New Link for future posts

I am slowly migrating my sites to te link below to tidy them up and keep them all in one place. Please go to the following link for future postings

http://mikeashley.wordpress.com/

The best way to use the new site is to go to the category index on the side panel. This then shows the posts under that category, rather than simply listing all postings chronologically.

The main categories thus far are:-

Independent Soul News

Reviews and New Releases

New York Indie Soul Mixer Official Site

Soul Freedom, the portal for our gigs and radio appearances

Mike Ashley, more personal ramblings from me, the author.

Hopefully they will all transfer alright as I will not have time to check all the historic pages.

Thanks for stopping by

Mike

www.lifeandsoulpromotions.co.uk

Darien - If these walls could talk

Not sure when this is due to drop but is one well worth waiting for. A solid album all the way through with several danceloor friendly tracks.

Just can't wait kicks off in an upbeat style with handclaps, guitar riffa and easy singalong chorus. Gone I guess is more R'n'B dancefloor friendly but still contributing to a strong opening with powerfull beats.

Composure is another top track with excellent instrumentation and an old school feel and one of the top cuts. Where its at, also heavy on the beats and strong on the vocals and a latent hammond organ weaving in and out.

Showya kicks in with a powerful bass and a lazy hypnotic vibe. My Door mellows it down somewhat, an immaculate ballad. Sail Thru is a mellow Stevie esque ballad with a fine trumpet break.

Love Revolution again with strong instrumentation builds into powerful track with lots going on. Nowhere I like a lot, heavy beat, funky organ, laid back vibe, string samples, great guitar work, great vocals.

Saturday is reminiscent of a fun day in the summer just hanging and vibing on the streets. All kinds of things is a funky singalong midtempo ballad, again hammond is prominent.

If these walls could talk, the title track, is an acoustic ballad, allowing appreciation of the vocals and the lyricism, and as it gathers pace it builds into a very prominent track.

An excellent album, very well produced with many top tracks and heartily recommended

Tracks - Just can't wait, Gone, Composure, Where its at, Showya, My Door, Sail Thru, Love Revolution, The Road, Nowhere, WSRD 33.3FM, Saturday, All kinds of things, If these walls could talk, Seasons

http://righteousmusicmedia.com/
http://righteousmusicmedia.com/darien.htm
http://www.myspace.com/Darienonline

Jarrard Anthony - Diary of a Messenger

Jarrard, Julie Dexter and myself @ISMS2008

Review - This album only available at gigs and by download from the links below. Jarrard's previous albums are both different and diverse, the first (to paraphrase greatly) is more straightforward neo soul, the second being conceptual and off the wall - so his work is always interesting and challenging. And so for a man who carries his guitar all the time and everywhere (or at least pretty much every time I have seen him) and is on standby for any opportunity at any moment, it is probably only right and proper than the next thing would be an acoustic set.

This set therefore allows you to hear Jarrard at his rawest best, uncomplicated, yet strong. A couple of the songs are acoustic versions of songs on the earlier albums but are mostly new (to me, anyway).

These kind of albums tend to not appeal to everyone but they do allow you to get deeper into the artist because it is just him and you, stripped right back, to appreciate the lyrics and the vocals and therefore the talent without all the layering and studio niceties, and it certainly has me looking forward to the next album - what will it be? - due in 2009.

Tracks - What can I do, Stay the night, Right from wrong, Didn't U know, Lovesick
get Over, So Long Farewell

http://www.jarrardanthony.com/
http://www.myspace.com/jarrard

Info:-
What if you could combine Beck and Blackstreet?

Thats the queston Jarrard Anthony dares you to ask when you hear his boundary breaking style that travels over landscapes, through atmospheres, and beyond galaxies of a variety of genres, making stops in Soul, Electronica, Jazz, World, Rock, Pop, and Folk musical constellations. With influences from Earth, Wind, and Fire to Seal and Peter Gabriel, JA creates a complete musical cosmos.

