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Soul prog?
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Atavachron View Drop Down
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Points: 65306 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Atavachron Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 09 2024 at 17:52
^ BoG is easily one of the greatest live rock LPs ever.
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Did anyone mention Shuggie Otis or Curtis Mayfield yet?
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Originally posted by AFlowerKingCrimson AFlowerKingCrimson wrote:

Originally posted by verslibre verslibre wrote:

Originally posted by AFlowerKingCrimson AFlowerKingCrimson wrote:

I can't think of many (if any) legitimate examples of this. A lot of people are just mentioning funk, fusion, jazz or r and b albums that really have no real prog element.

I always thought the Lenny Kravitz song "Believe" was rather proggy and that and the whole album it's from Are You Gonna Go My Way has lots of soul and eclectic elements but I wouldn't really call it any kind of prog no matter how much I personally like it.


I like Lenny's early output a lot, especially AYGGMY through 5.


Check out his first album Let Love Rule. 


Heard all the old stuff, but that's the one that never grabbed me. My interest began (begins) with Mama Said.

I saw Lenny open for The Cult on the latter's Ceremony tour. That was one loud show.
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Space-soul music is a unique and eclectic fusion subgenre that combines elements of space-rock, soul, funk, and jazz to create a cosmic and soulful sound. "Space Is the Place," the album by Sun Ra and His Astro Intergalactic Infinity Arkestra, is an example of a space-soul album from the early 1970s that was fairly progressive.
This album by Sun Ra, a pioneer of afrofuturism and avant-garde jazz, embodies the essence of space-soul music with its blend of free jazz improvisations, cosmic themes, and spiritual undertones. "Space Is the Place" features a mix of avant-jazz, soul music, electronic sounds, and otherworldly compositions that transport listeners to a celestial realm.
Over 21 minutes long, the title track, featuring female vocals, is a quintessential example of progressive space-soul music from 1973.
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If you were listening to RnB radio in the late 70s, you might recall this pop gem, written by Shuggie Otis, that had a prog-rock sounding middle section.



Edited by Easy Money - May 10 2024 at 07:26
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Points: 239 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gnik Nosmirc Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 10 2024 at 14:01
Wow, this topic is fire already!

Thank you all for providing various examples. So many added on my list. ^^
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Points: 6520 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mathman0806 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 10 2024 at 20:16
Going with more contemporary recommendation, the 2022 album Anitmai by The Dear Hunter.
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Points: 6520 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote mathman0806 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 10 2024 at 20:55
From Closure in Moscow's 2023 album Soft Hell - Primal Sinister
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Michael Kiwanuka's s/t record is one of the contemporary progressive soul albums from the UK. Released in 2019, "Kiwanuka" is the third studio album by this British singer-songwriter, who is creating a fresh and innovative take on the soul genre. The album blends elements of soul, folk-rock, and psychedelic influences to create a unique and experimental sound that pushes the boundaries of traditional soul music. "Kiwanuka"'s exploration of themes such as identity, self-discovery, and societal issues further adds depth to its experimental nature, making it a standout example of contemporary progressive soul music from the UK. The album received critical acclaim for its bold experimentation and introspective lyrics, solidifying Michael Kiwanuka as one of the leading figures in the contemporary UK music scene.
Michael Kiwanuka’s distinctive vocals, combined with the innovative production on songs like "Hero," showcase his willingness to explore new sonic territories within the realm of soul music.
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Points: 1299 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Moyan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May 13 2024 at 01:35
If we're discussing contemporary progressive soul, we can't leave out Anaiis. A French-Senegalese singer-songwriter based in London, England, Anaiis (stylized anaiis) is noted for her eclectic style, multilingualism, singing ability, and thoughtful lyrics.
Anaiis obviously draws inspiration from a wide range of musical genres, such as soul, R&B, sophisti pop, ambient, neo-psychedelia, and electronic music; thus, her music blends various genres, styles, and influences to create a unique sound that resonates with audiences worldwide.
This fusion of styles creates a dynamic and innovative sound that sets her apart in the music industry.
Being of French-Senegalese descent, Anaiis infuses her music with elements of both cultures. This cultural fusion adds depth and richness to her songs, incorporating traditional Senegalese rhythms and melodies alongside modern Western influences.
Anaiis is known for her introspective and thought-provoking lyrics. Her songs often explore themes of identity, love, empowerment, and social issues, reflecting her personal experiences and worldview. This lyrical depth adds another layer of complexity to her music.
Anaiis' song "Woman" ("Darkness at Play," 2019) fits into the progressive soul genre for several reasons. Firstly, the production of "Woman" incorporates a mix of electronic elements, an ambient-like atmosphere, and traditional soul instrumentation. The song features a unique blend of synthesisers, drum machines, and live instruments that create a dreamy yet experimental sound.
Secondly, the lyrics of "Woman" address complex themes related to womanhood, empowerment, and self-discovery. Anaiis' introspective and thought-provoking lyrics add depth to the song and resonate with listeners on a personal level.
Lastly, "Woman" showcases Anaiis' willingness to experiment with different musical styles and sounds. The song’s unconventional structure, use of vocal effects, and dynamic shifts demonstrate her artistic versatility and willingness to push boundaries within the soul genre.





