JALEN NGONDA

Come Around And Love Me (Daptone)

Autumn is upon us and the daily news is brutally grim to say the least, but here comes a new album release from New York’s Daptone label that is guaranteed to impress, get tongues wagging in approval, feet moving and hearts melting. After all, this is the label that brought us Charles Bradley and more recently Lee Fields as well as Thee Sacred Souls.

With Come Around And Love Me, Jalen Ngonda’s voice just has to be heard. This 28-year-old singer, who impressed and supported Martha Reeves on tour a while back, has a vocal range that effortlessly equals Marvin Gaye’s – plus quality songs to match that are overflowing with raw emotion. Soul-flavoured R&B with a capital S, put Come Around And Love Me on a turntable, the needle on the record, and be blown away from start to finish. This is music that makes living and listening both worthwhile. 

words DAVID NOBAKHT