Jarrard Anthony, dubbed by UK webzine Darker Than Blue as “Mr. Independent of R&B”, crooned his way into the independent soul arena in 1999 with the release of “So D-vine” from his debut LP “The Dream”. Substantial radio rotation and popularity throughout the east coast immediately made “So D-vine” an "Underground R&B" classic. In 2000, the project was licensed and released in vinyl format as an EP by the UK based Thermite Records/Stonegroove imprint gaining critical acclaim and the #2 position on UK Urban radio with the title track. With his 2004 release of the LP “Don’t Sleep…Just Dream”, Jarrard Anthony gained a larger US audience and broader international appeal including a UK tour featuring a spot on the Southport Weekender International Music Festival. The music video for ”Sweet Memories”, the first single off the LP, received international airplay and aired on over 200 music video shows throughout the US. Without the support and dollars of a major label, both projects still managed to sell several thousands units via online marketing, independent distributors, multi-song licensing deals and non-stop live performances.

In 2005, while working on a new project, JA met producer, Stico Von Drake and created the sound now known as "Electro-Soul". They quickly began producing and writing what led to JA's latest LP, S.ynergistic E.nergy X.change

With a new acoustic E.P. entitled Diary of a Messenger and a new album on the way for 2009, JA is poised step up from the underground of Urban Soul to the surface of Pop/Soul music culture.

Alex Lattimore- Promise

I appreciate that this album has been out for a while and has atained some prominence in the UK (plus more to come so I hear, but not sure if this information can be passed on yet!) - but rather than hide this in the Atlanta Review section I thought I ought to give this a place on its own.

It was a bit by chance that I met Alex. I went to a fantastic event with Nikki Wade not knowing that Alex was on the bill. The event called STIR (promoted by main man Cocktails) included art, discussion, food, various 'sales' of art and craft related goods, vote registration, comedy and music. The event is necely captured on photographer Kat Goduco's website - http://katgoduco.com/2008/09/24/pictures-stir-hosted-by-cocktails-91908/

Ozara Ode was on the bill who I knew and it was great to hear her perform, but I was taking a break, having a look around, and then all of a sudden the quality of the performance, very Luther-esque, in the background captured me. I didn't know who it was immediatley but soon found out that it was Alex Lattimore.

Of course I knew many people that Alex would know, through Atlanta artists but particularly Jive, like Rhonda Thomas, Drea and Chanda Leigh, so that enabled introductions to be made and conversations flow.

Well thats just a story and not much of a review, but suffice to say the album is excellent from start to finish which was quite rightly picked up on by the UK Soul crowd. Whether it is the qulaity ballad Promise or the uptempo Keep Risin to the top or the jazzy interludes the album exudes quality.

Click picture to purchase and review -


Tracks - 1 Kissing You 2 Bernadette 3 Lullabye 4 Promise 5 Jazzman Blues
6 Sunlight in My Rain 7 Windows 8 Keep Risin' to the Top 9 A Million Ways
10 In Your Eyes

Info:-
A native of a city known for its great arts scene, Chicago, Illinois, Alex Lattimore is no stranger to the world of music. Serving as the male vocalist in the former Giant Step Records performing group Jiva, led by Khari Simmons (former bass player for India.Arie), Alex has been notably compared to the vocal styling of such artists as Luther Vandross and Will Downing. At the early age of 5, he began his journey with piano and trumpet lessons while also engaging in the youth choir ensemble at his home church. This led him to perform with a host of phenomenal groups such as the Chicago Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, Sherwood Conservatory Brass Ensemble, Roosevelt University Jazz Band, and the University of Chicago Chamber Orchestra. Alex’s musical journey continued in Atlanta, Georgia, serving as both a horn player (trumpet and flugel) and lead/background vocalist with a number of Atlanta-based acts. This platform allowed him to showcase his countless talents as a songwriter, arranger, instrumentalist, and vocalist.



