Cornell Dupree Soul Survivors f. Les McCann

Anyone who wants a funky wallow in some extra-deep R&B/jazz grooves shouldn’t miss this soul supergroup. Cornell Dupree is in the front rank of Texas guitar slingers, with dramatic fretboard work, and jazzy-flavoured R&B style that was born deep in the blues. Keyboardist Les McCann, best known for his seminal Swiss Movement album from 1960, is the maestro of soul grooves, and he’s played with everyone from Ray Charles and Count Basie to saxmaster Stanley Turrentine. Today’s beat-mixers are sampling his classic tunes, turning a new generation onto his soulful artistry. Filling out the front-line is legendary saxophonist Ernie Watts, whose 30-year career has seen him featured on 500 recordings for such artists as Frank Zappa, Thelonious Monk, and Aretha Franklin. The blues-based Grammy-winning Watts is probably best known for his work with Charlie Haden and Quartet West. Together, these extraordinary musicians are going to give a master class in down-home soul. With Buddy Williams drums, and Gordon Edwards bass.

“Cornell Dupree works a nice groove – never settling down in any particular style, whether it’s fusion, jazz, funk, or soul” – allmusic.com