Martha High & Speedometer

Martha Highs' impeccable soul credentials are beyond question. She was a member of The Jewels, who in the mid 60's were part of The James Brown Revue, and also released two 45s produced by James Brown, Although The Jewels eventually disbanded, Martha continued to be a part of the live James Brown show for the next 30 years! It's Martha's voice that graces JB classics such as 'Say It Loud - I'm Black & I'm Proud' & 'The Big Payback' amongst many others. She also recorded a solo album, for Salsoul Records in 1979, also produced by Soul Brother Number 1, which added a touch of soulful disco to her enviable array of singing talents.

In 1995, Martha was invited to tour with ex JB sax master Maceo Parker, joining another former James Brown band member "Sweet Charles" Sherrell in an incredible, feisty line up that is touring to this day.

After featuring on Freestyle mainstays Speedometers' 2011 album 'The Shakedown', and touring with the band, leader Leigh Gracie and Martha formulated the idea for her to record an album on which she would re-interpret some classics, and give a new angle to some more contemporary funk & soul compositions.

'Soul Overdue' is an incredibly apt title for a project that has been over 40 years in the making, and it shows that Martha's' voice remains undiminished, her youthful vocal clarity and style quite simply dazzles, as she shows a host of young pretenders the way it should be done!

"An album that captures one of soul music’s most powerful voices. 4 Stars!" Mojo magazine


"A beautifully measured album full of vim and vigour"
Blues & Soul magazine, Blues & Soul magazine

"Martha was good enough for ‘The Godfather’ – she’s good enough for me. Funky heaven!"
Peter Young, Jazz FM