(April 25, 2025) During the 80’s, Georgie B was the percussionist and lead vocalist with the funk ensemble Second Image, whose short career earned major kudos from U.K. Soul fans. After working alongside urban music legends Jean Carn, Maze feat. Frankie Beverly and more, this London, England-based artist and his new collective, The Groove Association, took the baton from the Second Image era in delivering feeling fine, smooth flowing funky dance vibes.
Georgie B’s discography of singles, E.P.’s and albums under the GAB Music label (launched in 2011) has remained faithful to his musical outlook, earning several chart appearances on the U.K. Soul Charts. And SoulTracks stamped a solid recommendation of Georgie B’s Soul Family Affair album in 2016 with drummer Weston Foster and vocalist Deborah Bond as part of the Groove Association, blending an impressive menu of funk, smooth jazz and disco without overdramatic vocal runs and gimmicks.
On the heels of Georgie B’s U.K. Soul Chart topping “Soul Night” showcased on First Listen in 2024, the silky grooves and old school soulful savvy stay in the Groove Association forefront with their new single, “Upside Down,” our latest First Listen spotlight. This song illustrates how a lover swims in confusion, bearing his frustrations when there are communication issues: “Gave you my love/But you threw it away.”
As “Upside Down” rides on a steppers soundtrack headed up with electric piano, there is a pleasant surprise with a jazz-tinged acoustic piano solo. Besides the production, songwriting and engineering duties, Georgie B provides a credible lead vocal matching the narrative of one striving to make romance right. Undoubtedly, U.K. soul strikes again, checking off all the positive listening boxes.
By Peggy Oliver
