Jeb Loy Nichols, the UK-based, US-born artist and songsmith, has been putting out his own singular brand of smoky retro soul for over two decades, gathering a fervent cult following along the way. Nichols, backed by his touring band, the Westwood All-Stars, has released his new studio album, June Is Short, July Is Long. Raised on bluegrass and country & western music, Nichols discovered southern soul when he was a teenager. From there it was off to New York City and hip-hop, then to London and reggae and dancehall. It was this potent mix of genres – classic American roots music and Jamaican reggae, dub and dancehall – that’s since been his signature.