With his dynamic abilities, Alex was catapulted into opportunities to open for and perform with internationally renowned artists like Tina Turner, Luther Vandross, Michael McDonald, India.Arie, Earl Klugh, The Rippingtons, Groove Collective, Roy Ayers, Kindred The Family Soul, Loose Ends, and Maysa Leak. Alex’s trumpet and vocals have also graced the Julie Dexter and Khari Simmons Brash Music album release of “Moon Bossa”, the Atlanta based group “Jiva” with albums “Sun and Moon’ and “Day Into Night” as well as being a featured vocalist on the beautifully written duet entitled “The Matrimony” from Rhonda Thomas’ album “Breathe New Life” and title track “Once Twice” from the Bugs in The Attic album release “Back in the Dog House.” Alex has also collaborated with D.J. Kemit (formerly of the Grammy award winning group Arrested Development), releasing a single entitled “Rush Hour” (featuring Takana Miyamoto) which found its place on the P-Vine Records compilation “Sol Com Bossa”. Currently Alex is working with the Ananda Project under the direction of Grammy nominated producer Chris Brann. Excerpts from these projects have been widely reviewed leading to a highly anticipated solo release.

Rob Murat - So Much to Say

Click image to purchase and sample


Review -

The Soul World needs albums like this, in that they are heavily influenced on Soul Music from back in the day, and then bring it to another level that is appropriate for today. This album does this from a number of different angles, it's diversity, it's freshness, it's construction, and very powerful tracks.

Perhaps most powerful in many ways, the emotive content, the lyrics, the delivery of the acoustic Something Magical.

But there are many tracks that are of a high calibre - the Amy/Doris Day styled/sampled Dilemma, the upbeat catchy Daytime High, the uplifting and very accessible Celebrate.

Until its over is a cool ballad including some interesting violins, indeed some interesting instrumentation crops up here and there throughout the album.

The remaining tracks are for the most part varied and interesting with ballads, guests, up and downbeat, fine musicianship.

Whilst not every track hit the spot the whole package hangs together well, and there are lots of good things going on, so in that respect it is highly recommended.

Tracks: - 1 Ladies & Gentlemen 2 Dilemma 3 Ready to Love 4 Mr. Soulman ft. Amanda Diva 5 Daytime High 6 Celebrate 7 Something Magical 8 Until It's Over
9 So Much to Say 10 So Much More ft. J. Ivy 11 One Day ft. Blitz the Ambassador
12 Born Again 13 BONUS: Ricky??? 14 BONUS: Know... (Live)

Links: -
http://www.robmurat.com/
www.myspace.com/robmurat

Info:-
Soul music is back! It’s almost impossible to deny that there’s an ongoing resurrection of the genre made popular by pioneers such as Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder and numerous others. After a lack-luster hiatus, R&B and Soul is refreshing again… It’s special again... And it definitely feels good again. Among the pack of souldiers leading this recent upsurge is native New Yorker, Rob Murat. The Queens-born Ivy-League graduate emerges as a leader within the resurgence with intense vocals, creative songwriting, and contagious production that holds music-lovers captive.

Singer, songwriter, producer, and grandson of an international music notable; Rob has been surrounded by music ever since birth. With a childhood immersed in a wide array of musical influences, from hip hop, pop, and R&B to Caribbean, jazz and even classical, Rob developed a vigorous passion for music relatively early in life. His musical upbringing coupled with his experiences as a trumpet soloist, self-taught pianist, impressive composer and vocal arranger has translated into the making of a true artist.

Listening to Rob Murat’s music is like traveling back to the future. The freshness of his sound is reminiscent of the icons that paved the way before him, yet it pushes forward with a unique flavor that hints at something never quite heard before. His passionate performances demand your undivided attention upon delivery. Sold out crowds at New York’s Joe’s Pub, The Village Underground, and L.Q., and Philadelphia’s World Live Café among others have all experienced Rob’s captivating execution firsthand. His sound and style lay a foundation that often flirt with rich tones and live instrumentation, yet at the same time display hip hop sensibilities that peak the interest of the urban listener. His songs deal with a range of matters from the heart and mind with a strong presence of vocal textures that serve as pure audio therapy for the soul. Seldom have love and hate, joy and pain, even tears and laughter been bound so tightly together in such a mesmerizing set.

