DETAILS
Soul music is a deep well, and the mercury-voiced Devin B. Thompson plumbs the form to its depths in Tales of the Soul, the Chicago-based singer-songwriter’s striking Severn Records bow, which arrives October 30, 2020.
Co-produced by Thompson, Severn founder David Earl, and pianist-musical director Kevin Anker, the 11-track release was recorded at the label’s Annapolis, Maryland, studio. The collection features the company’s ace house band — Anker, guitarist Johnny Moeller, organist Benjie Porecki, bassist Steve Gomes, and drummer Robb Stupka. The group’s earthy yet silken sound is augmented by a four-piece horn section, a hip-pocket chorus of background vocalists, and storied guitarist Robben Ford, who guests on two tracks.
Tales of the Soul is a modern look back at authentic soul music.
MUSICIANS
Devin B. Thompson: Vocals
Steve Gomes: Bass Guitar
Jimmy Earl: Bass Guitar (track 6)
Robb Stupka: Drums
Johnny Moeller: Guitar
Robben Ford: Guitar (tracks 2, 9)
Kevin Anker: Pianos
Benjie Porecki: Organ
Mark Merella: Percussion
Kenny Rittenhouse, Joe Donegan: Trumpet
Antonia Orta: Saxophone
Bill Holmes: Trombone
Caleb Green, Christal Rheams, Kennedy Thompson:
Additional Vocals (track 7)
Horns arranged and conducted by Kenny Rittenhouse
CREDITS
Produced by David Earl and Devin B. Thompson
Recorded and mixed by David Earl
at Severn Sound Studio, Annapolis, MD
Mastered by Charlie Pilzer, Tonal Park, Takoma Park, MD
Photography shot on location in Cabo San Lucas
and Joliet, IL by Torry McGee, TMcblaq M.O.A., Joliet, IL
Graphic Design by Al Brandtner,
Brandtner Design Chicago, IL
Thank you God for your many blessings. Thank you David and Bridget Earl at Severn Records for the family atmosphere and believing in me!; Velencia, my beautiful, intelligent and strong wife – love you, honey!; my children: Monique, Siblinz Jordan, Devyn and Kennedy – next level!; my grandchildren – Anadia, Rashard, and baby Kelley – my heartbeats; my parents, Donnie and Dorothy Thompson – thank you for your unconditional love; Andre and Pam Thompson – bro, here we are!!; Marcus and Tonya Mars; my Godparents, James and Naomi Brown; my mentor and guardian angel, Willie Newsome; Donald Johnson; my ace Derrick D Brown – day 1 bro!; Hiram J. Grigsby – let’s write some more songs!!!; Torry TMcblaq McGee – my brother!; my team: Mezzo, Linley LD Doughetry, Gerry Big Willson, Cary Mone Thompson, Anthony G. Niff Gray; my pastor, Teddy Winfrey; the Chicago Catz family; special thanks to Gerey Johnson; the Severn Records House Band: Kevin Anker, Steve Gomes, Johnny Moeller and Robb Stupka.