Yes, they took up residence at Starbar, which is walking distance from my house, for a full six months of Wednesdays in 2009, but in all fairness, I didn’t live in that house until 2010 and well... Okay, you get the point. I was stupid. But not anymore! Now that I’ve gotten a taste, I know exactly what I’ve been missing, and I will take every opportunity to make up for it.
It was a very chilly Friday evening in Atlanta—the kind that makes all the lily-livered Northern transplants (i.e. me) whine about how we thought Georgia was supposed to be warm, goddammit. But upon entering toasty East Atlanta mainstay, The Earl, I immediately ditched my coat and settled in for what was surely going to be a wonderful evening of music. And so it was.
Ruby Velle, a healthier-looking, Florida-born Amy Winehouse doppelganger with a strong and sultry voice to match, commanded an enormous stage presence that far exceeded her tiny stature. She was backed by a lively and talented six-piece band, dressed in suits and featuring a rollicking three-man horn section (note: if you want to guarantee a good review from me, just add a horn section). The Soulphonics know what they’re doing, and thus are happy to let Ruby soak up the spotlight while they groove out in a semi-circle around her. They find a happy equilibrium between vocals and instrumentals, never letting their music fade into the background but never overpowering Ruby’s vocals either, despite the volume that a six-piece band with three horns is capable of. The charming sense of communion between Ruby and the Soulphonics was palpable, and really cast a cozy glow over the whole show, amplified by that special sense of pride you get from seeing a great local band in your own beloved town.
Cool, calm, and totally compelling, The Soulphonics & Ruby Velle strutted their way through an assortment of classic covers and classic-sounding originals, never straying from the boisterous blend of funk and soul that they do best. From a smooth as butter rendition of Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man” to rousing covers of James Brown’s “Think” and Arthur Conley’s “Sweet Soul Music,” these modern day masters paid tribute to the greats, with a fun-loving reverence that said greats certainly would’ve appreciated.
The band’s own original catalogue, while small, is stacked with back-to-back gems, from the freewheeling “Feet on the Ground” to the steamy swagger of “The Man Says”, to the mellow glamour of the Soulphonics most recent single, 2011’s “My Dear.” These original tracks blended nicely with the classic covers, adding to the evening’s overall sense of fluidity.
Pre-encore closer “Heartlite,” was the runaway highlight of the whole performance, with its exuberantly bouncy melody, catchy hooks, and vivacious vocals waking us from the inevitable lull that such a cohesive bunch of melodies can evoke.
Ultimately, this was the kind of show that just makes everybody feel good, whether they’re dancing, listening, chatting, or all three. A perfect way to spend a Friday night in Atlanta, and one that I hope to repeat in the very near future.
