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New Groove of the Month:
Soulive
by Johnny Beach
These days it seems that you are always hearing about a new band that needs to be heard. It's tough to keep up on all of these groups and sometimes when you see them you find out they really aren't that spectacular. Soulive is a name that seems to be popping up everywhere these days. However, this is one of those times that the hype really pays off. It has been a long time since I have been so impressed and overjoyed with a new band. I believe that Soulive is one of the best new groups on the scene today. The band's name aptly describes their sound. It's soulful, raw, live and it grooves.
Soulive is a three piece band from the northeast area. It consists of Alan Evans on drums, Neal Evans on Hammond B-3, and Eric Krasno on guitar. While it takes most bands a long time to develop their sound and please audiences, Soulive have accomplished this in a few short months. The three musicians that make up Soulive played together for the first time as a group in March of this year. They recorded their first album entitled Get Down that day, live in the studio. It was evident from the start that these three musicians have the ability to do some wonderful things together.
Alan Evans and Neal Evans are brothers who were members of the original Moon Boot Lover lineup. Eric Krasno was a member of the Boston based band Lettuce. All three had spent time doing other projects as well before Soulive. However, they were determined to make a completely fresh start and therefore have written all their songs specifically for this trio. They entered a recording studio together and haven't looked back since. They have been touring the northeast for the past several months and are already developing a solid fan base. Soulive shows are a truly exhilarating experience. From the first notes, you suddenly find yourself uncontrollably moving your body in ways you hadn't before. Allen works his bass and snare drum like a machine gone haywire. But, unlike a machine, raw, human energy continuously flows out of him. Eric provides guitar melodies that flow beautifully and are instantly hummable. And when it is time for him to solo, it is easy to see what a talented musician he is. And finally, sitting on stage left is the incomparable Neal who seemlessly plays the organ and bass lines at the same time. It is amazing to watch him, while soloing, explore and then climax a tune with his right hand while staying in perfect time with Allen's bass drum with his left. On stage they all dress in suits which only adds to what they are creating. The way they look and how they simultaneously bob their heads to their sounds provides further conviction that these guys are serious. The band members know that the music they make together is something special and they are ready to bring it to anyone and everyone. Guitarist Eric Krasno said "We came together with this and it was such a definite sound. It's still gelling and building."
It's evident that people are catching on. They are already selling out prestigious venues such as the House of Blues in Boston. They are just returning from their first trip down south which included stops in New Orleans, Florida, Georgia and many other southern states. They will continue to tour the northeast area of the country for the rest of the year and are planning on doing a full U.S. tour early next year. So don't worry, Soulive will be coming to you soon enough.
It is evident from listening to Soulive that their influences span many different genres of music. Jazz, funk, and hip-hop are all incorporated into the sound of Soulive. The one thing constant throughout all their influences is groove, and Soulive can groove harder than most. When asked about influences, Neal Evans said "Whatever it is, your head is bopping and you can groove to it." The band enjoys collaborating with other artists. Soulive have performed with singers, MC's, saxophonists and others. Their collaborators span as many musical genres as their influences.
Another interesting thing about Soulive is they don't really have a band leader. All three members are doing their own thing and collectively forming the sounds of Soulive. It is rare that a band is without a leader, but it is working very well for Soulive. "That is one of the most amazing things I've found so far working in this trio, somehow naturally things have always panned out evenly. We all write the same amount of tunes as well," said Eric. They seem to feel completely comfortable with each other on stage, moving the spotlight freely from one member to the next.
Recently at the Berkfest in Massachusetts Soulive got to bring their music to new people. Once you see them you are instantly hooked and their were many converts at Berkfest. Soulive played three separate times and all three sets were amazing. The highlight of the entire festival for me was seeing John Scofield play with Soulive. He fit in perfectly with them and was instantly rocking with them on stage. After the set the entire crowd was left with their mouths open. Nobody could really grasp what they had just seen. New musical highs were reached and everyone was psyched about it. These are the kinds of things that Soulive are capable of doing.
Soulive have just finished recording their second album which will be released later this fall on Velour Records. They will be playing many shows in the next several months and will be touring the entire country early next year. You can check www.soulive.com out for more info on the band. Until then ready yourself for the Soulive experience and their unique brand of groove that will surely blow you away.
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