COLIN CURTIS CONNECTION e:mail:colincurtisconnection@gmail.com For bookings 07484318343 or 01782 619713
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Monday, 29 March 2010
SOUL PURPOSE @ SKETCHLEY GRANGE HINCKLEYGOOD FRIDAY APRIL 2ND 2010
Again following the great time we all had at the Prestatyn Weekender this is another quality soul night that is now hugely respected and established.Fantastic venue and Hotel.I always look forward to playing at Soul Purpose alongside the top resident team Mark R , Mark G and my favourite dancing dj Sam Evans !She wears me out just watching her :-)And of course on this one I am guesting with the TSOPrestwich legend my old mate Barry Maleady so you know the tuneage will be of the highest quality !Fish will also be there selling his musical wares for all the latest and collectors tunes ! !Soul Purpose - 2010 FRIDAY 02.04.10 Soul Purpose Residents: Colin Curtis Sam Evans Barry Maleady Mark Randle Mark Goddard Summer All Dayer 05.06.10 Need More Info ?? Call 07771 374846 The Sketchely Grange Hotel are offering accomodation PLUS breakfast for 35.00 single 50.00 double
Rooms are limited - Book early
Tel: 01455 251133 and Quote : Soul Purpose Soul Night
www.sketchley-grange.co.uk
Don't miss this it's already recived the CoxCooperCurtis Seal Of Approval !
KING GEORGES HALL BLACKBURN SOUL NIGHT SATURDAY APRIL 24TH 2010
Here we go again with the April Edition of our Jazz / Funk Session now firmly re installed in the Windsor Suite.So once again we will be rockin with myself Mark Grice & Ian "Bad Vibes" Gillibrand.Everything from Miroslav Vitous,Jackie Moore,Lonnie Liston Smith through Ashford & Simpson,Salsoul & Prelude.The Funky & Mellow Get Down Get Down Sound ! 15 Years now we have been laying this down so it would be great to catch you there for what is always a roadblock session.I am also adding some travel options below !
BLACKBURN SOUL NIGHT SAT 24 APRIL 2010
THE HOTEL & TRAVEL - REAL DEAL
Type:
Party - Club Party
Start Time:
Saturday, 24 April 2010 at 22:00
End Time:
Sunday, 25 April 2010 at 03:00
Location:
KING GEORGES HALL
Street:
NORTHGATE Lancashire BB2 1AA
Town/City:
Blackburn, United Kingdom
View map
Description
SPRING is on it's way at last and to mark the occasion, we are doing yet ANOTHER fantastic Hotel and travel Real Deal.
Leaving from Birmingham by Coach to Manchester**, then on to Blackburn.
** Subject to seat availabilty.
Staying in a luxury Hotel with free TRANSFERS to and from KING GEORGES HALL , admission into the Soul night, Full Buffet Breakfast in the morning, and then taken back to your chosen pick - up point all for:
THE COST:
£60 * . PER PERSON
£40 ROOM ONLY
A mere £20 DEPOSIT will secure your room and seat on the minibus.
To Aviod disappointment, please book early.
THE HOTEL
Hotel facilities include WIFI, indoor heated swimming pool, Sauna, Steam room, Jacuzzi, Gym and Sunbed, so bring your Cossi.
*based on 2 ppl sharing
.
For more details message my in box, or phone :
M.C.B. 0797 9670302
THE VENUE
King George’s Hall is a huge place split over 3 levels with 3 rooms offering Northern Soul upstairs, Modern Soul on the ground floor and a Jazz Funk room downstairs.
All in all you can’t go far wrong with Blackburn, having 3 rooms to explore and check out the differing styles of Soul music, although for me the Modern Soul room is where it’s at!
The crowd you find there is a nice mix of Soul heads from across the North West and beyond with the usual large contingency from Manchester making it a friendly laid back atmosphere where there is something for everyone.
