In Town : Tuesday 9/29 Mayer Hawthorne @ Great Scott

Let me start by saying that after years of putting out solid record after solid record, I will give every Stones Throw signee at least a few chances. Now it took me a little bit longer than usual to check out Mayer Hawthorne probably due to my subconscious not thinking that the guy in the picture above this had the chops to play mid 60's - mid 70's soul and funk as well as he does. After months of putting off the inevitable, I fired up "Just Ain't Gunna Work Out." I was blown away by how accurate and authentic Hawthorne's take on 70's crisp Motown tune. Hawthorne sings in a falsetto with a strong Smokey Robinson vibe and delivers an all around solid record that stands up just as well as some of the original soul tracks that influenced him.

For me, what really sets Hawthorne apart from the rest of the "retro" revival over the last few years is his obvious knowledge of all corners of soul and funk. To cut a record this tight and on spot to a time period requires countless hours of listening and digging. You can purchase A Strange Arrangement from the Stones Throw store here.

Hawthorne will be performing directly down the street from our house at Great Scott this Tuesday, September 29th. Check out the selection of tunes below.