Step into a sonic time machine with Curtis Harding as he takes the stage for Germany's iconic Rockpalast series. Captured live at the Haldern Pop Festival in 2018, this performance is a masterclass in vintage soul delivered with modern-day fire. Harding, a Michigan native steeped in the legacy of Motown, channels the raw emotion and gritty funk of the 60s and 70s, creating a sound he aptly dubs 'slop 'n' soul'—a rich blend of soul, blues, gospel, and rock.
Backed by a razor-sharp band, Harding commands the stage with effortless cool, his powerful vocals soaring over tight grooves and psychedelic guitar riffs. The setlist draws heavily from his acclaimed album 'Face Your Fear,' a collaboration with producer Danger Mouse, featuring standout tracks like the introspective title track and the urgent 'Need Your Love.' Before his solo career took off with the 2014 debut 'Soul Power,' Harding honed his craft as a backup singer for Cee-Lo Green and a member of a Black Lips garage-rock offshoot, and that diverse experience shines through in his dynamic performance.
This full concert recording showcases an artist at the peak of his powers. From the opening notes of 'The Driver' to the closing anthem 'Keep On Shining,' Harding and his band deliver a set that is both a reverent nod to the past and a bold statement for the future of soul music. It's a sweaty, heartfelt, and utterly captivating show.