For Ticket info :
message my inbox or ring:
mcb 0797 967 0302
Fathead 0795 854 1875
King George's Hall is situated in Blackburn town centre, within easy reach of both the bus and railway stations. Visitors travelling by car will find convenient parking either on the Waves Swimming Centre car park or Multi Blackburn College car parks or the Barton Street car park.
A mere £20 Deposit will secure your room and seat on the minibus.
Stay tuned for more info nearer the day, BUT be warned the previous events have SOLD OUT, with all Minibus seats, Hotel Rooms and event Tickets sold out, So please book early, and prepare to 2 step to Springtime.
King Georges Hall & Smooth Radio
3 room Soul Night
9pm-3am
Concert Hall - Northern Soul
Windsor Suite - Jazz Funk
Blakey's - Modern Grooves
THE SURGERY@DECO LOUNGE EAST VILLAGE LONDON SUNDAY APRIL 18TH 2010
Well it must be Xmas come early ! Anothe FREE gig to invite you too.This time changing to my JAZZ AND QUALITY UPLIFTING BLACK MUSIC hat ! I don't get down to London very often so I am looking forward to this immensely.Back in harness with my old mate Dr.Bob Jones.Bob and myself as the people in the know already realise go back to the beginning of time and have just both played at and thoroughly enjoyed the Prestatyn Soul Weekender where we laid it down in a Jazz Session and later on a Soulful House vibe in the "House Of Soul" area.A big thank you to all who attended for your superb support !
This Session has already become established in a short space of time so if you are in or around London Town on this Sunday then it would be great to see you there both old and new friends !
The SurgeryCategory:Music - DanceDescription:The Surgery , a monthly Inspirational Music Party with DJ's Dr Bob Jones, Mark Webster and guests.Privacy type:Open: All content is public.
Contact Details
Email:futuresoul@hotmail.comOffice:EAST VILLAGE-HoxtonLocation:
89 GREAT EASTERN STREET EC2A 3HX
London, United Kingdom
Recent news
News:The return of ‘THE SURGERY’ with the good Doctor Bob Jones
!! The award winning ‘Surgery’ returns to London’s @ East Village !!
Can this be true? Well the answer to that my friends is a definite YES! The most inspirational party on the planet returns to London’s East Side on Sunday 29th March.2009
The good Dr Bob Jones ably assisted by Mr Mark Webster will be presenting a double dose of the finest quality black gold.
1st sitting between 2pm – 6pm is pure Soul Food which features a superb mix of eclectic black music to accompany a fine menu of quality cooked food.
The 2nd sitting between 6pm – 11pm sees The Surgery kick in to full effect.
Apart from the highly inspirational sounds, and the Surgery brunch, we’ve decided to give the recession a quick two fingers by making the cost on the door, completely FREE!
Yes, good people a complete £zero to get into one of the most soulful parties on the planet.
‘The Surgery ‘
Deco Lounge, East Village : Dr Bob Jones, Mark Webster, + Special Guest from "up north Colin Curtis !! Sunday April 18th 2010
2pm –11pm, Tax is completely FREE!
SOULTIME @ GREENLANDS CLUB PRESTON FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2010
Just running through some of the venues I am playing at during April.Now here is agreat FREE Soul Night in Preston.I have played here three times before and it's always a top night.Great friendly crowd, top people and all bases covered musically from Northern to Modern.So from me expect Mecca to 2K10.
This is Friday April 9th 8.00pm till 1.00a.m.
Catch you there you can't beat this for value especially now they have added a second room.
This is Friday April 9th 8.00pm till 1.00a.m.
Catch you there you can't beat this for value especially now they have added a second room.
GREENLANDS CLUB PRESTON PRESENT'S SOULTIME
Event Date: 09-April 10 (Single Day Event)
GREENLANDS CLUB (PRESTON)
***PRESENT'S SOULTIME***
Friday 9th April 2010 and every 2nd Friday of each month ..