Rob’s recent accolades include collaborations with Grammy Award winning, G.O.O.D. Music producer, Devo Springsteen (Kanye West, John Legend), and Hip Hop group, Kidz in the Hall; appearances on FOX and BET J TV broadcasts, and the Lennon Award in the R&B category of the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Contest; music placements on a nationwide Verizon Wireless radio ad, and on ESPN and TV One original series. His brand new recording project, So Much to Say, boasts collaborations with emcee/singer, Amanda Diva (Def Poetry Jam, Sirius Radio, MTV2), J. Ivy (Def Poetry Jam, Kanye West’s College Dropout), and rising Hip Hop artist, Blitz the Ambassador .

Yes… Soul music is back! And if Rob Murat has his way, it is here to stay.

Modern Musings………grooves from the Modern Side with Mark Randle

Bennson Whatever It Is (Part 1) (Soul Tornado Remix) (EU Raw Fusion 12”)

Originating from Australia, and released on Sweden’s finest imprint Raw Fusion, comes this belting 12” from Bennson. Two mixes over the twelve, with the Soul Tornado Remix taking the honours for me, this should blow hot for some time on the quality UK dance floors. A driving beat on the intro is soon joined by some nice electric piano stabs which continue throughout. The accomplished gutsy vocal comes in and we’re away, with organ and brass weaving in and out around the memorable hook, which should ensure some dance floor longevity. It has certainly done the business when I’ve played it out. I believe a full CD is only a matter of weeks away, and word is it’s a winner. Of course, it’s difficult to know whether this 12” remix will be included, so I would grab one anyway if I were you.

Fanatix Most cuts (UK BBE CD/LP “This Thing Of Ours”)

I awaited release of this LP with bated breath (well, actually, I didn’t………..so impatient was I that I downloaded the killer tracks ahead of the official release!). In a world traditionally dominated by our US counterparts, the names Aaron Ross and Neil Pierce shine like a beacon and fly the flag proudly for the UK. This is as an essential purchase as you will find in 2008 if quality soulful dance is your bag. Probably of most interest on the extreme soulful end of the spectrum is the Shaun Escoffrey sung “Can’t Let Go”, which I believe is good enough to finally see “Days Like This” and “Music In Me” confined back into the racks of the scenes DJ’s!! Requiring a little more penchant for dance music are the equally good “Ray Of Light” featuring Kadija Kamara and “Higher” with one of my favourite house diva’s Lady Alma (Horton) on vocal chores. Loads of good grooves on here…….Fanatix, Richard Earnshaw, Joey Negro…….big up the UK y’all!!

Neo Smile (UK HCS Records 12”)

This tune has been causing a stir since it was first played at Cleethorpes Weekender in 2007 as Gil Scott-Heron (not sure of the merits of the secrecy!!). It turns out to be French keyboard player Neo, featuring the vocals of Rudy Wilburn, and has been available for some time via Traxsource as an MP3 download, a package which includes a Yukihiro Fukutomi remix not included on the vinyl. However, there is an extended original on the 12” which was not available digitally. Confused yet?? Anyway, this has a good up tempo beat, and like the Bennson 12” has a hook you could hang your hat on (and similarly nice work on the piano/organ). It’s a good record and it’s clear to see why it has such appeal on the UK soul scene. I just wish some of the less obvious house cuts that come through week-in and week-out would get some needle/laser time, as many are just as deserving, if not so instant. And finally, I have to say that the secrecy/cover up malarkey on new releases does more to turn me off a sound than it does to attract me to it, which is a shame when the tune is decent like this one!

