English "Northern funk" band Smoove & Turrell combine elements of funk, Northern soul, and hip-hop for a classic sound with a contemporary twist, becoming a staple and a figurehead of the thriving Northern English funk and soul scene in the early 2010s. The band revolves around the core duo of DJ/producer Jonathan Scott Watson (aka Smoove) and vocalist/lyricist John Turrell, both of whom already had substantial careers in music by the time they met. After they finished recording their debut album, Antique Soul, they sent it to British institution Jalapeno, who allegedly offered them a deal within the hour. Over the course of three more albums, Smoove & Turrell refined their signature sound of classic, melodic funk and soul with hip-hop influences. ~ John D. Buchanan