In various guises the Midlands’ soul band Stone Foundation have been knocking on the door of success for many years now, but down to their relentless hard work, strong commitment and an unwavering belief in themselves their fourth album ‘Street Rituals’ should prove to be the record that eventually sees them being let right in. Produced by Paul Weller – who also features on all ten of the album tracks with his piano, guitar and voice as well as taking the lead vocal on ‘Your Balloon Is Rising’ – ‘Street Rituals’ is scheduled for release on the 31st of March 2017 through 100% Records.
To herald the album’s arrival, Stone Foundation have just released a new single ‘Seasons of Change’. The song features a beautifully understated yet quite imperious lead vocal from the legendary soul singer Bettye LaVette, who emerged out of the Detroit R&B music scene of the 1960s, and comes complete with a powerful accompanying video directed by the Bristol based film maker Richard Edkins. In a world that is very quickly going to hell in a hand cart, the song and video are firmly united in their fundamental message of hope for the future.
The video stitches together various pieces of disturbing news reel from across the ages, footage reflecting years of discrimination, subjugation and exploitation. Yet amidst these scenes of persecution and oppression there are clips of Muhammad Ali, Mahatma Ghandi, Malala Yousafzai, Pussy Riot and Rosa Parks, global icons invested in the true spirit of peaceful protest, civil disobedience and the promotion of civil rights. These inspirational social and political figures reflect the central thrust of ‘Season of Change’ that true power can still rest with the people and their collective voice of reason.
Stone Foundation online:
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Full tour details and ticket links are as follows:
31st March: London, Royal Albert Hall Supporting Paul Weller
27th April: Bristol, The Fleece Tickets
28th April: Manchester, The Ruby Lounge Tickets
29th April: Norwich, Norwich Arts Centre Tickets
5th May: Coventry, The Empire Tickets
6th May: Brighton, Concorde 2 Tickets
12th May: Leeds, The Wardrobe Tickets
13th May: London, Islington Assembly Hall Tickets
18th May: Newcastle, The Cluny Tickets
19th May: Edinburgh, Voodoo Rooms Tickets
