Honoré “It’s Over” / “Innocent & Real” — 7" Vinyl

Soul Jones Records proudly presents the debut double A-side from Detroit-born, Toronto-based soul siren Honoré (pronounced honour-ray).

Both tracks were written and conceived by Honoré, drawing inspiration from the lush, luxurious soul of the ’70s. She enlisted producers Maurice ‘Pirahnahead’ Herd (musical credits include: Sy Smith, Pocket Queen, Frankie Zulferino) and Thomas McKay (Nightcrawlers, S.E.L., Charles Bradley) to bring her vision to life. Backed by the Detroit Soulchestra – an 18-piece ensemble featuring full brass section, harp, and strings – and joined by her crack session band, the Detroit Lovers.

“It’s Over”, co-written with Timothy Bovaconti and chosen as Side A by the toss of a coin, opens with a brass fanfare and an arrangement worthy of Thom Bell. Antony Gordon’s Rhodes and Wayne Gerard’s wah-wah guitar lay down a bittersweet groove, echoing the sweet Stax ballads of the Soul Children and Shirley Brown. Honoré’s voice soars with poise and dignity, weaving through the strings before the track swells into a rousing, handclap-driven anthem.

Flip to “Innocent & Real” – or start there; this is a true double A-side – and you’ll find another modern soul classic. Seemingly using all five of her octaves, Honoré delivers a performance that’s both ethereal and intimate, evoking Angela Bofill and Niecy at their best. As Echoes Magazine put it: “A vocal that soars to the stratosphere when pushed to its limits.” The song captures the hopeful rush of new love – romantic but unpretentious – with a keys solo to die for by Gordon, and a beat by Ron Otis reminiscent of the great Earl Young.

Available to order as a collectors’ edition on vinyl – don’t miss out. Dig it.

Recorded at (Music) Rustbelt Studios, Royal Oak, MI, (Vocals) Exeter Sound Studios, Toronto, ON

“It’s Over”

Written by Maureen Honoré & Timothy Bovaconti
Produced by Maurice “Pirahnahead” Herd and Thomas McKay
Arranged by Maurice “Pirahnahead” Herd
Bass: Takashi IIo
Guitar: Wayne Gerard
Drums: Ron Otis
Keys/Synth: Antony Gordon
Percussion: Larry Fratangelo
Strings and Horns: Detroit Soulchestra Ensemble by Maurice Herd, contractor: John Madison
Backing vocals: The Ward Family (Keir, Coleman, Aram, Timothy), Maureen Honoré

“Innocent & Real”

Written by Maureen Honoré
Produced by Maurice “Pirahnahead” Herd and Thomas McKay
Arranged by Maurice “Pirahnahead” Herd
Bass: Takashi IIo
Guitar: Wayne Gerard
Drums: Ron Otis
Keys/Synth: Antony Gordon
Percussion: Larry Fratangelo
Strings and Horns: Detroit Soulchestra Ensemble by Maurice Herd, contractor: John Madison
Backing vocals: Maureen Honoré