(January 26, 2024) Since their debut in 2011, the members of Camera Soul have wowed European and Japanese audiences, along with SoulTracks writers (we’ve reviewed two full-lengths, Dress Code and Not for Ordinary People). Their fluid blend of soul, funk, and pop, piloted by Lombardo Brothers Productions (AKA keyboardist Pippo Lombardo and Beppe Lombardo) is informed by a respect for bands like Tower of Power and the U.K.’s Incognito. And the Italian quintet’s body of work consistently registers highly on the UK Soul Charts, iTunes, and iTunes R&B Charts. While there are occasional changes in the personnel, Camera Soul never loses site in transporting audiences to a soulful heaven, whether on the upbeat or the soothing.
(January 26, 2024) Since their debut in 2011, the members of Camera Soul have wowed European and Japanese audiences, along with SoulTracks writers (we’ve reviewed two full-lengths, Dress Code and Not for Ordinary People). Their fluid blend of soul, funk, and pop, piloted by Lombardo Brothers Productions (AKA keyboardist Pippo Lombardo and Beppe Lombardo) is informed by a respect for bands like Tower of Power and the U.K.’s Incognito. And the Italian quintet’s body of work consistently registers highly on the UK Soul Charts, iTunes, and iTunes R&B Charts. While there are occasional changes in the personnel, Camera Soul never loses site in transporting audiences to a soulful heaven, whether on the upbeat or the soothing.
In 2023, First Listen spotlighted “Shooting Star,” introducing lead vocalist Sabreetha Vee, who brought us back to the sophisticated seventies and another single, “Everything is Alright,” showcasing Camera Soul’s smooth jazz balladry. As a February date has been set for the group’s next album, our First Listen focuses on “Summer Memories” (Playaudio), a tale of a relationship relegated to the past.
Vee once again takes the lead microphone backed by Pippo Lombardo, guitarist Alex Milella, long time member Beppe Sequestro on bass guitar, drummer Fabio Delle Foglie and a bubbly sax solo from Michele Tempesta. The warm orchestrations frame Vee’s yearning voice recalling what could have been in the future: “Don’t forget my heart…/It belonged to you…/All I’ve been through now that you’re gone/Fades in my memory.”
With every contribution from Camera Soul, their entertaining and heartwarming artistic snapshots keep adding onto glorious memories of global soul music’s catalogs.
By Peggy Oliver
Camera Soul - "Summer Memories"