LEELA JAMES (FESTIVAL HEADLINER)
When Leela James decided to call her new album LET'S DO IT AGAIN, it wasn't necessarily because she happened to record a profoundly soulful version of that Staples Singers classic. There was a deeper meaning involved for her as one of the most acclaimed soul singers of the new generation. It was all about pursuing her vision of music, the kind she sang about on the song simply titled "Music" on her best-selling debut CD, on which she name-checked Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan and wondered "where's the music gone?"
For LET'S DO IT AGAIN, Leela was determined to make music the old-school way, just like they used to do at Stax, Motown and Muscle Shoals, recording live in the studio to capture the spontaneous magic and raw emotion that can only come by recording an in-the-moment performance where the singer feeds off the energy of the musicians. It was a courageous move but Leela was up for the challenge as she translates classic soul into her own contemporary style with unique interpretations of a wide-ranging set of songs. The results leap out of the speakers, making LET'S DO IT AGAIN an irresistible experience of joyous, organic, funky, soul music that is all too rare these days. Slated for March 24th on Shanachie Entertainment, LET'S DO IT AGAIN, is a triumphant sophomore effort from one of the most electrifying singers on the scene today.
RAW FOOTAGE
There aren't many bands who can successfully morph from performing as a backing band for major artists to a soulful setting in a coffee house; from an acoustic set for a smaller, more intimate audience to the big stage before hundreds at an all out battle of the band competition. That's the beauty of Raw Footage, one of the Chicago's most unique and versatile bands.
Fusing all genres of music, Raw Footage draws constant comparisons to more notarized acts such as The Black Eyed Peas, Linkin Park, The Neptunes, The Roots and others. With socially conscious lyricism supported by great musicianship and a pair of beautiful and talented vocalists, Raw Footage is experiencing a high level of success uncharacteristic of a band going on its third year. “I started the band to uphold the respect for musicianship that has been lost during the commercialization of hip-hop and music in general", says City, Raw Footage's MC. "We were doing an injustice to our audiences and limiting the versatility of our musicians by confining ourselves to just one style of music. We found inspiration from all genres which led to a more creative sound we really believe in and are now so distinctively known for."
The diversity of the band is not only evident in its music, but also in its members who span a wide range of ages, backgrounds and ethnicities. "We're always looking forward to the opportunity to demonstrate how dynamic we aren't, says City. "When people visually see how diverse we are, they instinctively become curious and began to wonder...we exploit and feed that curiosity. "
Raw Footage's diverse following of supporters continues to grow rapidly, ranging from college students who have a special appreciation for the high-energy live performance, to their not-so-young supporters who are taken down memory lane during Raw Footage's old school, hip hop classics portion of their live show. Raw Footage recently released their live-recorded, debut album "Live & Direct", and a music video for the powerful, message-driven song "Motivation" and were selected to tour overseas to perform on military installations around the world.
IRENEB
Born in Barcelona, Spain, Irene Bauzá (IreneB) was introduced to the world of r&b/soul music at the tender age of 6. She was raised listening to R&B music such as Bobby Brown, Michael Jackson, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Teena Marie and Whitney Houston, just to name a few, that inspired her to pursue her own career as a singer/songwriter.
At the age of 18 she started studying music at the Aula de Música Moderna y Jazz del Liceo where she studied the art of music for 7 years, while keeping her agenda busy both live and in the studio. Irene has since then been blessed with eight years of touring in venues such as the Razzmatazz, Jazz Room and Vic Jazz Festival with an array of jazz, blues, and R&B music.
So far, her first single "Forgive Me Now" has been added to more than 100 radio stations worldwide (Japan, USA, UK, Spain, Cyprus, Finland, etc.) and remains #1 at the independent UK radio charts after 10 weeks in that position. The single was also remixed by the famous DJ/Producer Aaron-Carl, that took the R&B tune and transformed it into a club
banger.
During the next months IreneB is going to be performing worldwide, with the help of people like Celina Rollon, tour manager of artists like John Legend, Gabrielle or The X Factor. So make sure you are up-to-date of the latest Irene B movements by joining her at the festival!