Phil Perry Most cuts (US Shanachie CD “Ready For Love”)

So to the issues really good news, and the fact that the man who could sing the Yellow Pages and hold your attention, is back with an album of new material, after his recent preference for cover versions. Yes, the former lead voice behind the Montclair’s is back with a new album for Shanachie records. Do you need it? You bet you do! Opening with the bright, bubbly “Desire” you immediately know you’re in the presence of true brilliance. This is followed by the sumptuous ballad “Ready For Love” on which Perry’s ability really shines, showing that he can still hold a note or two. “Shine On Me” is a likely candidate for the dance floor, adding to Phil’s impressive catalogue of dancers from various albums…..a DJ’s delight is Phil, delivering good proper dancers for grown ups!! “The Shelter Of Your Heart” is more great balladry, opening up with one of Perry’s trade mark whistled accompaniments……..trust me, it works. The mid-tempo “Why, Why, Why” featuring Salena is a further treat and could also work in the nations quality soul clubs (oh how I miss my early sets at Without Boundaries). There are a couple of covers on the back half of the set, including a sublime take on Dionne Warwick’s “Walk On By” which is simply superb, but 8 originals out of 10 tracks is pretty damn good. An absolute must have album.

Adrian Brown & Friends Free (US Nikab CD “Real Life Vol. II”)

Now then, on the gospel tip from the US indie’s, comes this 19 tracker from Adrian Brown and Friends. I’ve got to admit that I’ve only tracked this album once, and whilst I found one or two nice moments therein, it was only when I reached track 19 “Free” that I struck gold (or could that be Frankincense or Myrrh?). This track is worth the price of the album alone, a strutting snare driven, guitar plucked gospel R&B styled dancer of the highest order. The lyrics are great, gospel without being too heavy in the message, as the accomplished female lead declares on the hook that “it feels so good to me, and it feels so good to be free”. Line of the year though comes on a bridge in the shape of “…..like a baby being freed out of it’s mother’s womb, free like Jesus lifting him self out of the tomb”…….love it!! Perhaps you need to hear this to appreciate it. This really is so good yet to the best of my knowledge has had little exposure in the UK modern rooms. File it above some of those huge tunes of the minute in my opinion, but what do I know J

Studio Apartment feat. Kenny Bobien Justifiable (US King Street 12”/CD “The Rising Sun”)

King Street records, so called with reference to King Street, NYC, home of the legendary Paradise Garage club, celebrate 15 years of business this year. Of course, most of you know that Kenny Bobien can do no wrong, and this new cut is available on either the new Studio Apartment CD “The Rising Sun”, or on a 12” album sampler of the same name. If you are a collector of the Studio Apartment 12’s, you’ll already have lots of the good cuts here and may go for the vinyl. If the Japanese production team Studio Apartment are new to you, then the CD is a good bet. Anyway, back to this cut “Justifiable”, and all I can say to fans of Kenny is, think about “Hiya Luv” from the “Keep Hope Alive” CD and you won’t be far out. If you’re not familiar with that, just take my word for it that this is ESSENTIAL!!

A few quick spins then and I can’t sign off without mentioning the new Jeff Floyd CD “Keepin’ It Real”, new for William Bell’s Wilbe set-up, with “Lock My Door” likely to see dance floor action. Also the new “Southern Soul & Blues Party” compilation contains some belters on the Southern Soul tip. The Angie Whitney CD (Little Dizzy Records) is worth checking too. On the 12” front, there’s a brace of goodies from our friends at Especial over in Japan, with the Bakura “Mistaken” EP, and the Hajime Yoshizawa “Japan” album sampler, the latter being one for the jazz-heads. There’s a great new 12” from Jazmina based around the classic Frankie Knuckles’ “Tears”, and on the soul tip, a surprise to me in the shape of “Magic” from Robin Thicke, whom I knew could sing a bit but wasn’t expecting something as tasteful as this from somehow! Out of Europe, do check out the Samuel Sartini & Michael Watford “Real Love” on Glitter…..definitely house music for the soul heads. Readers of these pages especially should check out two new 7” releases by Marc Evans on Defected, a taster of his forthcoming album and well worth a purchase as future collector’s items. For those of particularly eclectic taste, you might like to check out 2000 Black’s “A Next Set A Rockers” on JAP Third Ear (what a label title!). A real mixed bag, with broken beats included, but there’s a superb soul dancer on there…..don’t miss it! Rounding things off with some more US released albums, and on the gospel tip, fans of Donald Lawrence might do well to check the new album form The Murrills “Family Prayer”, featuring the monster dancer “Friend Of Mine”. On a more main stream R&B tip, but with a touch of class for us soul peeps, check out Noel Gourdin’s “After My Time” for Epic. I believe he’s currently causing quite a stir across the pond, and it’s easy to see why.

