TORTURED SOUL: Introducing Tortured Soul

Tortured Soul

Introducing Tortured Soul

© 2004 Purpose Records (829757666921)

CD permanently out of stock. Sorry!

Live soulful house music with an electronica edge; featuring an OSUNLADE remix and one song produced with DJ SPINNA

notes

Tortured Soul is music that will move you. It's a new concept in the world of house music: it's live. The instrumentation is simple and organic :­ Drums, electric bass, vintage keys, and soulful vocals. Tortured Soul filters club sounds like Afro Beat and Samba through a lens of jazzy House and American Soul to reflect intense grooves evocative of Jamiroquai, Stevie Wonder, the New Deal, and Fela Kuti.

Their first full-length album just released on PURPOSE RECORDS, showcases their live tracks, as well as, studio productions and re-mixes, also coincides with an aggressive touring schedule covering the US, Canada, and Europe. Tortured Soul is also featured on DJ Spinna's newest album, Here to There, with a funky remake of his classic track, "Rock."

Tortured Soul was conceived in May 2001 by drummer, singer, and songwriter Christian Urich - known in world of house and R&B as founder and leader of the band Cooly's Hot Box. The single "We Don't Have To Be Alone" introduced Cooly's Hot Box to the house music world, and their acid jazz classic "Don't Throw My Love Around" on Polygram's London/Payday Records is featured on the first Giant Steps compilation and as the hook for Armond Van Heldon's "Funk Phenomenon." Urich has worked with such producers as Reggie Lucas (Madonna, Stephanie Mills), DJ Spinna, and Roger Sanchez (on his album First Contact.)

The first Tortured Soul single for Central Park Recordings was the now-classic house track "I Might Do Something Wrong" re-mixed by Osunlade. The track was an immediate success, playing weekly at New York's legendary party Body & Soul and altering the sound of Central Park Recordings. Inspired by Tortured Soul the label turned in a new direction, and focused on the fusion of soul with deep house music.

Tortured Soul's next two singles involved Alistair Colling and DJ Spinna. For these tracks, Urich incorporated keyboardist Ethan White and bassist Jason Kriveloff. White's style is rhythmic and soulful, blending his background in jazz with Brazilian pop, African rhythms, and 70's R&B. He leads his own piano trio and frequently lends his sound as a sideman. Conservatory-trained bassist Kriveloff fuses the styles of James Jamerson, Bootsy Collins, and Paul Chambers to give Tortured Soul its tight and jazzy bottom end. His Central Park Recordings house project, "The Moves," highlights his writing, singing, and programming skills and debuted at the 2003 Winter Music Conference with "If You Leave Now."

The trio had previously recorded the album The Zone with Velour Records' artist, Topaz. They toured for two years with Topaz sharing stages with legends James Brown, Maceo Parker, John Scofield, Soulive, Widespread Panic, and many others. Their first recording as Tortured Soul, "How's Your Life," captures their intuitive musical rapport and presents a smooth soul-house sound with haunting vocals. The project has evolved into a collaboration with three times its original force for pioneering a new genre: live house.

With the new album ready to hit, the band is transferring their energy to the stage‹dropping heavy beats and thick bass for the body and soul. The show is powerful. The sound is infectious. The music moves.

reviews

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  • I'm waiting for restocking!!
    author: wizz chan

    This album is my cup of tea, plz restock asap!!

  • introducing tortured soul
    author: maz

    just heard them for the first time, they are brill. Are they still going strong and still the same?

  • simply the best
    author: Javier Castro

    Hey¡¡¡ we are watting for the next cd¡¡¡¡

  • Simlpy LUV DEM!!!
    author: TP

    Dont have too many comments, coz they have all you ever wanted in a live performance!!! They can give you more energy in your 'very tired' situation (such as back pain in Java Jazz ;-p ) Just never ever miss their show!!! And in your 'very hectic' working days, just listen to their CD will cheer u up..

