S.O.U.L.
Sounds Of Unity and Love (S.O.U.L.) was an influential jazz/funk band established in 1970 in Cleveland, Ohio. The group was composed of talented musicians including Lee Lovett, who played bass, Gus Hawkins on saxophone and flute, and Paul Stubblefield on drums, among others. The band's name, S.O.U.L., reflects their mission to unify audiences through their music, which often combined elements of jazz and funk to create a unique sound that resonated with themes of love and unity.
S.O.U.L. quickly gained recognition after entering a local talent show, where they won first prize, leading them to secure a record deal with Musicor Records. They went on to record two albums that have since become highly sought after by collectors, showcasing their distinct style rooted in emotional expression and socially conscious themes.
The music produced by S.O.U.L. is representative of the broader genre known as soul, which is characterized by its emotional urgency and connection to African American musical traditions.
The members; Larry Hancock, Lee Lovett, Gus Hawkins, Paul Stubblefield and Bernard Taylor had all been performing locally before they got together to form S.O.U.L.
Their first single for Musicor "Down In The Ghetto" came out in 1971 and did well enough for the label to invest more time and money in them.
Another seven singles came out between ´71-74 on the Musicor label. The group cut one record for the Dynamo label as well (a Subsidiary of Musicor records) in 1975 before going their separate ways.
What Is It
Written-By – Lee Lovett
7:54
A2 Get Ready
Written-By – William Robinson*
5:20
A3 Burning Spear
Written-By – Richard Evans
3:55
A4 Express Yourself
Written-By – Charles Wright
4:59
B1 Soul
Written-By – Gus Hawkins, Lee Lovett
8:55
B2 Message From A Black Man
Written-By – B. Strong*, N. Whitfield*
6:55
B3 Memphis Underground
Written-By – Herbie Mann
4:55
Label: Musicor Records – MS 3195
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Funk
The 1971 debut album What Is It by the Cleveland-based funk group S.O.U.L. (Sounds of Universal Love) is highly regarded as a classic of raw, minimalistic funk and instrumental jazz-soul.
The album's sound is often described as "minimalistic funk" that manages to feel dense and energetic, led by the heavy basslines of lead singer Lee Lovett.
A defining feature of the record is the prominent use of flute (by Gus Hawkins) and aggressive, "vicious" drumming (by Paul Stubblefield).
Key Tracks:-
"Soul" is a standout track, an 8-minute anthem famously sampled by the Jungle Brothers for their song "In Dayz 2 Come".
"Burning Spear": Frequently cited as a masterpiece of "jazzy flute groove" and psychedelic funk.
"Express Yourself": A high-energy cover of the Charles Wright classic that critics note for its "fire" and heavy groove.
"Get Ready": An instrumental "afrocized jungle jazz" reimagining of The Temptations' hit.
"Down In the Ghetto": A rendition similar to Donny Hathaway’s "The Ghetto," though some reviews note the use of "fake live audience" noises as a minor distraction.
Modern reviews generally rate the album very high (averaging 4.74/5 on collector platforms). It is considered essential listening for fans of deep funk, particularly those who enjoy the "nightclub band" aesthetic.
While some critics feel a few tracks lean too heavily on repetitive flute or faux-live atmospheres, the overall consensus is that it is a "must-have" brimming with exceptional grooves.