It may not be considered necessarily fashionable in some quarters, but I’ve always been a big fan of Kenny Thomas. Since his debut in the nineties, the UK soulman has delivered a consistent, if not always constant, set of records. His last LP, Crazy World (back in 2006), still receives regular spins chez SoulCuts and Him, from the same album, is now widely, and rightly, revered as a modern soul classic. I’m not one of these soulboys that considers anything popular to be without soul. Anybody who helps introduce the masses to soul music has my vote, although I’m somewhat unsure as to whether I’ll be throwing my bulk behind the upcoming Cliff Richard soul tribute album, Soulicious! Great name, by the way, Sir Cliff!

Anyway, back to the quality music, and this new cut, the flipside to first single from Kenny‘s upcoming album Breathe, is a bit of a modern soul monster that should warm the cockles of each and every modern soul lover. Breathe is a catchy, hook-laden track that should find favour on the better dancefloors and beyond. Kenny’s vocals are, as ever, on point, carrying a subtle religious message like only the very best contemporary gospel can. As an indication of the quality of his upcoming album, Breathe is representative of its general quality and serves as a tantalising taste of what will come to be viewed as one of the better UK soul albums of 2011. I’ve had the privilege of listening to the entire album and can confirm that if you’re a fan of Kenny‘s soulful style, you’re unlikely to be disappointed. I’ll be reviewing it for soulinterviews.com over the coming weeks, with further Kenny features on the cards too.



The track will be out, and available from all the usual suspects on August 29th on SOLUS records with the album, also called Breathe, following on September 12th.