Album Notes

PHILIPPE ARCOSTANZO aka GOTTA, was born in MARSEILLE in 1975. Composer, arranger, producer, and remixer, he started with "classical piano" at age 6. In 1993 he won first place in classic piano and in contemporary music. At the same time he was in the university in AIX EN PROVENCE where he worked "jazz piano" with a famous French jazzman. He won third place of European jazz during the RAVEL GRANADOS competition, and first place for piano solo during the WORLD'S CHILDREN COMPETITION.

His musical influences include funk, soul, acid jazz, gospel and R&B, artists as STEVIE WONDER, ARETHA FRANKLIN, ISAAC HAYES, JAMES BROWN, MACEO PARKER, EWF, GAP BAND, PRINCE, INCOGNITO, and JAMIROQUAI. For GOTTA, black music was a revelation; black vocals, fender Rhodes and guitar became his universe. His most important influence came from HERBIE HANCOCK.

In 1997 he formed his own band "SOULN'AM", which performed acid jazz, funk, soul and Latin. After recording two maxi CD's and several concerts in France, he created his own Home studio and more particularly used music from R&B, neo-soul, dance floor, house, and garage. He produced several R&B projects in France, and in the US and worked with several DJs from the French Riviera. He also remixed several house singles for English, French and American labels.

His debut CD is entitled "Got To Be Free" and features 10 tracks, of which, 9 are original up-tempo dance and melodic R&B grooves, and 1 cover track of "Amazing Grace".
The title track features Barbara Harris on vocals. Barbara was formerly with the "Toys" and "Rhythm and Babs" and has been performing R&B for many years. Barbara also showcases her vocal skills on the infectious House beat " Out Of The Blue", and culminates the CD with the Gospel song "Amazing Grace". This CD is destined to become a favorite of club fans everywhere.