8pm / 1.00am .......... Last Orders 12.30am
********NOW A 2 ROOM EVENT ********
FREE ENTRY to Both Rooms
WOODEN DANCE FLOORS......CHEAP BARS...
FANTASTIC SOUND & LIGHT SYSTEM
RECORD SALES WELCOME.
Resident djs BILLY KINDER/DEREK SMITH
A FANTASTIC NIGHT IN STORE WITH MUSIC TO SUIT EVERYONE COME ALONG & ENJOY
Room One..... NORTHERN/MODERN/MOTOWN SOUNDS Across the Board Soul Sounds
Room Two..... Rare & Underplayed Quality Soul
DJs Derek Smith, Phil Threlfall, Wigan Paul, J.C.Orritt, Colin Murphy,plus more
Top Djs Top Music Top Night
Room One Special Guest DJ for April 2010
MR BLACKPOOL MECCA ****COLIN CURTIS****
also appearing Dj Tony Greenwood
CHATBURN ROAD
RIBBLETON ,PRESTON ,PR2 6BJ..... SAT NAV INFO FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT FROGGY ON 07894120969
Monday, 22 March 2010
PRESTATYN SOUL WEEKENDER 2010 tHIS iS hOW wE dO iT !!
Well, what a weekend!! Another great Prestatyn event comes and goes. I get there earlier than ever these days, and don’t leave the site until Monday, but these weekends still fly by in a blur………as they say, time flies when you’re having fun.
I think live act wise this one was special for some very specific reasons. Firstly, the fact that TWO house legends took to the stage together was special. Then consider that, by virtue of the style of music they are best known for, they are probably most use to performing to backing tracks, but not this time………………a full band, and a great one at that: the Black Masses Orchestra. This made for a truly memorable show, and adding to the magic, alongside their club anthems they performed some soul classics, making for a nice varied set.
Then on Saturday we get the astonishing Tortured Soul. Here we have a band whose sound completely belies their number, who have a (very good) drummer as a (very accomplished) lead vocalist, and who cleverly segue their set together in a way that a DJ would with music of said tempo. As with Friday then, some very specific good reasons why we should feel privileged to have witnessed them live at Prestatyn this year. Awesome!
And last but by no means least, William “Smoke “Howard, who whilst not afforded the limelight like the others, performed his new cuts with great credibility. I know that he and his team were very happy with the weekend and made a lot of good contacts in the UK.
A massive shout to Fish then for an inspired live act line up for Prestatyn Midnight Hour 2010. Take a bow mate!
Away from the acts, the weekend passed to the soundtrack of some great and varied music from a host of quality DJ’s, through some great themed sessions across the two (modern) rooms. To be honest, with the radio to look after, Dj’ing in the arena’s etc, etc, I rarely stayed in one place long enough to comment on whole sessions, but can say that the general vibe was one to be savoured. So many good friends and good times!! Not going to single anyone out, but some fantastic laughs along the way.
I have to say a massive thank you to all those people who offered their time to present on the radio station, it is much appreciated! For obvious reasons I do try to catch as much radio as possible when back in the chalet, and can tell you that I did not hear a bad show where I was able to tune in. So, from Colin Brown and myself, THANK YOU.
And finally, well done to Carl at Starpoint for the live broadcasts……nice one!
I have some great personal memories to take away from this weekender.
A great event that goes from strength to strength: Prestatyn Mark Randle
I think live act wise this one was special for some very specific reasons. Firstly, the fact that TWO house legends took to the stage together was special. Then consider that, by virtue of the style of music they are best known for, they are probably most use to performing to backing tracks, but not this time………………a full band, and a great one at that: the Black Masses Orchestra. This made for a truly memorable show, and adding to the magic, alongside their club anthems they performed some soul classics, making for a nice varied set.
