Album Notes

Gemini Soul's music isn't your typical jazz; it's Cyber Jazz! The Sun Goddess – Queen Nefertiti of ancient Egypt, is the concept of Gemini Soul's "The Nefertiti Xperience." Musically, it's influenced by Herbie Hancock's critically acclaimed jazz/fusion album "Head Hunters" and bassist MeShell Ndegeocello, who continues to be Gemini Soul's muse.

"The Nefertiti Xperience" features two cover tunes "Chance To Grow" written by Wendy & Lisa of Prince and The Revolution and "Compared To What?" written by Gene McDaniel, but resembles MeShell Ndegeocello's version from the 2007 Motion Picture Soundtrack "Talk To Me." The selections that are covers, Gemini Soul added their Cyber Jazz twist giving the songs a pulse (a beat and rhythm to dance).

The opening track "Sun Goddess" is heavily influenced by Herbie Hancock's "Chameleon," with its heavy clavichord funk and driving bass, it's guaranteed to make you dance. 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.

Production Notes: Produced, arranged, and composed by Andre Marcel Ajamu Akinyele; except where indicated. Performed by Gemini Soul. Andre Ajamu Akinyele – fender bass, guitar, keyboards, percussion, and programming; Jon O’Bergh – fender rhodes, keyboards, piano, and programming; Andrew Foster – percussion; Alex Marks – drums. Recorded at The Sand Castle; Sea Ranch, CA (December 16th –18th, 2007). Mixed at The Mallory Gallery; San Francisco, CA (December 20th-24th, 2007).

About Gemini Soul:

Gemini Soul (Andrè Ajamu Akinyele – bass & drum programming; Jon O'Bergh – piano, keyboards & programming; Andrew Foster – percussion; and Alex Marks - drums) originating from the San Francisco bay area are known for their eclectic blend of smooth jazz/funk fusion with an electronic element known as "Cyber Jazz."

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 No. 1 nationwide on the NAV chart; "Meditations from a Lost World," which reached No. 3; "Sacred Spaces;" and "Millennial Landscapes," which reached No. 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 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," which features 13 tracks of new original music, plus favorite standards such as Peggy Lee's "Fever," and Dave Brubeck's "Take Five." "Liquid Soul" also features covers of Stanley Clarke's "Yesterday Princess," Sade's "Kiss of Life" and "Hang On To Your Love." On July 25, 2007, the world witnessed their third release "Live : The Liquid Soul Tour," which captures Gemini Soul doing what they do best, performing live. And on February 25, 2008, Gemini Soul released their fourth CD "The Nefertiti Xperience," which is guaranteed to start a new jazz revolution within the music industry.

In late January 2007, Gemini Soul added Andrew Foster on percussion. Andrew’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."

In early June 2007, Gemini Soul added Alex Marks on drums. Alex is influenced by drummer David Silveria from the rock band Korn, and the drummer John Bonham from the 70's rock band Led - Zeppelin. So, why jazz? Alex's first drum teacher suggested that he listen and learn from the music and styling of Miles Davis, Tower of Power and John Coltrane. Alex's music teacher also wanted to encourage him to play different styles of music, making him a well-rounded musician. Alex loves funk, fusion and Latin jazz. By joining Gemini Soul, Alex brings his influences of rock and funk/fusion, enhancing Gemini Soul's Cyber Jazz experience.

Gemini Soul's new release "The Nefertiti Xperience" is inspired by the Sun Goddess herself, Queen Nefertiti; while Herbie Hancock’s critically acclaimed "Head Hunters" album and MeShell Ndegeocello influence the music. Gemini Soul’s set list will concentrate on their new release "The Nefertiti Xperience" with a few surprises.

Gemini Soul's sound "Cyber Jazz," which is a blend of jazz – funk fusion, reflects the influence of bassists MeShell Ndegeocello 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. Gemini Soul's stage performances are visually exciting and entertaining, while engaging and energizing the audience. This isn't your typical jazz; this is Cyber Jazz!

Gemini Soul has been featured on the morning television show Sacramento & Co., (ABC affiliate KXTV) and various radio shows throughout the country. Their music has been featured on the hit television shows Girlfriends, The Tony Danza Show, and Entertainment Tonight. They had the privilege of opening for Pete Escovedo at the 2007 San Jose Juneteenth Festival. Pete Escovedo said, "Ajamu is one FUNKY bass player!"

Gemini Soul have performed in some of the country's most prestigious jazz and club venues such as Catalina Jazz Club, Hollywood, CA; The Knitting Factory; Hollywood, CA; The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA; The Rhythm Room, Phoenix, AZ; Kuumbwa Jazz, Santa Cruz, CA; and many others.

Gemini Soul was a "Featured Artist" in the September/October 2007 issue of Abyss Jazz Magazine, one of the jazz industry's premiere magazines.

Gemini Soul's discography has been recognized and added to Billboard and VH1, which is a huge accomplishment being independent artists.

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)