Album Notes

New Orleans' own JOYFUL! has been delivering their own brand of R&B, Gospel and Soul to enthusiastic audiences all over the world for more than a decade now. In fact, in Europe alone, they were privileged to visit some 1000 different cities in more than ten (10) countries in the last several years. JOYFUL takes their unique gospel and soul music to more than 50 festivals and clubs there each year.
The group was formed in 1980 by duo Alfred and Loretta Caston, along with father and son team, Jessie and Reginal Veal (currently bass player for Wynton Marsailis' group). Today JOYFUL! consists of Jessie Veal, Alfred Caston, Ernest Gulladge, and Ronnie Dents.
At home in New Orleans, JOYFUL plays an integral part of one of the world's largest music festivals, The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Interestingly enough, it was this festival that became the focal point of the work they do today as the festival has become a hot spot for promoters the world over. They also perform at signature clubs like Tramps (New York), Half Note Jazz Club (Greece), and Blues House (Milano).
JOYFUL! has authored four (4) independent label recordings with European and American companies. Their biggest chart songs to-date were two classic re-makes, "If I had a Hammer" and "People get ready". Since that time, the group has charted other tunes like: "Makin' it thru a Storm" and "Don't Leave Me".
Lately, JOYFUL! has been favored on the Hollywood scene at R&B LIVE, one of California's most prestigious clubs for the stars. In the early nineties, they became regulars there, working with the likes of STACY LATISAW, EARTH, WIND and FIRE, DOUG E. FRESH and others.
Joyful! has played great club venues from New York to Athens, Greece.
The group features a four vocal set-up with a four-piece rhythm section. Soul is the main ingredient for this seven-piece band and they can deliver it in huge proportions. Some fans complain that they leave the JOYFUL! performances with hurting hands. Find out why, they're --JOYFUL!