Soulive
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Soulive is a jazz trio that originated in Woodstock, New York, and is known for its ripping solos and catchy, upbeat songs. The band consists of Eric Krasno (guitar), Alan Evans (drums), and Neal Evans (keyboard, bass keys, clavinet). The band is also usually accompanied by its horn section, which formerly consisted of Sam Kininger (saxophone), but now features Rashawn Ross (trumpet) and Ryan Zoidis (saxophone).
History
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On March 2, 1999, brothers Alan and Neal Evans invited guitarist Eric Krasno to cut some tracks with them in their home studio in Woodstock, New York. That jam session became their first EP, Get Down!, and the band shortly thereafter realized their potential together and hit the road to begin touring. It was during that first summer together that the band recorded their first LP, Turn It Out, for Velour Recordings. Turn It Out featured various distinguished guest musicians, including John Scofield, Oteil Burbridge, and Sam Kininger. The independently produced Turn It Out went on to sell an astonishing 65,000 copies, enabling Soulive to gain recognition in the jazz/funk scene.
In the next three years, Soulive would develop a loyal fan base while shaping a prolific touring career. They embarked on five national tours headlining 1000-2000 capacity venues in all major markets. The band opened for The Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band, The Roots, Common, and others. The band also continued to play at various jazz festivals, including the Monterey Jazz Fest and Bonnaroo. Overseas, Soulive would consistently sell out shows in Japan and all over Europe.
In the fall of 2000, Soulive signed a record deal with Blue Note Records, one of the most respected jazz labels. In the spring of 2001, Soulive released their first Blue Note album, Doin' Something, which featured horn arrangements by Fred Wesley, the trombonist from James Brown's band. The band's second Blue Note record, Next, was broader than their previous releases, featuring guest vocalists Dave Matthews and Amel Larrieux, and rappers Talib Kweli and Black Thought. The record was widely considered to solidify the band's place in the jazz industry and to broaden its fan base.
In 2003, Soulive released a self-titled live album, Soulive (Live), and a collection of remixes, Turn It Out Remixed, which featured guests Jurassic 5, DJ Spinna, DJ Krush, J-Live, Wordsworth and the Beatnuts.
Currently on tour with Toots and the Maytals, Soulive is still selling out venues across the country while collaborating with various artists, including Breez Evahflowin and Sam Kininger. In the Summer of 2005, Soulive left Blue Note Records and signed a new contract with the rising jazz label Concord Records.
On September 13 2005, Soulive released their first album with Concord Records, Break Out, which proved to be a step in a different direction for the band musically. Gone are the extended jams; in their place are beat-driven instrumentals and dazzling collaborations with a host of inspiring artists, including Chaka Khan (featured on "Back Again"), Ivan Neville (featured on "Got Soul" and "Take It Easy"), Corey Glover (featured on "Freedom"), Robert Randolph (featured on the Jimi Hendrix cover "Crosstown Traffic" and also on "Interlude II"), and Reggie Watts (featured on "She's Hooked" and "What Can You Do?"). The album is thought to have broadened Soulive's fan base even further, keeping beat conscious hip-hop heads on their toes while resonating with those who grew up on Earth, Wind & Fire, Sly & The Family Stone, and Curtis Mayfield.
Discography
- 2005 - Break Out
- 2005 - Steady Groovin' (compilation)
- 2003 - Turn It Out Remixed
- 2003 - Soulive (Live)
- 2002 - Next
- 2001 - Doin' Something
- 1999 - Turn It Out
- 1999 - Get Down!
External links
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