MP3 Ola Onabule - In Emergency, Brake Silence

An exciting blend of Soul, Jazz and the complex, infectious rhythms of his African origins.

12 MP3 Songs
URBAN/R&B: Soul, JAZZ: Jazz Vocals



Details:
To hear the voice of Ola Onabule in song is to hear a rare sound indeed. Proclaimed by the British music as the "new voice of old soul", it's a seasoned, lived in, soul drenched and well mastered instrument. Often described as "impassioned" and "plaintive". With influences from the greats of soul such as Donny Hathaway, Otis Redding, Curtis Mayfield and Stevie Wonder, it would be wrong to think of Ola as merely a vocal talent, as this is not the summit of his abilities. His songwriting is rich in melody, set to complex yet infectious rhythms, tinged with the influence of his African roots. His lyrics are incisive and true without self-consciousness or contrivance, yet tackle subject matter as diverse as social politics and lovelorn heartbreak.

With the show biz work ethic of his idol James Brown, Ola and his band are welded to life on the road and in 2004 they clocked more than a 100 concerts in Britain and Europe. His performances are energetic and engaging, carried off with undeniable sex appeal and stage presence.

Unsurprisingly Ola is fast garnering support in high circles. He has opened and guested for artistes such as Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight, Diane Reeves, Patti Labelle, Tower of Power, Joe Zawinul and Roy Hargrove. He has collaborated with other Jazz and soul luminaries such as Courtney Pine, as well as celebrated British black theatre - Nitro. In 2003 he was commissed to write an aria by the Royal Opera House (London).

Ola's loyal fan base know they are on to something special, that in Ola they have one of the best kept secrets of the British music scene. Ola's fifth album IN EMERGENCY, BRAKE SILENCE was released in the UK on his Rugged Ram Label in October 2004. It will be released in Germany, Austria, Belgium and France in April 2004

'Highly individual and meaningful music that does not buckle to trends... '(Muzik)

'Epitomises the relentless struggle for a serious talent' (Blues & Soul)

'This is consciousness-raising soul with spiritual redemption as its goal' Metro Magazine

'Words cannot describe what this guy does. I have never seen anyone connect so totally to an audience' (Echoes)

'Slick and gutsy... a great entertainer.. the whole club was dancing, literally.' (The Stage)

visit www.olasmusic.com for info on Britains' finest soul singer, his new album