(September 9, 2018) UK groove collective Reel People has spent the better part of two decades delivering inherently soulful tunes with authentic arrangements that hearken back to the heyday of 1970s and ‘80s R&B and disco. Of late, the Oli Lazarus-helmed group has taken to unearthing much-loved (and at times, overlooked) gems from that era and inviting top-tier modern soul artists to put their personal shine on them.
(September 9, 2018) UK groove collective Reel People has spent the better part of two decades delivering inherently soulful tunes with authentic arrangements that hearken back to the heyday of 1970s and ‘80s R&B and disco. Of late, the Oli Lazarus-helmed group has taken to unearthing much-loved (and at times, overlooked) gems from that era and inviting top-tier modern soul artists to put their personal shine on them.
The latest funky revisitation comes in the form of a summery adaptation of the late Carl Anderson’s 1982 “Buttercup,” written by Stevie Wonder and originally produced by Richard Rudolph. Lifted from Reel People’s upcoming album, Retroflection, the new interpretation finds much-loved Incognito vocalist Tony Momrelle at the mic. Retaining the earnest tenor essence which Anderson so adeptly displayed over 30 years ago, his performance serves as evidence for younger listeners of both Wonder’s timeless song-crafting abilities and the creative significance of Anderson’s style—which, sadly, never reached the scope of listeners it so deserved.
Fans of the original “Buttercup” (which originally appeared on Anderson’s U.S.-released Absence Without Love LP, but only received a single release in England) may not have a great a need for this new incarnation, which doesn’t venture too far outside the parameters of the ’82 recording. But new recruits to sophisticated soul, as well as up-and-coming DJ’s with an ear for the genuine, will surely appreciate the organic rhythmic flow and full-bodied chord structure—as well as Momrelle’s unaffected phrasing and emotive tone.
Take a First Listen to “Buttercup” below and let us know your thoughts!
Reel People feat. Tony Momrelle - "Buttercup"