Then on Saturday we get the astonishing Tortured Soul. Here we have a band whose sound completely belies their number, who have a (very good) drummer as a (very accomplished) lead vocalist, and who cleverly segue their set together in a way that a DJ would with music of said tempo. As with Friday then, some very specific good reasons why we should feel privileged to have witnessed them live at Prestatyn this year. Awesome!
And last but by no means least, William “Smoke “Howard, who whilst not afforded the limelight like the others, performed his new cuts with great credibility. I know that he and his team were very happy with the weekend and made a lot of good contacts in the UK.
A massive shout to Fish then for an inspired live act line up for Prestatyn Midnight Hour 2010. Take a bow mate!
Away from the acts, the weekend passed to the soundtrack of some great and varied music from a host of quality DJ’s, through some great themed sessions across the two (modern) rooms. To be honest, with the radio to look after, Dj’ing in the arena’s etc, etc, I rarely stayed in one place long enough to comment on whole sessions, but can say that the general vibe was one to be savoured. So many good friends and good times!! Not going to single anyone out, but some fantastic laughs along the way.
I have to say a massive thank you to all those people who offered their time to present on the radio station, it is much appreciated! For obvious reasons I do try to catch as much radio as possible when back in the chalet, and can tell you that I did not hear a bad show where I was able to tune in. So, from Colin Brown and myself, THANK YOU.
And finally, well done to Carl at Starpoint for the live broadcasts……nice one!
I have some great personal memories to take away from this weekender.
A great event that goes from strength to strength: Prestatyn Mark Randle
GEOFF B'S PRESTATYN JAZZ SESSION REVIEW
Here is Geoff Burgess's review of the Prestatyn"House Of Soul" Jazz Session.
Geoff is of course part of the long time established and respected Soul Intent collective from Sheffield and was of course dj'ing on radio and in the rooms at Prestatyn.
Knocked out to be opening proceedings for the jazz session at the Prestatyn Weekender; I've been subliminally planting messages in Fish's brain for the last
couple of years. The session started at 2 o'clock and had a few in from the off and when I packed away my record bags at 3:30 the place was rammed for Colin's spot. Bob & Colin both played some superb tunes ... loved the live version of 'Little Black Samba' by Grady Tate and the Al Lindrum's Magic Hat 'Hide & Seek' sounded superb through a big system. Bob played a full-on set with some killer tunes Dizzy Gillespie's 'Caravan' and 'Boss Tres Bien' by Quartette Tres Bien.
In the 90 minutes I tried to fit in as much as I could, tracks that reflected the many facets of jazz dance.
It seems that one's on the cards for next year so let's hope we can get plenty of jazz-dancers to make it a proper spectacle as well as an aural delight.
I wanted to avoid the obvious easy route of all new(ish) dance-floor friendly european sounds, so played a mixed bag and where Nicola Conte did appear it was on little known tracks.
I feel very privileged to be have been a part of the event, particularly as it meant playing alongside two fellas that I hold in the highest regard, so here's to next year and here's what I played:
Dwayne Morgan - Intro
Richie Cole - New York afternoon
Jorge Ben - Oba la vem ela
Paula Lima - Quero ver voce no baile
Toco - Zum Zum (original version)
Marco di Marco - Take off (Nicola Conte Campi's Idea version)
Orange Pekoe - Song bird (Os Bossa 4 version remixed by Nicola Conte)
Fuzz against Junk - Latino (Nicola Conte version)
Benny More -Babarabatiri
Kid Frost - La Raza
Bob Azzam - Batucada por favor
Lindberg Hemmer Foundation ft' Mark Murphy - Little things
Little Kids - Let the rhythm hit 'em
Studio Apartment - Campo na primavela
Rhythmagic Orchestra - African mailman
Nina Simone - Return home
Gerardo Frisina - African seeds
Fela Kuti - Roforo fight
couple of years. The session started at 2 o'clock and had a few in from the off and when I packed away my record bags at 3:30 the place was rammed for Colin's spot. Bob & Colin both played some superb tunes ... loved the live version of 'Little Black Samba' by Grady Tate and the Al Lindrum's Magic Hat 'Hide & Seek' sounded superb through a big system. Bob played a full-on set with some killer tunes Dizzy Gillespie's 'Caravan' and 'Boss Tres Bien' by Quartette Tres Bien.
