Smoove & Turrell

Smoove & Turrell are a British group hailing from Gateshead in the North East of England. They play a style of music they describe as “Northern Funk” – a contemporary fusion of funk, soul, northern soul, hip-hop and electronica. The band is composed of Jonathan Scott Watson and singer / songwriter John Turrell.

The story of Smoove & Turrell began in the post millennium North East of England with a group of working class lads and a shared passion for soul. Smoove had met keyboardist Mike Porter through the local music scene in Newcastle and recruited him for his ‘Smoove Live’ project for the label Acid Jazz. Around Mike’s house one day they overheard a neighbour singing sublime melodies in his garage with friends which turned out to be none other than a young John Turrell practicing in a band called ‘The Stevies’. After a couple of further sessions ‘scouting’ him they finally knocked on the door and had a chat and hit it off straight away.

Released in October 2023, Red Ellen is the seventh studio album from Geordie soul heavyweights Smoove & Turrell. Following the club-inspired success of Stratos Bleu, which topped the UK Dance Album Chart, Red Ellen takes a more organic, soul-driven turn—still dancefloor-ready, but rooted in optimism, compassion, and working-class realism.

Doors at 8pm