(May 5, 2026) British and US jazz-funk group Down to the Bone is back with new music. And in anticipation for their first album in eleven years — the forthcoming album, This Way Forward — the acclaimed Grammy-nominated group are hitting the dance floor with a saucy party jam packaged with plenty of soul.
Led by DJ and producer Stuart Wade, on “Get Up and Dance” the band turns up the heat using simmering ‘70’s vibes like a Deodato-Earth, Wind & Fire crossover. Punctuated by Rhodes struts, smooth brass and percussion, the players ultimately create a delightful hypnotic arrangement that’s bound to catch the attention of acid jazz lovers raised on Jamiroquai and Brand New Heavies.
Stone cold SoulTracks favorite Hil St. Soul, the stage alias for Hilary Mwelwa, anchors the track as the lead vocalist using fiery Aretha-tinged ad-libs and dropping occasional scat segment. It’s obvious the Zambia-born Brit singer is living in the moment as she takes on the lyrics while serving the role of dancing queen: “That’s where I wanna be/That’s where you’ll find me.”
Since appearing on 2002’s “My One and All,” Hil has been a mainstay presence on Bad to the Bone releases. “Get Up and Dance” tightens up their relationship as the sultry singer steps up as a co-writer alongside Wade and bass guitarist Jo Phillpotts. This upbeat single is an undeniable celebration of dance soaked in deep groove and is sure to serve as a clear window into what’s to come with their upcoming eleventh album slated for release on June 5.
Get up and check the track out in this SoulTracks’ First Listen.
By J Matthew Cobb
