Raised in Harlem near the legendary Apollo Theatre, singer Carlton Jumel Smith is inspired by some of the finest names in funk and soul. From Al Green to Curtis Mayfield, Bobby Womack and beyond, Smith has kept a meticulous personal list of the sets he’s seen at the Apollo to keep his mindset among the greats.
Now backed by Finland’s Cold Diamond & Mink band, Smith brings the classic spirit of his idols to the 21st century on his debut full-length, 1634 Lexington Avenue. There’s a certain elegance and class that Smith’s vocals invite to these already rich arrangements over ten tracks of punching horn lines, frenetic rhythm guitar, and drum fills that keep the adrenaline flowing. 1634 Lexington Avenue is out today and although it’ll be hard to help yourself from checking out the full thing ASAP, enjoy one of the album’s centerpieces, “Help Me (Save Me From Myself)”!
–Jack Anderson
