It’s not often you encounter an artist who’s had the career trajectory of Ural Thomas. The Portland soul singer got his start back in the 1950s with a doo-wop group called the Monterays, and then later embarked on a solo career, releasing a handful of brassy singles like “Can You Dig It?” and “Pain Is the Name of Your Game.” Thomas never scored any hits, but he developed a following amongst soul purists and collectors of obscure vinyl, and he made something of a comeback in recent years. Now in his mid-70s, Thomas is currently backed by a large group of much younger musicians dubbed the Pain, and they’re working overtime to ensure that Thomas finds a fanbase beyond Portland.
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