By Ian Bremner

By the time Kelly Finnigan was 14, he was making mixtapes, original hip hop beats and already DJ-ing events around town in Los Angeles. Finnigan’s father was a musician, so the idea of making a living playing music was a natural thought. It was working in Village Recording and Cello Studios where he learned the honorably distinguished, yet utterly funky, Hammond B3 Organ.

Since then, Finnigan has had his hand in several projects of today’s soul revival. Upon relocating to Oakland, he joined the Monophonics, the great modern soul band who have toured with the likes of Charles Bradley and George Clinton. Finnigan has also lent his skills to collaborative efforts like fellow California funk group, Orgone, and released the single Catch Me I’m Falling on Colemine Records last fall.

Kelly Finnigan’s debut solo record, The Tales People Tell, is his first of entirely original material. It’s a gloriously heartfelt soul record. In an era where real soul music is truly appreciated, Finnigan is making his claim as one of the current ambassadors.

Tales People Tell is out now on Colemine Records

Listen to Tales People Tell via spotify