The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra feat Willy Jordan to Release New Album “What Can We Do?” on July 24th, 2026
Nola Blue Records announces new album from The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra featuring Willy Jordan
LANCASTER, Pa. – June 16, 2026 – PRLog — Nola Blue Records is proud to announce the July 24 release of What Can We Do?, the highly anticipated follow-up to the multi-Blues Music Award-nominated What Are You Waiting For?, the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra‘s 2024 collaboration with vocalist Willy Jordan.
The San Francisco, California-based Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra was founded in 2007 by guitarist/songwriter Anthony Paule after a phone call from his friend, Noel Hayes. The call was requesting a backing band for Philadelphia soul and blues singer, Frank Bey, who was coming to the area to perform at Biscuits and Blues. Now, nineteen years after that fateful call, the APSO has earned multiple nominations and widespread recognition as a respected musical powerhouse, driven by horns and inspired by authentic Soul and Blues recordings of the ’60s and ’70s.
Renowned for having strong, authentic singers fronting the unit, the incomparable vocalist Willy Jordan now holds court from a throne previously occupied by Wee Willie Walker, Frank Bey, and Terrie Odabi. Having worked with Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio (which garnered him two Grammy Award nominations) and John Lee Hooker, Jordan’s commanding vocals and unpretentious stage presence give audiences an honest, fresh, heartfelt experience.
On What Can We Do?, the powerful songwriting synergy and unmistakable retro-soul sound of the APSO is on glorious display for eleven resonant originals and one compelling cover that will move you in the moment–and stay in your soul. Producer Larry Batiste returns using the same key ingredients from the winning formula for What Are You Waiting For? applied to the new compositions.
“Our shared history of working with the late Frank Bey creates a beautiful bridge from past to present, and beyond,” says Nola Blue Records President, Sallie Bengtson. “Long before his signing to Nola Blue Records, Frank Bey’s powerful voice inspired the formation of the APSO. It is a source of great pride to now work with that very unit, representing its newest offering, magically connecting the threads of Frank’s influence on us all and carrying that energy forward in a completely new musical adventure.”
Christine Vitale, songwriter, shares, “I’ve worked on every APSO recording. Despite the inevitable challenges and insecurities that show up at a recording session, the music always wins. Always! Once the recording started, it was like magic. Every musician in this band is phenomenal, and together they seem to cast a spell on each song, bringing the lyrics to life.This is a great album, and I hope you enjoy it!”
“What Can We Do? is the culmination of many songwriting sessions, sitting around our dining room table with Christine Vitale, Larry Batiste, and Willy Jordan,” says Anthony Paule. “Sometimes we have a musical idea, like a progression, or just a guitar riff. Other times we have a hook, or simply a line for a song. It’s a wonderful and gratifying experience to watch the seed of an idea go from our dining room table, to the recording studio, and then out into the world as part of a finished album. We’re very proud of the results. Enjoy the music!”
Album preorders begin June 26 with the release of “You Lie Like a Rug,” the lead single from the album. Visit www.anthonypaule.com and follow the APSO on Facebook and YouTube @AnthonyPauleSoulOrchestra for all album updates and tour news.
By: Nola Blue Records