Hackney based vocalist Jerome Thomas has been building a reputation as soul singer to keep an eye on for a number of years. Various projects over the have offered a tease of his velvet falsetto. Once you caught a listen you were left wondering when are we gonna get more? Well, the wait is over. “That special Sauce”, Thomas’s full length debut on Rhythm Section International is filled with hot buttered soul gems dripping with sensuality and romanticism. Thomas ecshews electronics in favor of a six piece band and the result is an organic session that provides the canvas for his passionate lyrics. On the slow burning “Secret” Thomas’s subdued yet seductive vocals sets the mood for an intimate connection. “Settle Down” is fueled by the subtle yet poignant bass licks. The laidback drumming is in the pocket and tailor made for Kwesi Mcintosh’s melodic bass grooves sprinkled throughout the disc. Despite the fact there’s only seven tracks here you’ll get caught up in the rapture nonetheless. Simply stated this is blue lights in the basement music from a rising star in UK soul.