In the 90 minutes I tried to fit in as much as I could, tracks that reflected the many facets of jazz dance.
It seems that one's on the cards for next year so let's hope we can get plenty of jazz-dancers to make it a proper spectacle as well as an aural delight.
I wanted to avoid the obvious easy route of all new(ish) dance-floor friendly european sounds, so played a mixed bag and where Nicola Conte did appear it was on little known tracks.
I feel very privileged to be have been a part of the event, particularly as it meant playing alongside two fellas that I hold in the highest regard, so here's to next year and here's what I played:
Dwayne Morgan - Intro
Richie Cole - New York afternoon
Jorge Ben - Oba la vem ela
Paula Lima - Quero ver voce no baile
Toco - Zum Zum (original version)
Marco di Marco - Take off (Nicola Conte Campi's Idea version)
Orange Pekoe - Song bird (Os Bossa 4 version remixed by Nicola Conte)
Fuzz against Junk - Latino (Nicola Conte version)
Benny More -Babarabatiri
Kid Frost - La Raza
Bob Azzam - Batucada por favor
Lindberg Hemmer Foundation ft' Mark Murphy - Little things
Little Kids - Let the rhythm hit 'em
Studio Apartment - Campo na primavela
Rhythmagic Orchestra - African mailman
Nina Simone - Return home
Gerardo Frisina - African seeds
Fela Kuti - Roforo fight
JAZZIFUNK HARE&HOUNDS BIRMINGHAM SATURDAY 27TH MARCH
This Saturday I am back at the Hare & Hounds with the quality Birmingham crowd for another Jazzifunk Session. I have had a great time everytime I have played here with Bruce Q,FitzRoy the Buzzboy and I am looking forward to hooking up with my old pal Perry Louis who I caught recently at Nottinghams unique Out To Lunch Jazz Session.Hope to see some of you their ! Don't Sleep.
MIAMI WMC 2010
Hi ! If you are lucky enough to be going out to Miami to this years WMC then you gotta check out this awesome line up at my good friend from Chicago Mario Romay's Groove Parlor party.It doesn't get any better than this line up !
Groove Parlor Miami WMC
Friday, March 26, 2010
Glenn Underground
Vick Lavender
Black Coffee
Mario Romay
Mark Grant
Josh Milan
Segafedo L'Originale
1040 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL
No Cover
2pm - 9pm
Black Coffee
Mario Romay
Mark Grant
Josh Milan
Segafedo L'Originale
1040 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL
No Cover
2pm - 9pm
Also check out Mario's latest mix SOUNDS OF JOY Vol 9 another quality selection of tunes from one of Chicago's finest !
01. Bernie Clark - Meditation On Sounds 02. Black Coffee - Superman 03. Melchyor A - Stay and Believe (Hmida Edit Mix) 04. BSTC feat. JL - I Love It (KZRC Main Vocal Mix) 05. Markus Enochson - Still Waiting 06. UPZ aka Avi Elman feat. Rick Coffey - Hangin' On A Dream (Original Mix) 07. Dj Kawasaki feat. Angela Jo - Save Your Love 08. Melchyor A & MJ White - Real Thing (Louis Benedetti Extended Vox) 09. Nicc Johnson feat. LT Brown - Love For Now (The DeepCitySoul Love For Disco Mix) 10. Yass feat. Francine E. Murphy - Secret (Yass Classic Mix) 11. Root Soul - Spirit of Love (Phil Asher's Restless Soul Boogie Mix)
Monday, 8 March 2010
PRESTATYN SOUL WEEKENDER MARCH 2010
We are nearly there now for the March Prestatyn Soul Weekender commencing on Thursday 18th March - Monday 22nd 2010.