Mark Randle’s Starpoint Radio playlist for August 2008:

Phil Perry – Walk On By (US Shanachie CD)

Hajime Yoshizawa feat. Navasha Daya – Celebration (JAP Village Again CD)

2000 Black – Simple Sacrifice (JAP Third Ear CD)

Luisito Quintero – Tumbao (Louie Vega Main Mix) (US Vega 12”)

Jenna Burke – The Brightness (US Micah Communications Inc. CD)

Noel Gourdin – Make The Most (US Epic CD)

The Murrills – Friend Of Mine (US Verity/Zomba Gospel CD)

Evelyn “Champagne” King – Standing On The Rock Of Love (US Big Day CD)

Terell House – You’re The One (US La Trebor Records CDS)

Amp Fiddler – Superficial (Amp’s Soul Special) (US Camp Amp Studios CD)

Slique – Got It For Me (Terry Hunter Remix) (US T’s Box MP3)

Bigggshady – My Shero (US Bigggshady/Moses Dailey Music Promo CDS)

Bakura feat. Darien – Mistaken (JAP Especial 12”)

The Soul Children – The 3 Of Us (US JEA Right Now CD)

Ragan Whiteside – Options (US Randis Music CD)

Sheree Brown – Adore U (US The House Of Zion CD)

Jimmy Abney – You Bring Me Joy (US Yoruba CD)

Mark Grant feat. Russoul – It’s Over (9^th Ending) (Original Soul Pass Vocal) (US Blackstone MP3)

Leon Ware – Smoovin’ (US Stax CD)

Stacey Mallory feat. Gerideau – Changes (Fanatix Remix) (US Iwanai MP3)

Phil Perry – Shine On Me (US Shanachie CD)

Dave Hollister – Glow (US Zomba Gospel CD)

Anthony David – Lady (US Universal Republic CD)

SIMPLY SOUL MAIL ORDER HOT TEN SALES

(w/c 25 August 2008)

1. Don-E - Natural (UK Dome CD)

2. Phil Perry - Ready For Love (US Shanachie CD)

3. George Duke - Dukey Treats (US Heads Up CD)

4. Heston - Storyteller (US Worldsoul Music CD)

5. Various - Stereo Sushi Vol 13 (UK Hed Kandi CD)

6. Evelyn 'Champagne' King - Open Book (US Big Day CD)

7. Studio Apartment feat. Kenny Bobien - Justifiable (US King Street 12”)

8. Mixed Feelings - Sha La La (US Soul Cal 12”)

9. Tayvon - From My Heart (US LTPD Record Company CD)

10. Bakura - Mistaken EP (JAP Especial 12”)

Web - www.firstexperiencerecords.com

Tel / Fax - 0116 237 5461

Email - markcoddington@btinternet.com

Cheers……………Mark Randle (September 2008)

Soul:ID - Sex Love and Philosophy

Review - Well I know that this has been around for a while but its official release date in the UK is 3 November 2008, so this counts as one of the best releases of the year in my view.

Afropean Soul as it has been dubbed by the group gets my vote, and this set pretty much from front to back is quality stuff and highly recommended, and thats from somebody who is not a big fan of European 'Soul', but the blends on this are absolutely spot on.

The group consists of producer and nucleus Urban Deep, Tchai, the songstress, V - singer producer and creative force and Dad'D old school crooner and producer.

The initials tracks set the scene including a passable version of the previously hateful True, before the gem Even Though a wonderful slice of smooth mellowness.

There is an enormous mix of styles, influences, cultures and it all hangs together so well. My Philosophy with a laid back funky electro feel with vocal harmony patterns and a greta lead vocal and a whole bunch more weaving in and out....and if this is their philosophy I like it.

