Soul Woman Michelle David and the thumping & stomping True-Tones

Michelle David & The True-Tones have released their third album: Soul Woman. Actually, it's already their seventh if you count the four Michelle David & The Gospel Sessions albums. If we go even further in the past, the collaboration between guitarists Onno Smit and Paul Willemsen with Michelle David goes back to the influential deep funk outfit Lefties Soul Connection. In between, Onno and Paul made a number of hits with the roots rock band Beans & Fatback that have been used more than 50 times in American television series, films and commercials (such as Use Me for Suits, Sally the Shape for Shameless).

On the new record, the band has succeeded in capturing the live feel and groove. This can be heard right at the beginning in the Motown beat of the opening track Running and the Fela Kuti afro funk of the title track.

In record store Concerto in Amsterdam, the band gave an in-store performance this weekend to celebrate the release. Onno Smit and Paul Willemsen immediately put down their characteristic sound full of “thump & stomp” guitar playing in a place where you certainly can't turn the amplifiers up to 11. Whereas drummer Bas Bouma normally plays gigs on a massive bass drum, here between the vinyl records he uses a more discreet format. Michelle David however does not hold back and gives all her energy from the very first moment she starts singing. The New Funky was able to ask Paul Willemsen a few questions before and after the gig.

TNF: Your bass sound is very soulful and funky, which bass did you use during the show?

Paul: That red guitar of mine is a bass VI. So it looks like a guitar, but is a bass with two extra strings.

TNF: Which song on the record are you most proud and satisfied of and why?

Paul: Hard to choose one of course. I'm actually very happy with the whole record. I want to highlight 'Pick up the pieces'. It came together very nicely, I think. Lots of emotion, beautiful harmony and a melody that sticks in my head, plus an intense groove.

TNF: You first recorded the basis of the album in your own studio, then horns and background vocals. Still, the album has a live feel, how did you manage that? 

Paul: Well, most of it is live. Bass, guitar, drums and often lead vocals. Furthermore, we also do one performance for the dubs as much as possible, so not many different takes. And not too many layers.

TNF: If Michelle is a soul woman, then Onno, Bas and you are soul men. Is that true and what does it mean to be one?

Paul: Haha, well I don't know. Maybe in so far as we play with a certain intensity, with soul you could say.

The vinyl album Soul Woman will soon be available on Funk & Soul Records.nl. Songs of the album are featured on The New Funky playlists on Spotify.