Below are the Modern Soul DJ times so you can follow your own schedule and of course the superb live acts Kenny Bobien,Stephanie Cooke & Tortured Soul.
**STOP PRESS Kimara Lovelace now added on backing vocals for Kenny & Stephanie"**
This is going to be one great weekender !!!!
Prestatyn March 2010
FRIDAY NIGHT
08.00pm-09.00pm Colin Brown
09.00pm-10.00pm Soul Intent
10.00pm-11.00pm Jamie Taylor
11.00pm-12.00pm Fish
12.00pm-12.20am William 'Smoke' Howard - PA
12.20am-01.30am KENNY BOBIEN & STEPHANIE COOKE
The Black Masses Orchestra
LIVE IN CONCERT.
01.30am-02.30am Colin Curtis
02.30am-03.30am Steve Hobbs
03.30am-04.30am Bob Jones
SATURDAY AFTERNOON
01.00pm-06.00pm 'BOOMERANG' 70'S SOUL SPECIAL
Maria O, Soul Sam, Arthur Fenn,
Cliff Steele & Dave Ripolles.
SATURDAY NIGHT
08.00pm-09.00pm Soul Intent
09.00pm-10.00pm Cliff Steele
10.00pm-11.00pm Tats Taylor
11.00pm-12.00pm Mick Farrer
12.00pm-01.00am Mark Randle
01.00am-02.00am TORTURED SOUL - LIVE IN CONCERT.
02.00am-03.00am Fish
03.00am-04.00am Soul Sam
04.00am-05.00am Ivor Jones
SUNDAY AFTERNOON
01.00pm-06.00pm 'MSC' (MODERN SOUL CLASSICS)
Louby, Steve Woomble,
Chris Box, Ricki Woollons & Fish.
SUNDAY NIGHT PARTY FINALE
08.00pm-10.00pm Mick Farrer & Steve Hobbs
10.00pm-11.00pm Jamie Taylor
11.00pm-12.30am Mark Randle
12.30am-02.00am Soul Sam
HOUSE OF SOUL
THURSDAY NIGHT
09.00pm-10.00pm Colin Brown
10.00pm-11.00pm Soul Intent
11.00pm-12.00pm Neil Self
12.00pm-01.00am Chris Dalton
01.00am-02.00am Mark Randle
FRIDAY AFTERNOON
Welcome To The Weekend With
The ''SOUL INTENT'' Collective
Modern Soul 70's - New Release.
04.00pm-08.00pm Geoff Burgess, Martin Smith
Keith Fox & Martin Lang
FRIDAY NIGHT
70's Connoisseurs, Crossover & Classics Session.
08.00pm-10.00pm Ivor Jones
10.00pm-11.30pm Cliff Steele
11.30pm-01.00am Dave Ripolles
01.00am-02.30am Soul Sam
02.30am-04.00am Tats Taylor
04.00am-05.00am Arthur Fenn
05.00am-06.00am Mick Farrer
SATURDAY AFTERNOON
''Jazz In The House'' - Jazz Dance Session.
02.00pm-03.30pm Geoff Burgess
03.30pm-05.00pm Colin Curtis
05.00pm-06.30pm Bob Jones
SATURDAY NIGHT
The Latest Soulful Dance & House Classics
with LIVE PERCUSSION from Glenn Worthington.
09.00pm-10.30pm Mark Randle
10.30pm-12.00pm Neil Rushton
12.00pm-01.30am Bob Jones
01.30am-03.00am Steve Hobbs
03.00am-04.30am Colin Curtis
04.30am-06.00am Jamie Taylor
SUNDAY AFTERNOON
''Kings Of Crossover'' - 70's Connoisseurs Session.
