Album Notes

Helen Rogers began her singing career with South London based record label TNT which specialised in Reggae music. In 1982 she joined Brit Funk outfit Direct Drive as lead vocalist and together they enjoyed Black Echoes Soul Chart top 10 hits with ‘ In the Middle of Spring’ and‘Pass the Paper'. In 1984 they achieved a UK Soul Chart No 1 hit with ‘Anything’…..’ described as "one of the best, and indeed, most successful British records around…it’s one of the most heavily played tracks on pirate radio, the most danced to record around London" (Blues and Soul magazine Jan 22- Feb 4 1985). ‘Anything’ remained soul No 1 for 8 weeks, Direct Drive signed to Polydor Records and charted nationally.

During the 80's Helen added her angelic vocals to many musical projects including Funk/ Pop outfit 7th Heaven, and Lee Fardon's 'Palestine' EP.

In 1986 Helen provided vocals on Paul Hardcastle’s remix of Third World’s classic ‘Now That We Found Love’ which charted nationally at no 22. A year later Helen collaborated with Paul Hardcastle once again for the track ‘Walk in the Night’ which reached no 54 of the national chart. This was the track that sowed the seeds for the hugely successful ‘Jazzmasters’ series.

Now Helen has decided to strike out on her own the with the long awaited E.P, Eyes Like Midnight, featuring tracks from her forth coming album. Arranged and produced by Helen herself, it displays her unique vocal and song writing talent. Along with the musical virtuosity of Tony Qunta , this project has allowed Helen to fuse together her influences from many genres including Jazz, Jazz Funk and Lovers Rock.

Helen Rogers says: “This EP is my first solo project, where I am writing, arranging, and singing. I had been working alone when I met my guitarist Tony Qunta and asked if he would like to write with me. We discovered that we had a wonderful working chemistry between us. The project gained momentum quickly and we were joined by renowned Brazillian Percussionist Ulisses Bezerra and funky bass man Derek Baxter.”

As Helen continues: “My influences come from many musical sources…Lovers Rock, R’n’B, Funk, Jazz, Rock, Indie ….songwriting influences come from life itself …my own experiences or the observation of others. Sometimes just the look in a person’s eyes can inspire the idea for a song….as with Eyes Like Midnight. Music is such a beautiful form of communication as it goes directly from soul to soul. It has always been my Best Friend!”