History Of Soul

Three generations of soul providers touch down in Glasgow this month as the latest Bulleit Originals gig kicks into gear.

This bourbon-series is a rare proposition in the gig-going calendar as it offers food-for-thought as well as a funky party. Having re-traced the roots of blues with their previous offering back in April, the Bulleit Bourbon guys are now offering a unique insight into the lineage of soul and funk. The Bulleit Originals gigs takes the audience on a musical journey demonstrating how much of the music we listen to today is inspired by original pioneering musical genres.

Heading up this session is legendary vocalist Martha High, best known for her thirty-year association with the James Brown Revue. Her stunning performances graced proto-funk Brown experiments like the hugely influential
‘Payback’. She also worked with an A-Z of the scene’s original movers and shakers, from Little Richard to George Clinton, Stevie Wonder to Michael Jackson. She’s seen it all happen, and sung the soundtrack.

Into the Eighties now and the outfit that brought the true spirit of soul to a whole new audience: Soul II Soul. Jazzie B’s ever-evolving line-up unleashed a couple of genuine honey-drenched classics back in 1989 - ’90 that remain guaranteed floor-fillers almost two decades on, and the S2S Soundsystem is still very much a potent force. Jazzie keeps on moving. Representing the new generation, Ben Westbeech is one of the most gifted artists to emerge this nascent millennium, taking soul into the 21st Century amid a cocktail of other influences. Expect his DJ set to explore the full range of soulful beats, from classic to eclectic.

The Bulleit Originals gigs will continue their musical history lessons into 2009 – check ClashMusic.com for updates. Bulleit Originals takes place at The Arches, Glasgow, on Friday 7th November. We have two pairs of tickets to this unique event and for those who live a little further afield, two bottles of smoky-smooth Bulleit Bourbon to give away.

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