Ural Thomas made his return to the stage in 2017, when he and his backing band signed with Tender Loving Empire. Though he hadn’t performed professionally since the early 70’s, Ural never stopped loving music. This made his comeback a smooth and entertaining one. Equally as strong as his love for music is his love for people. With any music he makes, his goal is to lighten the heart of those who are listening. To quote; “If we make someone smile we’re satisfied. They’re ain’t no difference between us. It’s all love and brotherhood. If folks listen to my record and feel that I’ll feel very blessed.” We got in touch with Ural for a quick chat about his return to the music business. 

The Deli Portland: After taking such a long break, what prompted you to start recording and performing again?

Well, I missed the people and I was so happy to find out the people missed me!

What has it been like working with Tender Loving Empire?

We love em, and look forward to developing the friendship further.

Can you tell us more about why you decided to name your debut album The Right Time? 

Because it is just that, it is the right time. All moments in life are the right time because tomorrow is not promised to any of us.

What do you enjoy most about performing? 

Connection to the people.

What do you think your next goal is as an artist? 

We have discovered a love of touring in Europe and we'd like to go back.

You can see Ural Thomas & The Pain live April 19th at Revolution Hall, alongside Federale, and Orquestra Pacifico Tropical.

  -By Avril Carrillo, photo by Robert Delahanty

Ural Thomas has a new album, The Right Time, coming out with his band Ural Thomas & The Pain, via Tender Loving Empire. Thomas is best known for opening for legends such as Otis Redding and the Rolling Stones. Now, at 80 years old, Thomas is releasing a brand new album. The album is a great one, proving that time can’t dull a talent and passion for making music. On “No Distance (Between You & Me),” his voice is fresh, bright, and full of a hopeful energy that is heartening to hear. On some slower songs, like “Gotta Say (I Love You),” Thomas’ crooning is incredibly tender and smooth. It easily rivals acts such as The Miracles. Yet, despite how rooted in 60’s R&B Thomas is, it doesn't mean his music isn’t for the modern day. Ural Thomas makes music that could soothe any heartbreak or put some fire in anybody's step, be it the 60s or 2018. While the album won't be out till September 28th, you can pre-order the album now, here. Ural Thomas & The Pain will also be playing the Aladdin Theater a day after the release, on Sep 29th.

  -By Avril Carrillo, Photo By Brud Giles

 Local record label and boutique music agency Marmoset specializes in seeking out some of the most talented acts and songs ranging from the timeless and rare to the emerging and engaging. Their latest endeavor, the Transference compilation LP, focuses particularly on songs lesser unknown and possibly forgotten.

In making Transference, Marmoset's producers combined through the public domain for songs 100 years old and up. As they developed their extensive collection, they invited a series of artists join in on reimagining and rerecording some of these tracks. Marmoset's team worked closely with the participating artists in evolving each track from its original beauty to a newly fashioned merit.

Some of the artists featured on Transference include Ural Thomas and the Pain doing a soulfully rhythmic rendition of "Hot Time in the Old Town," originally recorded in 1896, The Helio Sequence's vision of the Bing Crosby-recorded standard "Down Among the Sheltering Palms" as "Out Among the Sheltering Pines," and an electronic interpretation of Eugene Lockhart and Ernest Seitz 1919 classic "The World is Waiting for the Sunrise" done by Distance and Frankie Simone.

What Marmoset has managed to create is an anthology of imaginative appreciation, showcasing a history of imaginative talent and musicianship. Dive into the 10 tracks on Transference below.

The 2016 Mississippi Street Fair is TOMORROW and it couldn't have come at a better time in the week with all of the awful, tragic occurrences in the news lately. Starting at 10am, the street fair will be hosting almost 40 bands along with two beer gardens, a rib-off competition, a dunk tank and the awarding of the Mayor of Mississippi Ave....all for free!

Five different stages will base all the artists at different intersections along Mississippi Ave., with one fully dedicated to music for the kids. Get your fill of r&b and soul with Blossom and Ural Thomas & the Pain, dance out of this world with Dreckig, go into an indie daze with Candace and Little Star, and try not to get confused by the three-in-a-row lineup of Jackson Boone, Boone Howard and Barna Howard at the Courtyard Stage, plus so much more.

More information on the lineup and the other festivities, check out Mississippi Ave.'s website.