  • they just... GREAT!!
    author: Marina (Indo)

    i missed Torturred Soul in Java jazz 06, now when they'll back here for the 2007 festive, i wouldn't missed it! i already bought for their 2 shows in a row! i love everything In this album.. specially Fall in love (both the original and also the one they colaborate with DJ Spinna) and Don't Hold Me Down, also I Might Do Something Wrong.. aaaa!! i just love everything about Tortured Soul! where can i get the lyrics btw?

  • Fall in love
    author: Dan B

    What a fantastic. while I listened to this album, I saw another fantastic world such as "Thanks god it's friday" I just love "Fall in love" and "Don't hold me down".

  • love it
    author: Jonathan K

    Saw this band live in Melbourne at The Forum. Such a great live band - very smooth ambient rythmic sound. The Album is almost as good as the live performance. Thanks for the great service CD Baby.

  • enjoy it now
    author: eka

    heard it first time from tv in java jazz festival, Indonesia and.....wooaaaa... i was stuck there and quickly called my brother to get me the cd. guess what..i love the cd, specially "enjoy it now", and for those of you who hasnt got one....just get one and enjoy it now.

  • dont hold me down
    author: tony roma

    great single..effortless sounds to listen to with a familiar lyrical hook..i never get tired of being reminded that its alright!

  • author: Stephanee

    This is my very first house CD and I absolutely love it! Tortured Soul really captures the essence of composing great music.I can go on and on about how the sounds are so unique from other house music. Definately a great purchase for people who are open to creative sounds. I will play this CD forever. Thank you CD Baby!

  • well,well,well,what have we here.....
    author: John Brito-BlendMasters Records@http://www.angelfire.com/dragon3

    Funny,it's Friday and tommorrow(6/24/2006 you guys are performing@NYC's Central Park,I'm going and hope to see ya,great stuff,hopefully I'll get it,I've a 100 dollar internet music shopping spree planned,beautiful work.

  • fANtAsTic!
    author: sari

    can't wait to see your live performance in surabaya - indonesia!

  • Incredible! A bomb in the house sky!
    author: Simon Master W

    Nice style, impressing lyrics. Where can i find the lyrics?

  • thats i called MUSIX !!!!
    author: billy

    WOW ! 4 thumbs.... cannot wait so long for your next trip in Jakarta.

  • u guys rok come and play in bali!
    author: marzuki

    Caught tortured soul live at java jazz, jakarta, twice. u guys really blew us away! hey get u butts down and play at bali for a few gigs(where I live!)

  • WoNdErFuL
    author: Laura

    you have realize my dream! Cd is OK, Tortured Soul are the best!!! -Kisses-

  • Good Tune + beautiful ladies = LOVE !
    author: DJ Casanova, San Diego baby

    Hey, You guys just make me wanna dance all day & all night. I got this chick that tortures my soul too but this music is the cure at the moment. Thanks tortured soul, you made me a better lover! I'm enjoying it now...

  • Like Mum's Sunday dinner!
    author: Vinny J

    I love my Mum's Sunday dinner, and I loved this album. I heard "I might do something wrong" on an Osunlade CD, and was eager to hear more. I was not disappointed. Favourite tracks: "Why", "I might do something wrong", "Don't hold me down". Even my girlfriend loves it! Highly recommended.

  • author: Jason Cerna

    These guys are amazing live! You definitely need to see them live at least once. The CD is excellent as well and show cases how smooth and soulful their sound is.

  • They sing to my soul
    author: cookiemix

    Every song is a good one, you find yourself moving to it where ever you are, in the car at your desk...people around my office ask about it when they hear it. the tunes are soulful, they give me that warm & fuzzy feel. Can wait for a new album!

