Sam Pounds—son of a preacher, raised on stories and gospel music, performing since age five—is an amazing soul singer. He not only just released his new solo album, Motives, but also collaborates with the Los Angeles-based collective Family Company on their latest LP, Pieces of Us. Both are very worthwhile, but I’m guessing the more funky latter fits the context of our blog better.

You’ll hear eleven songs made the old way—band in a circle, tape rolling—with a skilled group of musicians and their rich instrumentation—guitars, organ, percussion, horns, strings, harmonies—and always Sam Pounds’ heartfelt lead vocals that reach every corner of the room. They have their hearts in the right place, which you can feel in the lyrics full of love, hope, and unity.

This is soul music as it was meant to be, exactly what we need these days. You have to hear it to believe it.

Pieces of Us is out now digitally (self-released). Featuring Sam Pounds (lead vocals), Jason Goldstein (keys), Jef Villaluna (guitar), Joshua Lopez (guitar), Alex Kyhn (bass), Josh Teitelbaum (drums, percussion), Jesse McGinty (saxophone), Brandyn Phillips (trumpet), Mike Cordone (trumpet), Wil Blades (organ), Miguel Atwood-Ferguson (strings), India Carney (background vocals), Anilee List (background vocals), and Astyn Turr (background vocals).

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp