Let’s be honest, Barcelona has never been known as a hotbed of great soul, funk and rhythm ’n’ blues musical talent – well, not until last summer when The Excitements burst onto the scene. Now at last we can say we have a band who are tight enough to share stages with the likes of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings and Booker T, which they have.

Actually, the guys in The Excitements have been around the Barcelona scene for years, in some of the best R&B bands, honing their skills until the horns, rhythm section and guitars are razor sharp. Then they were lucky enough to recruit the powerhouse of good time funky energy, with blistering vocal chords, that is their singer Koko Jean. Since their debut shows a year ago, the band have gone from strength to strength, scorching a path across Spain, France and Germany, becoming a festival favorite and gaining a reputation as one of the best live bands to come out of the city in many years.

The sound of The Excitements is rooted firmly in 60s soul and R&B: James Brown, Etta James, Sugar Pie DeSanto and Chess and Stax Records. Mozambique-born, singer Koko Jean is reminiscent of a young Tina Turner, with the same relentless onstage energy and dynamic presence. Her voice is raw and soulful, rich and passionate; imagine all your favorite female soul singers compressed into one explosive package and you’re halfway there.

The Excitements have released a handful of 45s and a self-titled album on local label Penniman Records which, to retain the authenticity of their sound, is recorded in mono. Produced by Mike Mariconda, the album features covers of cult R&B artists such as Nathaniel Mayer, Barbara Stephens and the legendary Little Richard to which the band give their own original interpretations. The Excitements are a band that live up to their name 100 percent, winning over both the soul aficionados and more casual gig-goers alike.

October 21

LA FARINERA DEL CLOT. Gran Vía, 837 (Sant Martí)

myspace.com/theexcitements