Music
& Books

Album reviews

Bandcamp

“His latest album, 1634 Lexington Avenue, seems set to usher him into the current retro soul circle headed up by Lee Fields and Durand Jones. It’s a warm LP, released on the Finnish label Timmion, a living love letter to the tone and tenor of classic ‘60s and ‘70s soul. Smith’s soaring, emotive voice is backed by rustic drums and gritty stabs of brass provided by the label’s house band, Cold Diamond & Mink. 

Right from the get-go, the album comes good on striking a timeless note, while also conveying Smith’s superfan-style enthusiasm and encyclopedic knowledge of soul music.”

–Phillip Mlynar, Bandcamp

CLICK HERE AND ORDER YOUR COPY NOW!

Earmilk

The band provides appropriately earthy and buoyant instrumentals in support of Smith’s passionate vocal delivery as he sings about the majesties of a life-altering romance. “This Is What Love Looks Like!” offers a reminder of the magic of analog and proves that while the equipment might be old, the vitality of the style will always live on.”

–Evan Crandell, Earmilk

Spill Magazine

”Smith’s raw and sultry vocals ahead of a masterfully tuned band will send you to a time warped dream land. A place where your daily driver converts to a straight-off-the-lot ‘76 Cadillac Eldorado. As it pounds the pavement, the music floats into the streets and you approach your destination: A soul-fuelled sonic paradise.”

–J.D. McIvor,
Spill Magazine

“There isn’t a bad track on the album. Every song brings you to a different place.”

–J.D. McIvor,
Spill Magazine

Exclaim

“And while he’s not a Screaming Eagle of Soul like Bradley, Smith instead carves his own niche in a higher register and with a crisper and nimbler tone. That means he won’t practically blow the doors off the venue with his vulnerable wails, like that late, great forbear. Instead, Smith more casually speak-sings you back from the ledge you’re teetering on, or sweet talks you into his rhythmic embrace. By paying proper homage to his soul elders, while also employing more distinctly subtle singing and a greater relatability via his plainspoken lyrics, Smith sets himself apart with 1634 Lexington Avenue.”

–Kyle Mullin, Exclaim 

 

 

Carlton Jumel Smith collection tees & hoodies!

Carlton Jumel Smith has teamed up with the crew from We Do Dope $#!+ to create his signature tee shirt, hoodies and pullovers available in multiple colors.

Carlton Jumel Smith signature collection

Books

In his upcoming book Carlton shares mindblowing stories about his life full of and influenced by soul music. These stories will hold no great revelations about anybody or any scandal – they are simply personal remembrances of for example James Brown who allowed a fan to be near him and treated said fan with the utmost respect.

There’s an entire chapter dedicated to James Brown in the book, “All That Matters Is The Music” and that has FAR more stories about some of the greatest soul singers of all times.

“Have you ever been so happy upon seeing your idol that after he hugs you, you’re so nervous that you go to put your hand in your pocket and instead you put your hand in HIS pocket?

Mr. Brown laughed good naturedly, looked me in the eye and said in the sweetest, kindest voice, “…Carlton? TAKE YOUR HAND OUT OF MY G**DAMNED POCKET!!!..”

(Just kidding, he said no such thing! He was as gracious as always.)”

Please feel free to preorder a copy of Carlton’s book: “ALL THAT MATTERS IS THE MUSIC”