01.00pm-02.00pm Tats Taylor
02.00pm-03.00pm Ivor Jones
03.00pm-04.00pm Cliff Steele
04.00pm-05.00pm Arthur Fenn
05.00pm-06.30pm Soul Sam
*******************************************
Kenny Bobien
New Jersey's Kenny Bobien is one of the most widely recognized male singers in house and is often referred to as the “King of Gospel House Music”, but he doesn't fit the image commonly associated with underground dance music. Kenny is a Singer, Songwriter and Producer and as well as being a Pastor at his church, Bobien is a dedicated family man and the father of a large family.
With almost twenty years of experience in the music business, Kenny continues to amaze audience’s world wide with his stage presence and voice. Bobien's distinctive falsetto has powered many a club anthem through work with such notables as the Dennis Ferrer, Louie Vega, DJ Spen, Basement Boys and Kerri Chandler. In 1999 he released Blessed (A Gospel Dance Theory), a full-length album of soulful, uplifting New Jersey house.
His recordings are an impressive string of quality releases, which includes the motion picture soundtrack "Hanging With The Homeboys", "You Are My Friend", "Father", "Rise Above The Storm", "Brighter Days", "Let Me Show you", "I shall not be moved”, "Superficial People", "Reach", "Blessed" and “Grateful” These are just a few of the songs that have inspired so many.
As well-loved as he is in the soulful house scene, he has also carved out a name for himself as a background vocalist in R&B, making his voice almost impossible to avoid in urban music. He has also performed with R & B legend Teddy Pendergrass, Celine Dion, Taylor Dayne, Jennifer Holiday & Milira. He has also worked with top producers Frankie Feliciano and Albert Menendez, Studio Apartment, Dennis Ferrer, Louis Benedetti, BOP (Paul Scot and Shank Thompson), Teddy Douglas, Kerri Chandler, Little Louie Vega, Wayne Williams , DJ Spen & Karizma.
Stephanie Cooke
Stephanie Cooke is a singer/songwriter whose roots are based in urban Newark, NJ. Born and raised there, she grew up in church like many in the music industry, and found her beginnings in the choir and in small groups as she developed her singing and arranging skills. She wrote her first song under pressure to impress a would be manager who told her that only the artists who could write these days would be successful. That song got recognition at ASCAP and was featured at a songwriter’s workshop where it received rave reviews. This was a stepping-stone in her career as all the publishers at the workshop became interested in hearing what she had to offer. Less that one year later she was writing, arranging and doing background vocals on many major projects and being called upon by many labels to offer songs.
Within eighteen months, she was flaunting a publishing deal that lead to her relationship with producers such as Jermaine Dupri, Soul Shock and Carlin, All-Star, DJ Enuff, and the list goes on. During this time she wrote for such artists as Aretha Franklin, Jody Watley, Tyrese and numerous new comers even rearranging song for remixes for the Braxtons and SWV.
For the last ten years she has made her home as an artist in dance music recording many songs on Kingstreet Sounds. This relationship yielded a full length album which was released in 2003. the album is a combination of many of the songs she recorded over the years along with a few new things.
These days, Stephanie is reaching new heights as an artist and has come into her own on the stage. New relationships and circles of producers, a new home label and extended family have taken her career as a writer and performer to another level. She’s currently working on a new album with West End Records with Blaze leading the list of great producers promised to appear on the project. She recently recorded several songs with Blaze that truly set a pace for her career including titles such as “Love Will,” Lover’s Holiday,” and “Love makes the World go ‘Round”. This coming year promises to be one filled with great new creations on her palette of fine recordings with the future brighter than ever she has nothing but “Phenomenal Woman” on her agenda.
Tortured Soul
Born of the simple yet adventurous belief that modern dance music can be performed completely live, Brooklyn’s Tortured Soul packs dance floors with their unique live performances, while their recorded oeuvre pushes the genre boundaries of soul, dance, and pop.
