In 2008, it was practically impossible to escape the catchy vocal hook of "Black and Gold," the Grammy-nominated breakthrough single off Sam Sparro's eponymous debut album.
The consensus among newly converted fans was that the Australian-born singer-songwriter had it. Namely, soul. It helps that Sparro (AKA Samuel Falson) was raised in a family of gospel musicians, singing backup for his recording-artist father since childhood. So his heritage is quite literally soul music. And his sound: blue-eyed Motown with 21st-century electronic production values.
Sparro has definitely kept busy since the first album, collaborating with the likes of Basement Jaxx and DMC while also forming supergroup Chauffeur with Theophilus London and Mark Ronson. But alas, it's been a full four years since we've heard new solo material, and fans are getting antsy for this spring's release of his sophomore slab, Return to Paradise.
If "The Shallow End," a fresh track from the album, is any indication, this 29-year-old producer is still pursuing his love affair with vintage funk and soul. So his clamoring fans shouldn't be disappointed once the new LP drops. But if you just can't wait to hear Sparro's new stuff, catch him at Bardot this Saturday, 'cause he's sure to preview even more of his Return to Paradise jams.