  • wall of sound
    author: Hot Carl

    These boys put on a hell of a show. Christian is an amazing musician to keep such a pocket groove on the drums while singing tastefully with good tone and dynamics. I caught them once in an east coast martini lounge and it was the perfect act for the room and very danceable; the CD does not lose any of that charisma or aura and is very smooth. Keep up the good work and stay focused on originality (especially in lyrics) to earn that fifth star. The albums worth the 14 bucks for sure!

  • BEAUTIFUL HOUSE MUSIC
    author: Irina

    I just love Tortured Soul !!! I can listen thier music in the morning, afternoon or at night.It always makes me happy and gives feeling of Love, Joy and Peace.This is real HOUSE Music!!! I saw their live in San Diego-AMAZING,can't wait see them again...

  • Outstanding
    author: Mike - Southport

    Didnt take long to convince friends to go and buy it. Fantastic

  • what a gig in Paris!
    author: soulsearcher

    i saw tortured soul friday 18/11/2005 in Paris what a gig!but unfortunatly all cd were sold before the end...

  • WICKED SOUNDS UPLIFTING SOULFUL HOUSE
    author: DAVID FROM LEEDS (UK)

    To be honest i have only heard hows your life track before, thought it was really good and then my girlfriend back from southport weekender saying she saw them live and how good they was.Clicked on your site listened to their album absolutely brilliant floorless,just go to show looks are deceiving,you wouldn't think Mr Urich had such a soulful.My copy is ordered and on its way!!

  • Quality soulful house music
    author: Soul Flavas

    Really good CD, enjoyed Christian Ullrichs previous music from Coolys Hot Box, will be playing tracks on my internet radio shows. High quality music!

  • author: Lance

    If you love deep house, this is not to be missed. Being a dj in the house land for eight years, I can definitely appreciate the work they do. Of course, live is much better, Denver, CO

  • One of the best dance CDs I've heard!!!
    author: Jonathan

    Unbelievable! Can't quite match the live experience which is ridiculous but the CD is the next best thing. Every track is amazing. I will definitely buy every cd they release from now on. Just press play and dance!!!

  • Seriously contemplative soul music that makes you want to dance
    author: Peggy Goodwin

    Tortured Soul's music is a unique blend of soul, jazz, dance and eletronic -- to categorize them as "House" is a travisty! They are way beyond the "thump, thump, thump" of the average DJ. Their live show is on par with Stevie Wonder's -- they are truly gifted musicians with thoughtful lyrics and danceable rythyms that appeal to kids ages 5-95! They make me smile!!

  • see them live
    author: Lindalicious

    if you can. If you can't, this cd is the next best thing. Great rhythm, impossible not to dance to!

  • great, interesting, refreshing
    author: Emily

    I love this CD. While it totally doesn't replace seeing the band in person, its fun to listed to and I really get into it!

  • These guys are so crazy that I promised myself to check their show everytime the
    author: Alex Summer

    WOW! This CD is great. I first heard TS in a live show in Montreal and it was AWESOME! So I decided to buy the CD and it's worth it! Fall in love, Why, Might do something wrong.... I can't say there's a bad song on this record, THEY ARE ALL GOOD.

  • late to learning..but, dont regret it
    author: THEO

    OMG. I am originally from Detroit, now in the ATL which is totally hip-hop...I've been missing real HOUSE MUSIC and this is definetly filling the void! These boys remind me of a combination of Ten City and Incognito!! HOT!

  • Lush Groovadelic!
    author: Erick

    Definitely a fresh sound (and under proper management this is the next hot item on the menu). An amazing smart blend of groove and funk rythm of international caliber, thumbs up on a fine gem!

  • Absolutely phenomenal
    author: Andy Delgado

    Wonderful collage of soul and house. It is refreshing to see music still lives and real talent still exists. Truly significant work. Keep it bangin'!

  • Great CD!
    author: Amy

    This CD is awesome, a bit repetitious in spots, but so much fun. The music is a funky mix to get your booty shakin! I heard their music at a festival and just had to have this CD. All ages loved it too.

