Hailing from the northeast of England, Smoove & Turrell formed when producer Smoove discovered vocalist John Turrell through a chance encounter. Joined by keyboardist Mike Porter, the trio began crafting music that fused northern soul with modern funk, culminating in their debut album, Antique Soul. With heavy support from BBC’s Craig Charles, the band quickly gained traction, earning national radio playlists and a loyal fanbase.
Their breakout track, I Can’t Give You Up, became a cult classic, and subsequent albums like Crown Posada and Mount Pleasant showcased their socially conscious lyrics, genre-blending sound, and irresistible dancefloor energy. In 2020, Stratos Bleu hit No. 1 on the UK Dance Album Chart, further solidifying their status as one of the UK’s premier soul acts.
Now seven albums deep, their latest release, Red Ellen (2023), continues to reflect their working-class roots with uplifting messages of love and compassion.