George Smallwood, the blind soulman of Hyattsville, Md., is often described as having cult status, but the cult’s pretty select—less like the Tea Party, more like the Coffee Party. As Washington City Paper reported last November, Smallwood’s no-regrets but long-dormant career is coming back to life quietly—smoothly might be the better adverb—thanks to vinyl nerds and retro-minded, small-label A&R types who rediscover his groove-based crooning via rare records and word-of-mouth. The title of his biggest song, “Touching Is My Thing,” might suggest a cock ‘n’ soul style that’s actually miles away from Smallwood’s forte: writing and remixing simple soul over bouncy, but always mellow, long-form beats.

GEORGE SMALLWOOD PERFORMS WITH FATBACK AT 9 P.M. AT THE 9:30 CLUB, 815 V ST. NW. $10. (202) 265-0930.