Bunch Of Fives: Neeb – Feeling Tonight

Hartlepool jazz‑soul quartet NEEB return with their new single Feeling Tonight, a sharp hit of 80s‑leaning disco soul that came together almost fully formed during a jam at the band’s Mobeus studio. It’s the first glimpse of their second album, due February 2027.

Musically, the track exude organ‑driven groove, rhythmic guitar, stellar synths and tight, snappy beats, creating a dance‑inducing backdrop for a cool, effortless melodic lead that grows progressively more soulful. It’s a finely polished, seasonal sound built for a social summer evening spent with friends.

Here, the band share five jazz, soul, funk and groove-led tracks that have helped shape their sound…

Atjazz – Endless
I’ve been inspired by Martin Iveson’s music since the mid-90s, when I first heard his classic Labfunk album. “Endless” is everything I love about Atjazz: forward-thinking soulfulness, reflective grace and a groove that feels completely timeless. Or, as the title says, endless.

Herbie Hancock feat. Chaka Khan – The Essence
This track is built on a relentless bassline and hypnotic rhythm, with cool Rhodes chords, an out-there piano solo and Chaka Khan’s unmistakable voice sitting right at the centre. It has that perfect balance of musicianship, groove and soul — sophisticated, but still completely physical.

Nuyorican Soul feat. Jocelyn Brown – I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun
An excellent cover of the Rotary Connection song, with a brilliant funky rhythm section, a catchy acoustic piano riff and huge massed vocals, led by the great Jocelyn Brown. It captures that Nuyorican Soul magic of bringing jazz, soul, house and Latin influences together into something uplifting and completely alive. The 4hero remix is also incredible.

Esperanza Spalding – Good Lava
“Good Lava”, from Emily’s D+Evolution, stands out because of the incredible chemistry between the full band and Esperanza Spalding’s vocals. Everything feels tightly locked together, but never stiff — the groove is complex, effortless and constantly moving.

Spalding’s vocal and bass performances are both amazing, especially the way she and the band seem to slur phrases together while staying rhythmically locked in. The song pulls from jazz, funk, prog and soul, creating this sense of controlled chaos that keeps building momentum from beginning to end.

Sister Sledge – Thinking Of You
Written and produced by Chic in 1979, “Thinking Of You” is a perfect example of disco, soul and pop craft working together effortlessly. It has one of Bernard Edwards’ best basslines — melodic, funky and instantly recognisable — alongside an incredible vocal performance from Kathy Sledge.

There’s a real lightness to the track, but underneath that it’s all precision: the groove, the arrangement, the guitar, the backing vocals, everything locked into place. It’s joyful, sophisticated and completely timeless.