Smoove & Turrell

Smoove & Turrell are a UK group formed around the collaboration between beat-maker Smoove and singer and lyricist John Turrell, with Jonathan Watson also listed as a member. Active since 2009, their music sits between funk, soul, acid jazz, breakbeat and related club-oriented styles.

Style and formation

The partnership brings together Smoove’s beat production and crate-digging approach with Turrell’s vocals and writing. Their sound is described through uptempo, northern soul-influenced funk and beats, with a mix of retro production and contemporary edges. Smoove works from vinyl and draws on soul, Latin, funk, jazz, easy listening, northern soul and hip hop in his DJ sets, while Turrell’s writing often reflects everyday experience and personal subjects.

Releases and recording

The group’s first collaboration is I Can’t Give You Up, initially issued as a limited 7-inch on the German label Club Tikka. The record attracts strong demand among Northern Soul and funk collectors before the group signs to Jalapeno Records. Their album Antique Soul follows and is presented as Smoove’s second full album, after an earlier release on the Acid Jazz label.

Antique Soul includes tracks such as Darker Dayz, Without You and You Don’t Know. The album also uses a sample from a 1970s track by Lynsey de Paul. Some of the group’s singles receive remix treatment from artists including A Skillz, Lack of Afro, Kraak and Smaak, Featurecast, Crazy P and Basement Freaks.

Broadcast support and live work

The group receives support from Craig Charles, who plays their music on his radio show and writes liner notes for Antique Soul. They also appear on radio sessions including The Janice Long Show on BBC Radio 2 and Loose Ends on BBC Radio 4. Their live activity includes festival appearances at Kendal Calling, Glastonbury and the Big Chill.

John Turrell and related collaborations

John Turrell is described as a Geordie singer whose voice is compared to classic soul and rhythm and blues styles. He is influenced by artists including Steely Dan, Free, Joni Mitchell, Cream, Bobby Brown, George Benson and After Seven. Outside the group, he works with Ashley Beedle, Omar and Kraak and Smaak, and he is named male lead vocalist in the BBC 6 Music project “Fantasy Funk Band”, recorded and performed live at Maida Vale Studios.