Album Notes

At six foot seven, DK Ibomeka (pronounced ee-bo-MECK-eh) has a towering stage presence and a voice to match. Musicians and industry insiders are calling DK Ibomeka one of the best new voices in years, with a three-octave range informed by the clarity and vibrancy of Ella Fitzgerald, the soulfulness of Ray Charles, and the deep, rich bass of Joe Williams.

The son of Nigerian immigrants to Canada, DK Ibomeka’s musical aspirations, oddly enough, began when he thought he was heading for medical school. Moving into a new apartment he discovered that someone had left behind an Ella Fitzgerald CD. He blew off the dust, slipped the CD into his player and immediately fell in love. “I had always loved R&B,” says DK, “but when I heard the exquisite voice of this woman, it called to me in a way that no other voice has.” He spent the next few months singing in the shower, writing songs and not confiding to anyone his dream of becoming a performer. Eventually he broke the news to his parents that he wished to devote his life to music, and they asked him to audition right there in the kitchen, a capella. Amazed (they had no idea their son could sing), his parents agreed to support his decision.

DK immediately signed up for studies at the Humber College vocal jazz program and on weekends took advantage of as many open mike stages he could find. On the strength of his raw talent, he was offered a scholarship to the prestigious Berkeley School of Music, but unfortunately had to turn down this opportunity due to financial constraints. Undeterred, DK pressed on singing wherever and to whomever he could. Never in his wildest dreams did he think that before long he would be co-writing songs with Haydain Neale, leader of Canada’s jacksoul - or that Haydain would want to produce his debut album. Nor did he think that not long after launching his career he would be represented by the Feldman agency, joining their roster of such notable performers as Diana Krall, Nora Jones and Michael Buble.

DK Ibomeka’s debut album “Love Stories”, presents a mix of classic jazz sounds combined with a touch of blues, pop and a distinct flavouring of soul.

“Love Stories” was produced by Haydain Neale (jacksoul), with legendary engineer and producer George Massenburg (Aaron Neville, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Little Feat, Earth Wind & Fire) on board as mixing consultant, and was mastered in New York City by Ted Jensen (Norah Jones, Chris Botti, Madeleine Peyroux, Dave Matthews Band, Santana, Miles Davis) at Sterling Sound.

With each live performance (including an appearance at the 2005 Montreal Jazz Festival where he shared the stage with the Neville Brothers, Patti Labelle and Haydain Neale) DK continues to captivate audiences and critics alike.