(October 23, 2020) When someone complains that they don’t make R&B bands like they used to, just point them to Austin, Texas and the nine piect band Honey Made (Willie Barnes II, Vocals; Donald R Ford Jr., Vocals; Brian Cokeley, Keys; Lee Braverman, Bass; Chris Barnes, Drums and Vocals; Mark Saldana, Percussion; Dustin Hunter, Tenor Saxophone and Baritone Saxophone; Joseph Morrow, Trumpet and Flugelhorn; and Donald McDaniel, Trombone). They are bringing classic soul sounds forward to 2020 with respect but not homage.
Honey Made has been a popular touring act, but has never released a full length album. That ends on November 6, with the release of their 10-song LP, Brand New. The band’s horn section and strong rhythm section make for the kind of full-bodied sound that is tough to find these days, and it works well throughout Brand New.
We’re excited to be bringing a sneak peek from the upcoming album to SoulTrackers in the form of our World Premiere of the soulful ballad, “Be True,” featuring guest vocalist Tamara Mack. The song is affirming, and the band tells us, “‘Be True’ is a soul anthem that carries that message that satisfaction comes from being true to yourself. Being true means that you are honest with yourself and others and that the approval of others is fleeing but being your authentic self is lasting.”
It is the kind of song that could have been a Stax smash, circa, 1969, and Honey Made absolutely nails it. Check out “Be True” below and welcome Honey Made to SoulTracks.
World Premiere!
Honey Made – “Be True”
