Gypsy Soul - A soulful journey into new terrain . . .
“Transcendent. Her voice is haunting and his musicianship is superb. Their music stirs the soul and moves the spirit.”
– Monica Rizzo, PEOPLE Magazine
Independence and integrity have defined the path of Gypsy Soul, in the artistry and humanity of the duo’s
exquisite music, which both comes from and reaches the far edges of the earth. Although the music’s roots may be
found in Celtic and Americana realms, wilder and deeper edges of rock, blues, jazz and world music also find their
way in. Could it be any other way, given the eclectic nature of the band members’ origins? Vocalist Cilette Swann
—with her soaring four plus-octave soprano voice—has Irish, South African and Canadian roots, adding to her
Pacific Northwest residency and years spent living and performing in France and the UK. Multi-instrumentalist
and producer Roman Morykit—who excels on fretless bass, acoustic and electric guitar, and is a producer/engineer
of absolute mastery—was born in Britain, with his Ukranian and Italian heritage informing his experience. The two
met in Scotland, their gypsy souls quickly becoming one in both music and life.
The course of the years since has been a continuous journey of success and struggle, fierce persistence
and constant creative growth, with pure expression of soul taking precedence over mere virtuosity. Gypsy Soul has
insistently followed an independent path of positivity, deep spirit, community contribution and celebration. Over
the course of ten CDs—including the latest, Grace and Tranquility, a collaboration with lyricist and author Eric
Alan—they’ve sold over 110,000 CDs without benefit of label support, as well as 1.5 million digital downloads.
Grace and Tranquility will be released nationally August 10th, 2010.
From 200-2,000 seat venues, Gypsy Soul is creating an indelible mark on music lovers everywhere with
their sold out concerts. To celebrate their landmark 10th CD release, Gypsy Soul has been chosen as one of the first
independent artists to headline at the prestigious Britt Fest Theater in Southern Oregon, kicking off their 2010
summer touring. The band traditionally tours half of every year, headlining at theatres, wineries, spirit centers and
produces house concerts, where the intimacy and the depth of personal connection brings particular reward.
They've also recently released their first full length, live in-concert DVD shot at Seattle's renowned, Triple Door.
Their Beneath the Covers CD was recently internationally voted, "Best Cover Song CD” by Just Plain
Folks, the world’s largest independent music awards. Their music has been licensed from Japan to South Africa and
used over 120 times in TV shows and movies, including such high profile shows as Felicity, Providence, Roswell
and After Sex. The band has been named as critic’s choice in over sixty magazines and other publications, and
climbed diverse radio charts nationwide.
It’s in the human connections in which the band’s true success is measured. Their music and the greater
purpose behind it, deeply affects lives. Fans themselves donated over $27,000 for the recording of Beneath the
Covers: A Rediscovery, and a couple bought a new Dobro for Roman after all the band’s gear was stolen while on
tour—specifically so the band could again play “Sandals in the Snow,” their beautiful ode to all living on the edge
with dignity. Contributing to that dignity, their annual benefit concerts in Southern Oregon have raised enough
money to provide 20,000 meals for the indigent, as well as over $15,000 for WinterSpring, an organization
transforming bereavement into healing.
By way of paying it forward while on tour, the band produces numerous college workshops for art and
music students to share their innovative ideas for cultivating a career in the arts. The band's new Voices Unheard
Foundation will not only assist other musicians, but exists to empower and elevate women from poverty. In the
years to come, Cilette and Roman will continue their work in Southeast Asia and other countries, helping those
affected by the sex trade and human trafficking. The band has also been invited to be part of the UpRising
Collective, along with a select few of the nation’s most accomplished musicians of positive spirit.
A remarkable journey, Gypsy Soul has taken—a journey that is only now beginning.
GYPSY SOUL - INDEPTH:
Website: To experience Gypsy Soul’s music and story please visit: http://www.gypsysoul.com
Video:
Photos: http://www.gypsysoul.com/press/highresphotos
EPK: http://www.gypsysoul.com/press.asp
GYPSY SOUL CONTACT INFO:
Band: Cilette Swann and Roman Morykit: band@gypsysoul.com
Licensing / GS Advocate: Michael Eames – PEN Music Group, Inc. Michael@penmusic.com
PR/ GS Raconteur: Heidi Bowen: heidi@otbtrecordings.com
Read more...