Tortured Soul has blazed an amazingly uncommon trail through the world of modern music. Following the early success of their now-classic dance singles “I Might Do Something Wrong,” “Fall In Love” and “How’s Your Life” in 2001 and 2002, Tortured Soul formed officially as a live band and booked their first nationwide tour in 2003, often playing in club settings that had never before seen a live act perform dance music so seamlessly. With the devotion of club-goers and DJs cemented as their foundation, TS branched out to live venues and festivals worldwide, from Tennessee’s Bonnaroo, to the UK’s Big Chill, to the Java Jazz Festival in Indonesia. Today, after 5 years of touring and a reputation for a live show nothing short of legendary, they are perhaps the only band in the world that can rock the main room at Fabric (London) at peak hour, as well as a 15,000+ festival crowd at the Montreal International Jazz Festival.
Combining elements of old soul and funk with a modern dancefloor sensibility, Tortured Soul’s style is both an echo of the past and a challenge to the future. This blend of sounds has won them praise from palettes as diverse as Lenny Kravitz and Barry Manilow, and made them a fave pick of DJ’s across many genres. Their tracks have received remix treatment from such luminaries as Osunlade, DJ Spinna, Alix Alvarez, Quentin Harris and Dimitri from Paris among others, and have appeared on over 25 compilations by the most prominent dance labels, from Hed Kandi to Defected – a testament to the impact they’ve had on current dance music.
2006 saw the release of their highly lauded first full-length album “Introducing Tortured Soul,” (Purpose Records / R2 Records) which collected their early 12” singles with some new studio gems, and fans around the world have been waiting with baited breath for the sophomore effort ever since. In early March 2009 the wait will be over, as Tortured Soul drops their new album “Did You Miss Me” on the band’s own newly formed TSTC Records (Dome UK/Europe, Columbia Japan). Previewed for fans with the 3-song/1-remix “In Transit EP” in Spring ’08, “Did You Miss Me” picks right up where “Introducing” left off. As it winds its way through infectious disco grooves, heartfelt raw soul, and lyrical themes that range from melancholic love, infidelity, and party-going mirth, the album coheres as the group’s most accessibly diverse effort to date.
With the launch of TSTC Records, the new album “Did You Miss Me” forthcoming, and worldwide touring to follow, 2009 is sure to be a huge year for Tortured Soul. Standing on the vast musical foundation that they themselves have laid, Tortured Soul looks eagerly to the future — and in the words of Gilles Peterson, “the future of house music” is Tortured Soul.
William Howard, known as "SMOKE", a veteran performer, has been a soulful entertainment messenger of "Life & Love" for over 30 years. A native of Bristol, TE, Smoke formed the group The Fabulous Nu-Tones while in college and wrote and recorded his first release on vinyl . His singing career took off when he led and managed a number of bands. His list of accomplishments includes former lead singer of "The Ebonys", (his rugged and powerful voice distinguished many of their songs); featured vocalist on "That's What Love Does" written and produced by Vincent Montana, Jr.; first-class performer having performed on the same ticket with such greats as Al Green, Chi-Lites, Delfonics, Heatwave, Intruders, Ohio Players, Stylistics, etc; and now, solo recording artist currently working on his second CD to be released Spring 2010.
"Smoke" made his first trip to the United Kingdom in October of 2009 and did an impromptu performance of "That's What Love Does", a song that is well known on the UK dance scene. After getting a taste of the UK soul scene and lovin' it, he returns to Prestatyn for the March Weekender bringing to all the wonderful soul enthusiasts the premier of his latest releases - performing them for the first time ever at Prestatyn.
Known for his rugged and powerful voice, "Smoke" delivers once again with songs that reflect his message of "Life and Love".
Whether it be a funky, mid-tempo groove, a hip-hop inspired cut, or a heartfelt ballad, he delivers, as only Smoke can, Smokin' Sounds With A Message You Can Dance To!!!
Fish
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