I am not sure who really set things off, but I started to take notice of this new breed of U.K. soul singers when Joss Stone started topping the charts years ago. Alice Russell is one of the hottest vocalists from across the pond, but she’s hardly new to the scene. Russell has built a burgeoning career recording and performing with artists such as Massive Attack, The Roots, and De La Soul. Perhaps it’s a rebuttal to the studio-polished music created today, but I find British artists like Russell refreshing. Many simple yet varied band accompaniments, including a great brass section, really make her upcoming release Pot of Gold shine. The album drops January 6, 2009 but you can download the digital copy now. Don’t forget to check out a free single “Got the Hunger?“