aaamusic | On 19, Jun 2015

The distinctive New York singing duo “Saun & Starr”, Saundra Williams and Starr Duncan Lowe, share an interest in soul and began their long lasting friendship at an open mic night in Harlem in the 1980s. Often they’re seen with their upper arms together, rocking to maintain the tempo of their music.

For five years they sang backing vocals for Grammy nominated Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, but now they’re  in the spotlight! They’ve become the focus of attention by sharing lead vocals on their debut album Look Closer, recorded with Brooklyn based Grammy winners The Dap-Kings.

Look Closer was recorded at Daptone Records’ House of Soul in Brooklyn and released by the label on 18^th May, 2015. Daptone has always been an independent  label with a close family feel and here Gabriel Roth produced, all but one of the 11 songs recorded being an original.

The smoky and expressive title opener ‘Look Closer (Can’t You See The Signs?)’ is followed by their 2014 single ‘Hot Shot’, Daptone’s best selling 45 to date with fine percussion and an adventurous brass section. ‘Gonna Make Time’ has a relaxed charm, whilst  bright ‘Sunshine (You’re Blowin’ My Cool)’ sparkles with joy. Emotional ‘Big Wheel’ is a compulsive dance floor number with rich vocal harmonies and the lively ‘Your Face Before My Eyes’ has a gospel inspired drama and passion.

Saun & Starr enjoy those catchy and infectious vintage sounds from the soulful 60s. To them, that was a wonderful golden age that they loved when they were growing up. In this versatile debut album they’ve created both carefree love songs and serious ballads which they sing with great drive, rhythm and energy.

Anthony Weightman