The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra (APSO) returns with a powerful reminder that music can be both a reflection of the world’s challenges and a call to action. American Blues Scene is proud to exclusively premiere the video for “What Can We Do,” a moving collaboration featuring the Sons of the Soul Revivers and a message of hope, unity, and collective responsibility.
Led by two-time Grammy nominee Willy Jordan (Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio), APSO has always been built around the idea that soul music transcends boundaries. The video brings together studio footage of the Sons of the Soul Revivers, a group recently honored with a 2026 Arhoolie Award, in what became one of Walter’s final recording sessions before his passing.
The video also carries subtle tributes to the late Frank Bey, whose connection to APSO runs deep. Bey was instrumental in the group’s original formation and later became a Nola Blue recording artist. In 2014, APSO performed alongside Bey at the Porretta Soul Festival, where they shared “peace hearts” with the audience during his signature rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” One side read “Peace,” while the other featured “Pace,” the Italian word for peace. The tradition comes full circle in the video’s closing moments, which feature APSO performing “What Can We Do” during a recent appearance at the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia, Italy.
Hearing voices from around the world join in the refrain underscores the song’s universal message: that we are all connected and share responsibility for the future we create.
Anthony Paule tells American Blues Scene:
What can we do? We started writing this song during the pandemic, but only got around to finishing it this year. Unfortunately, the topics are still timely. So many questions.
“What Can We Do” juxtaposes urgent lyrics about the state of the planet with music that remains hopeful and uplifting. The song’s words echo the wisdom of Jane Goodall, whose message appears in the album packaging: “Every single one of us makes an impact on this planet every single day…”
