This isn't your typical jazz; this is Cyber Jazz! "Live : The Liquid Soul Tour" captures Gemini Soul over several shows doing what they do best; performing live. Ajamu Akinyele's bass playing is in the style of Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and MeShell Ndegeocello - a sight to be seen live. Jon O'Bergh's keyboard stylings capture the elements of 70's funk, reminiscent of Herbie Hancock. Andrew Foster's percussion adds a satin groove, keeping the music smooth and sexy.
"Live : The Liquid Soul Tour" features the music from Gemini Soul's early 2007 release "Liquid Soul," including the favorites Peggy Lee's "Fever," and Sade's "Hang On To Your Love." Plus this disc includes a jazz/funk version of Lizz Wright's "Goodbye." And, don't forget about Ajamu Akinyele's Pandora's Boxx "Remix," if you enjoy Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and MeShell Ndegeocello...this song is right up your alley...funky, jazzy, and sexy! The entire CD was recorded live during the month of April 2007 at various venues in the San Francisco bay area. Gemini Soul's unique sound "Cyber Jazz," which is a blend of jazz/funk fusion with an electronic element, continues to redefine jazz for a new generation.
Concert Reviews:
You guys are FANTASTIC and I'm enjoying your CD's immensely! ~ Kelly Potter (Monterey, CA)
I really enjoyed your performance. I can tell that you really feel and enjoy your music, it was displayed by the energy that filled the room at the View Lounge at The Marriott Hotel in February 2007...your performance was GREAT, and when we left, I was full of energy...I hope you come to perform in Dallas at the Brooklyn Jazz Cafe. Keep up the good work, you can only go higher! ~ Shedaria (Dallas, TX)
We enjoy the vibe you bring to Frescaroma, and we also enjoy you very much as people. We'd love to have you back again, again, and again! ~ Cosmo (San Jose, CA)
You’re awesome! Let me know when you release your new CD, so we can have you back! ~ Lilly Cortez, Producer (Sacramento & Co. TV Show; NEWS 10/ABC)
Dude you are so on, and I've been waiting for an artist to swing my way. There are a lot of new urban jazz artists out there, but you throw the off speed pitch that, if I were a musician I'd be playing. Lock me in your fan club, I want to know where you'll be playing in Sacramento. Thank you for being soooo blessed! ~ A True Fan...Paul
It was great having you guys back in the Fillmore area playing. We need more of your good music more often. Each time I see you guys perform, you surprise me at how great you guy’s sound! Keep it up! ~ William
Listening to the alluring sound of jazz artist Ajamu Akinyele is outstanding! If you're looking for an entertaining jazz artist, you should book him today! Ajamu is the IDEA of jazz and we loved him at Table 260.
~ Pleshette (Sacramento Cultural Hub Magazine)
About Gemini Soul:
Andrè Marcel Ajamu Akinyele (Ah-jah-moo + Ah-kin-yay-lay) recorded as MARCEL from 1998 to 2004 and had independent success with several releases throughout the U.S., Europe and Japan. As MARCEL, he released five CD's ranging in style from Funk to World, but as Ajamu Akinyele (name change in 2004 meaning “Strong Warrior” in the Yoruba language of Nigeria, Africa) embarked on his first Cyber Jazz CD titled "Supernova," in 2005. In 2006 the world witnessed just how far Ajamu would go; he released the double CD “Black Magic The Cyber Jazz Experience,” which established him as a true contender in the jazz industry.
Jon Carl O’Bergh, whom Ajamu has known since 2002, had previously written and produced 6 CDs, including “Song of Fire,” currently unreleased; “Songs from other Planets;” "Carta," which was #1 nationwide on the NAV chart; "Meditations from a Lost World," which reached #3; "Sacred Spaces"; and "Millennial Landscapes," which reached #2. He also co-produced songs for MARCEL, now known as Ajamu Akinyele, on Marcel’s 2003 release "Uptown : 2025 A.D.," and for R&B recording artist JARROD on his debut CD "Every Part of Me."
