One of the UK's finest keyboardists & composers returns with this uplifting anthem after having battled Covid severely. Trumpeter Jackson Mathod's lush horn licks add just the right amount of ear candy to make you hum them for the rest of the day.
Luke Smith is one of those highly skilled and versatile musicians in the UK who everyone wants in their bands and on recordings. His busy track record dates back from the mid-90s till today and includes artists like Amy Winehouse, Jill Scott, George Michael, DJ Zinc, Floetry, Selah Sue, China Moses, just to name a few. His early beginnings were in church, started drumming at the age of 9, adding keyboards 2 years later. The touring began in his late teens while he was still in school. From then on he steadily built his strong rep as a sideman and musical director. But as much as he loves playing for other artists, it was time to showcase himself and his own compositions.
In early 2021 Luke launched his solo adventure with the beautiful, and aptly titled, 'It's Time', which featured the legendary Roy Ayers on vibraphone. I've played that tune a lot since then and enjoyed the EP as well. Luke's sound contains jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop, gospel, Brazilian, afrobeat, and even rock influences at times. Still, his emotive keys and beautiful chords are always present.
Luke's next single 'The Resurrection' is not just an epic title, its meaning is quite literal in this case. Luke had a heavy battle with Covid early on in the pandemic and was hospitalized. This track is the first composition he wrote after 3 intense months of recovery. The good news is that he's fully back and the brand-new song is filled with a positive force. From the uplifting organ chords to the vocal humming, it makes you stand up straight and ready to move forward. We're happy to hear from him again and know that there's still so much more he has in store for the world. Welcome back, Luke. Keep on scrolling down if you can't wait to hear it.
Sonically this tune brings back memories of the Soulquarians, the mighty collective of people like D'Angelo, J Dilla, Questlove, Erykah Badu, Roy Hargrove, James Poyser who re-shaped music in the late 90s, and its impact is still audible in most of today's soulful music. This reference is no coincidence because Rocco Palladino (Yussef Dayes/Alfa Mist) plays bass on 'The Resurrection' and he's son of none other than the iconic bass player Pino Palladino, who was a key figure in that same movement. Pino actually did play on Luke's 'It's Time' as well, so he's got the whole fam in the mix!
Trumpeter Jackson Mathod is the featured artist on here and his spot-on playing is just what the doctor ordered. And even though we sadly lost trumpet trailblazer Roy Hargrove back in 2018, it's good to know that Jackson is here to provide his delicious trumpet licks and honey-sweet harmonies.
The rest of the credits go to Chris Bailey (drums), Charlie Allen (guitar), and Gavin Holligan (vocals & drum programming). Luke sure knows how to pick 'em.
'The Resurrection' will be released on Thursday, March 31st but we're here to get you an early scoop today. Enjoy and watch your necks!
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