Young Dutchman Bo Saris comes from the Dutch town of Haarlem, a place that lent its name to soul music's spiritual home in New York City.
Inspired by his father's career as a popular jazz singer in Hollang, Bo grew up listening to his mother's collection of soul and funk music before making a musical debut at school and playing his first gig aged just 16.
Converting to hip-hop in his teens, Bo discovered Prince and now adds a contemporary edge to his take on classic soul.
In 2011, he performed in Amsterdam at a tribute concert to soul icon Bill Withers, and found himself chatting to one of his idols at the after-show party.
"When we started talking I realised this guy was one of the most humble people - maybe the most humble person - I have met in my life. Such a pure and beautiful person. That blew me away. His musical legacy speaks for itself but the man himself is very inspiring. The whole conversation was inspiring for me and I took very important things out of it." he said of the meeting.
Just before the encounter Bo had set up residence in London in a bid to launch his UK career, whilst still staying "true to the black music - soul, blues, jazz, funk - that is my influence and inspiration."
Now he's gearing up to release his debut album 'Gold' at the end of the month, and leads the way with single 'She's On Fire'.
'Gold' is available from July 28 through Deram Records.