Ajamu and Jon joined forces in 2005, as Gemini Soul, with the release of “A Cyber Jazz Holiday;” Gemini Soul was born fusing smooth jazz and funk fusion for a new generation. Two years later on January 9, 2007, Gemini Soul released their second offering “Liquid Soul”. Liquid Soul is the new direction in jazz states Gemini Soul, and features 13 tracks of new original music, plus favorite standards such as Peggy Lee's "Fever," Stanley Clarke's "Yesterday Princess," Sade's "Kiss of Life" and "Hang On To Your Love," and Dave Brubeck's "Take Five."
In late January 2007, Gemini Soul added a new member, Andrew Foster on percussion. Andrew Foster’s transition from one skill to another is like Sade’s tune “Smooth Operator.” Growing up in the early seventies, listening to many styles of jazz including brazilian and traditional jazz, inspired Andrew to become a percussionist. He met with producer/bassist Ajamu Akinyele one evening after a Gemini Soul show and the rest is history. Andrew recalls during the first jam session, “It was like magic playing with Ajamu Akinyele and Jon O’Bergh…it just came naturally. I’m very fortunate to be a part of Gemini Soul and I’m ready to take it to the next level!” And the next level is where these guys are going, proving that Gemini Soul and their sound Cyber Jazz are here to stay!
Gemini Soul’s current set list concentrates on their collaborated works as Gemini Soul including their new release “Liquid Soul” and Ajamu Akinyele’s 2006 critically acclaimed double CD "Black Magic The Cyber Jazz Experience," which gained Gemini Soul exposure on the morning television show Sacramento & Co., (ABC affiliate KXTV). Their music has been featured on the hit television shows Girlfriends, The Tony Danza Show, and Entertainment Tonight. And, they opened for the legendary Latin/Jazz percussionist Pete Escovedo in June 2007.
Gemini Soul’s sound “Cyber Jazz,” which is a blend of jazz/funk fusion, reflects the influence of bassists Me’Shell Ndegèocello and Stanley Clarke; the smooth sounds of Sade; the funk fusion of jazz legend Herbie Hancock; and the pop funk jazz - fusion of Miles Davis. Their stage performances are visually exciting and entertaining, while engaging and energizing the audience in the manner of pop super star Prince and the pop funk fusion of Miles Davis. Gemini Soul also provides an overall smooth ambience reminiscent of Sade, an experience to behold.
Gemini Soul feat. Ajamu Akinyele Upcoming Shows:
Friday - June 12, 2009 @ 12 PM
De Anza College
21250 Stevens Creek Blvd. (Campus Center)
Cupertino, CA 95014
Sunday - June 14, 2009 @ 1 PM
EON Coffee
24970 Hesperian Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94545
Saturday - June 20, 2009 @ 1 PM
Laurel Village Summer Solstice Music Festival
ACE Hardware Stage
4024 MacArthur Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94619
Saturday - June 20, 2009 @ 8:30 PM & 10:30 PM (2 Shows)
The Hedley Club Lounge
Hotel De Anza
233 West Santa Clara Street
San Jose, CA 95113
Also, available at CDBABY & I-Tunes:
Gemini Soul f/ Ajamu Akinyele – Dark Skin Babies : The Movement (2009)
Gemini Soul f/ Ajamu Akinyele - The Nefertiti Xperience (2008)
Gemini Soul f/ Ajamu Akinyele - LIVE : The Liquid Soul Tour (2007)
Gemini Soul f/ Ajamu Akinyele - Liquid Soul (2007)
Ajamu Akinyele - Black Magic : The Gold Edition (2007)
Ajamu Akinyele - Black Magic The Cyber Jazz Experience (2006)
Gemini Soul f/ Ajamu Akinyele - A Cyber Jazz Holiday (2005)
Ajamu Akinyele - Supernova (2005)
MARCEL - Secret Weapon Volumes 1 & 2 (2004)
MARCEL - Uptown : 2025 E.P. The Remixes (2004)
MARCEL - Uptown : 2025 A.D. (2003)
MARCEL - Spice The Alternative Hip-Hop Experience (2001)
MARCEL - The Diary of Marcel (1998)
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