PRIMERIDIAN
THE PRIMERIDIAN, a hip hop based group, consisting of Simeon Viltz (See-Me-On) and Darshon Gibbs (Race) hail from the eclectic, historical music scene of Chicago. With musical influences from blues and R&B, to house and acid jazz, the primeridian, supported by the sounds of Jamal (Jaytoo ThedjyomamaLuv) Jeffries, fuses these influences into a soulful, jazzy, acid-funk sound independent of musical genres and classifications pushing hip hop to new levels of exposure, experimentation and expression. With thought-provoking lyrics, a touch of humor, skilled production/musicianship and years of explosive live performances, the primeridian takes a stage by storm with energy, emotion, and experience moving crowds of diverse audiences, various musical preferences and tastes.
From "b-boys on the street" to "grown men with responsibility", they address harsh, contemporary themes with positive inspiration. "I'll Meet You in Greenwich" (2002) and "Da All Nighta" (2005) take listeners on a soul-filled "mental ride", filled with conscious lyrical content that is honest and genuine, inspiring critical thought, while touching on topics from politics, to relationships, to the present state of hip hop. With the 2008 release of "Da Mornin' Afta", primeridian stays true to their soulful and smooth sound, but introduce an edgier side with vocal variety and enhanced creativity.
CHERISSE SCOTT
Cherisse possesses a sultry tone that is reflected in her style of music, which is a fusion of soul, jazz, and gospel. Cherisse is a vocalist, songwriter, actress and poet. She has been entertaining in genres spanning from R&B to Gospel to Opera fusing all of her creative skills to produce the sultry soul style that is conveyed in her warm, rich alto tone. Her first independent project entitled "Moans" continues to sell successfully nationally and internationally and has also received airplay in some of the countries large radio markets along with her second CD Soul Journey, released August 2008. She has been nominated for Best Songwriter with the Chicago Music Awards for 2003 for her project "Moans". She has shared the stage with India Arie, Common and TC Carson to name a few. Cherisse is the voice of soul like we remember it.
More information at Cherisse at her official website
ROY AYERS
At the age of five, Lionel Hampton gave him his first pair of mallets, which led to the vibraphone being his trademark sound for decades. The area of Los Angeles Ayers grew up in, now known as "South Central", but then known as "South Park", was the epicenter of the Southern California Black Music Scene. The schools Roy attended (Wadsworth Elementary, Nevins Middle School, and Thomas Jefferson High School) were all close to the famed Central Avenue, Los Angeles' equivalent of Harlem's Lenox Avenue and Chicago's State Street. On any given day, Roy would have been likely to be exposed to music as it not only emanated from the many nightclubs and bars in the area, but also poured out of many of the homes where the musicians who kept the scene alive stayed in and around Central. Thomas Jefferson High School, from which Ayers graduated, gave to the music and jazz worlds some of its brightest stars like Dexter Gordon and Ginger Smock Shipp. This is perhaps where Roy contracted the infection of music that still courses through his veins today.
Often called the "Godfather of acid jazz" because of his popularity in England in the '80s, Roy Ayers may be best known for his song "Everybody Loves the Sunshine", the title track to his 1976 effort which has been sampled by numerous hip-hop artists including 'Queen Of Hip-Hop Soul', Mary J. Blige's multi-platinum, "My Life", as well as "Wake Up (Reprise in the Sunshine)" by hip hop group, Brand Nubian. "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" and the acclaimed "Daylight" appeared on 1977's Come into Knowledge, an album which was recorded by RAMP, (sometimes known as Roy Ayers Musical Productions) and released on the Blue Thumb Records (both tracks are also available on the 1998's Mellow Mellow, a compilation by Harmless Records.)
Other notable songs by Ayers include "Running Away", "Searching", "We Live in Brooklyn", "Don't Stop The Feeling", "Poo Poo La La" and "Sensitize" (co-written by Ayers protege' Wayne K. Garfield) which was sampled by rap star, Black Rob, in his debut platinum-plus cd title song, "Life Story". Roy Ayers recorded and toured with Nigerian superstar, Fela Kuti in the 1970s. The duo covered another Ayers song collaboration with Garfield-the provocative, "2000 Black" (Got To Be Free) from the international smash cd, "Africa-Center Of The World". It is worth noting that artist-writer-producer, Jazzy B of the hit act, Soul II Soul, mentioned during a group appearance on the famed-American music television show, "Soul Train", that the inspiration to form the band came from listening to "Africa-Center Of The World". Ayers was also responsible for the soundtrack to Jack Hill's 1973 blaxploitation film Coffy which starred Pam Grier.
