Mike Porter’s home and released on the German label Club Tikka in 2007. The limited 500 pressings sold out, with copies reaching high prices in online auctions, indicating early underground popularity within the Mod and Northern Soul scenes.
The positive reception to their early tracks led to the formation of a full live band. Their debut album, ‘Antique Soul,’ was released on Jalapeno Records. The band gained significant radio support from Craig Charles on ‘The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show,’ leading to two ‘Record of the Week’ accolades on BBC Radio 2 and a playlist spot on BBC 6 Music. Their second album, ‘Eccentric Audio’ (2011), continued their success, with singles like ‘Slow Down’ topping the iTunes Soul chart and ‘Hard Work’ receiving airplay on national radio and being used in TV shows, films, and video games like ‘The Crew.’ This exposure in the US sync business built their international profile.
Smoove & Turrell continued to build a loyal fanbase through extensive touring and consistent album releases. ‘Crown Posada’ (2016) infused their core sound with electronica, rock, pop, disco, and jazz, while ‘Mount Pleasant’ (2018) addressed social themes with tracks like ‘Hate Seeking Missile.’ Their sixth album, ‘Stratos Bleu’ (2020), achieved a number 1 spot on the UK Dance Album Chart and was recognized as BBC 6 Music’s Album of the Day. This success demonstrated their enduring relevance. Their seventh album, ‘Red Ellen,’ released in 2023, continued their tradition of socially conscious lyrics grounded in working-class life, maintaining a balance between realism and dancefloor appeal.
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