On How Comes the pace is lifted, a heavier more menacing vibe and Love of My Life brings it back down to a neo soul level.

Leaving You, if I had to pick a killer track then this would be it, a track I am featuring heavily on Soul Freedom Soul and Radio. Tender is another track that I like, great male lead - kind of Stevie -ish, but when the accompaniments come in and the harmonies it is beautiful.

Cannot recommend this highly enough.

Tracks -Youth, Believe, True,Even Though, Is This Love?,U Ain't [Extract],My Philosophy,How Comes,Love of My Life,Leaving You,Beauty & Sin,Got Me (Interlude),Oh, Oh, Oh! ,Tender,Last Night's Definition of Touch (Interlude),Whatcha Looking For?, Sex, Love & Philosophy (Outro)

Purchase here -
http://astore.amazon.co.uk/lifeandsoulpromo/detail/B000QUUC6G

Links:-
http://www.soul-id.com/
http://www.myspace.com/soulidmusic
Info:-

Soul:ID’s story begins in Africa where three-quarters of the band originate (Burundi, DR Congo and Rwanda respectively). Their journeys - and fate - brought them together in Brussels, Belgium where after years of working as studio musicians and backing vocalists, they decided it was their time to be in the spotlight.

The group consists of producer Urban Deep, the hip-hop drumming naughty boy and the nucleus of Soul:ID, Tchaï, the beautiful soul-loving songstress with a golden voice, V, the stylish, soul-sensitive singer/producer and creative mad scientist and Dad’D, the old-school crooner/producer who brings a peaceful balance to the group. They traveled different paths - from encountering the dark side of immigration, the constant day-to-day struggle to survive and racism - but they all share a common love for all things soul, proving stronger than any of the hardships they endured. These and other stories are ones told on Soul:ID’s stellar U.S. debut release Sex, Love & Philosophy on ABB Records’ ABB Soul.

Soul:ID is more than just a band, or even a brand which has been made evident through their ever increasing fan base and positive praise received from peers and the media alike. Their unique story has given shape to a concept (and sound) - dubbed "Afropean Soul" by Zap Mama herself - which reflects their own virtues and beliefs. Soul:ID begs to tell a different story about the immigrant experience; the story of today’s African and Afro-Europeans overcoming ethnic, social and economical barriers while promoting positive messages and images of what functioning multiculturalism can achieve. Soul:ID is a product of this African/ European renaissance and recognize the importance of celebrating it.

Originally it was Tchaï and Urban Deep who got the ball rolling. Feeling strongly the time had come to stop working on other people’s projects; they hit the studio and started working on their own. Calling on friends Dad’D and V for creative input, the foursome quickly realized what they were creating was equivalent to musical gold. Those long, inexhaustible days and nights in the studio sparked much artistic synergy and hotly debated topics, which were captured on the record and gave name to the album. Spanning over three years, these sessions resulted in a natural merging of fate and friendship and the harmonious landscape painted by the four is a kaleidoscope of their different experiences, personalities and stories told in a tasty stew of urban sounds.

In the time they’ve been together as a group, Soul:ID has worked with many notable international acts such touring with world-rhythm pioneer Zap Mama throughout Europe, headlined the legendary Jazz Café in London, and individually working with artists like Wyclef Jean, Craig David (UK), Robert Palmer and Youssou N’Dour (Senegal).

The album was exclusively written, produced and recorded by Soul:ID, mainly in Brussels, Belgium. Mixing took place in Los Angeles, USA, where the magic touch of Dylan "3D" Dresdow [Black Eyed Peas/Wu Tang Clan/Tweet] was added, while mastering took place on the other coast at Sony Studios, New York City courtesy of James Cruz [Toni Braxton/Three 6 Mafia/Lil Kim].

Soul:ID take their music seriously. They plan on introducing their infectious sound and eccentric style to audiences in North America with the release of their debut album, Sex, Love & Philosophy on ABB Records, with a nationwide tour later this fall.