LOREZNO OWENS
Like many soul music stars, Lorenzo Owens' desire to sing was rooted at home and at church. He began singing Gospel at his Milwaukee church as a toddler, and formed a love of soul music listening to Earth, Wind and Fire records at his grandmother's house. As he grew into a teen, he continued to amaze those around him with the power and range of his voice.
He moved to Chicago and honed his craft for a few years, spending several years working as a waiter during the day and singing at night. His his big break came with the arrival of Oprah Winfrey's Pop Star Challenge . Owens entered the contest and wowed the audience with his performances, ultimately making it to the finals via his strong performances of Stevie Wonder's "All In Love Is Fair" and the Motown classic "I Heard It Through the Grapevine."
Following his appearance, Owens signed with D-Town Records and teamed with producers Michael J. Powell ( Anita Baker ,Howard Hewett ) and Gerey Johnson (who worked on the Oprah compilation album), to record his debut album, After The Show . The result is an excellent reminder of why the Oprah audiences fell for Lorenzo in the first place. His voice is a beautiful instrument, a wonderful combination of Ali Woodson and Rahsaan Patterson that shows soulful grit on cuts like "Inseperable" and "Gamble," but demonstrates a tremendous range and touch on a series of excellent ballads, including "Rainbows" and the Kem-like "Light N' Darkness" and "Love's Not Enough."
KID STATIC
Kid Static. A prolific MC from the south side of Chicago doing his own thing on the music scene. No frills, no minks, no spinners or hula girls on the windshield, and no 22" rims, unless they are tasteful and match the decor. Birthed under the teat of drum n' bass wizardry 10 years ago, Kid Static has traded in his high beat-per-minute running shoes for the most comfortable Adidas shell-toe bopping shoes. Hip-hop? Yes, please. Lyricism? Can I get a hell yeah? Imagine the attitude of Mos matched with the sensibilities of Del over music influenced as much by Squarepusher as by the Temptations.
The production sizzles, the bass kicks holes in your wallpaper, and the vocals fit in just perfectly like a fat man in a bath tub. Horrible mental pictures aside, climb aboard the Static train, because this monster of beats is making tracks and you don't want to be left in the station.
Producing and emceeing since childhood, Kid Static built up steam from 2005, releasing a much lauded album entitled "Goddamn!!" as front man for the instrumental hip-hop group, The Cankles. Also released in 2005 was his solo album "Have You Seen This Man?," which was hailed as "joyous" and "diversely wonderful" both nationally and internationally.
Working hard to get on mixtapes from California to Germany, the dedication paid off when The Cankles opened Lollapalooza in August of 2006. Taking a break to do stunt work on a major motion picture, Kid Static returned with a vengeance as part of Yea Big + Kid Static in the Spring of 2007. They have since released 2 projects, toured nationally 7 times, and somehow Static still found time to release his solo album "In the Meantime" in February 2008, receiving a 7.5 from Pitchfork. Whoah man!
YAW
YAW is the name everyone is chanting in the city of Chicago! His music and performance is far from ordinary, it's unforgettable! He has performed on both the theatrical stage and musical stage. He's not just an incredible singer but YAW is an aspiring actor that has had the privilege to work with such prolific playwrights as Ntozake Shange and Paul Carter Harrison while still embracing his other love music.
In music YAW has shared the stage with the likes of Floetry, Jaguar Wright, Kindred, Amel Larrieux and has backed up Eric Roberson and Liz Fields in several concerts. Lately he is most noted and recognized as the young singer who recently appeared as a feature on VH1's Soul Cities, a show produced by Nelson George that showcases singers in cities all over the country.
Whether you have experienced his music for the first time or a million times over, one thing is certain your ears will have a love affair with the soul of a man whose musical spirit unlocks a new sound and an unforgettable Funk!