"Woman," a live rendition.
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Points: 664 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote RockHound Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June 11 2024 at 08:06
Todd Rundgren had a great fusion of prog and soul-more Motown groove than funk.

The best examples, IMHO, are on Something/Anything, Todd, A Wizard/A True Star. The Last Ride is one of my favorites.
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DOUGLAS FIR      The tallest trees in the forest, being one of the most soulful psych bands you're ever likely to hear, sounding like a curious cross between Blood, Sweat & Tears and The Doors, but better than both. Yes, really!! Douglas Fir are from Portland in Oregon - a US state famous for its Douglas Firs, funnily enough. Smile

5 stars 1970: Douglas Fir - Hard Heartsingin' - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SptrJDSEuos
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Points: 5430 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Hrychu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: July 27 2024 at 19:32
Geira by Halina Frąckowiak is essentially a jazz/funk/soul album written and performed by a hardcore prog rock band (SBB).
https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=49395
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Points: 287 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Droxford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 27 2024 at 14:37
Billy Paul ' War of the Gods' title track .

Indirectly I think that the rise of Prog encouraged artists such as Isaac Hayes and Nina Simone, especially in concert and live records, to perform far longer pieces and to generally go beyond the standard 3 minutes structured tracks. But the influence of Jazz improvisation can not be understated either. 



Edited by Droxford - September 27 2024 at 14:39
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Originally posted by Gnik Nosmirc Gnik Nosmirc wrote:

I am interested in prog albums with an emphasis on soul and funk.

I suppose I'm more into soul and funk artists with proggy elements rather than the other way around. Funkadelic - Maggot Brain is basically prog isn't it? I'm not personally the biggest fan of them, but that's beside the point.

Originally posted by Psychedelic Paul Psychedelic Paul wrote:

Rotary Connection - the best Psychedelic Soul band of all time (featuring Minnie Riperton)
Yes, Minnie's debut album is a natural continuation of Rotary Connection. Complex like a Gentle Giant-song (more jazzy than proggy though) yet it's like the sound of a light breeze...



I think Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Isaac Hayes, Willie Hutch, The Temptations and many others were genuinely progressive in their approach to Soul/Funk in the (early to mid) 1970's. They rarely went full on Prog Rock, but they created their own fusion. Maybe because their music was generally easier on the ears and catchier, people don't seem to notice the sophistication in arrangements, complexity in composition and the level of musicianship on some of their iconic albums. Not in the same way.
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Points: 11955 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Saperlipopette! Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 28 2024 at 01:50
Originally posted by verslibre verslibre wrote:

Originally posted by AFlowerKingCrimson AFlowerKingCrimson wrote:

Check out his first album Let Love Rule. 


Heard all the old stuff, but that's the one that never grabbed me. My interest began (begins) with Mama Said.
I still think Let Love Rule has a handful of pretty great tracks, and this is my favorite song of his (lyrics by Lisa Bonet:)
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Points: 6446 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote omphaloskepsis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 28 2024 at 04:25
This thread convinced me to purchase The Temptations - "Psychedelic Soul" box set.  The set includes eight songs over seven minutes long...with three songs longer than 12 minutes.  A long song doesn't make prog...I know.

 Sure, The Temptation's psychedelic soul might not be soul prog, but the Temptation's psychedelic era resides next door to prog soul.
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Points: 6446 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote omphaloskepsis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 28 2024 at 04:29
Does this count as soul prog?
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Points: 41095 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psychedelic Paul Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 28 2024 at 05:40
Rotary Connection - I Am the Black Gold of the Sun (featuring Minnie Riperton) Broken Heart
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Points: 11955 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Saperlipopette! Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 28 2024 at 06:10
Originally posted by omphaloskepsis omphaloskepsis wrote:

This thread convinced me to purchase The Temptations - "Psychedelic Soul" box set.  The set includes eight songs over seven minutes long...with three songs longer than 12 minutes. A long song doesn't make prog...I know.
It doesn't, but then again it doesn't need to be Prog to be good:). There was something unique happening all over the musical map during the early to mid 1970's. Hell, there was even some Country Rock/Pop artists producing something relativly ambitious and interesting. There's no reason The Temptations' most ambitious songs from this period wouldn't interest and engage a PA-regular.
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