  • Brilliant - feelgood album for the summer; love the last track
    author: Angelina

    I really love this album - haven't stopped playing it since I recieved it! Really soulful, tunes are catchy.Love the feelgood nature of the songs - love the vocals

  • Oustandting Album (Track 7 is the one)
    author: Bibi

    I bought this album for track 7. It is being played in London on the Pirate House Stations and I fell in love with it and just had to order the CD. Not to be missed.

  • The sounds are eclectically soothing in every orbital of your body
    author: djherve

    The albums is great from start to finish. I'm so happy I got this album, and discovered this band. The only thing better than this album is their live performance!

  • I saw these guys open for Los Amigos Invisibles in DC...
    author: martin

    And was moved to purchase this CD immediately. As great as it is, it still doesn't do justice to their live sound. It's worth the purchase for just the first two tracks alone.

  • A must have!!!
    author: B

    If you like Cooley's HotBox, you're gonna love this one. Groovin, groovin and more groovin!!

  • author: Jessica

    I saw Tortured Soul in London and I loved them! I have really been enjoying my CD and many of my California friends dig it as well.

  • Lovin the sound!!
    author: Brad

    I love the sound that they have produced, I feel as artists they have captured the sexy sound of deep house. The soulful vocals make me just wanna dance.

  • Great soulful house CD
    author: SoulTracks

    Make no mistake, Introducing Tortured Soul is directly aimed at the dance floor, and that's okay. More importantly, though, TS has pulled off the impressive feet of making a disc that's engaging outside of the club. First of all, the band sounds great throughout and its jazzy touches provide a nice contrast to the overly programmed, impersonal sound of much of modern dance music. More importantly, the disc is chock full of great tunes, and Christian Urich's soulful vocals (similar in many ways to Stevie Wonder) add a warmth rarely seen in House music. [to read the entire review, visit www.soultracks.com/tortured_soul.htm]

  • Fantastic
    author: Jan Erik (Norway)

    This is realy fantastic. The groovy and funky sound hit's you like a hurricane. You just flow with it. just feel it...

  • author: karen

    House, sweet house. These guys breath fresh life into house music. I am so glad I got this cd, especially when good music is so hard to come by. U must get this one!

  • author: Feffe

    Great lyrics and really nice beat, makes me wanna stuff like that.......

  • Love The Lyrics, Love The Beat, Loves Tortured Soul
    author: K. B, Wilmore

    This CD is what most DJ's look for although I'm not a DJ it's the Beat that I look for when I wanna hit the Dance Floor. This is Club and a whole lot more. This is a Must Buy CD. I love the Lyrics, and the Beat. Fall In Love

  • Not a damn thing wrong with Tortured Soul
    author: JBoogieOnDown

    I have been listening to house music for the better part of 10 years now and I am blown away by Tortured Soul! These kats really have it down. . . good beats and plenty of soul. This is as good as it gets. Get this one, you won't be disappointed!

  • TRUST ME! Owning this CD is necessary.
    author: (The All Knowing)

    Tortured Soul is without a doubt a significant addition to any music lover's collecion. Those boys are straight up getting down and dirty on this one. You will not be disappointed. And if you're ever lucky enough to experience them live, I highly recommend doing so. But you'd better wear comfortable shoes because like it or not, they will definitely have your ass moving.

  • Great CD -When are you going to do more
    author: John

    Love the CD.Keep the songs coming.I loved 8 out of the 10 tracks and play it constantly

  • Finally the Return of Authenic Moody House Music
    author: Steve Carson KCMO

    This music makes you cheetah dance..the beats make u loose it, like in the late 80s, early 90s...... Club LaRae, in Chicago..The RIALLTO, Frankie Knuckles,Ten City ,BMX..Edwardgetdownboogy,107.5WGCI.....This is House..and I thank you.

  • author: Harriette

    The CD is excellent. I love every song!!!!!

  • Love this CD the music is fabulous
    author: Joanne Dent

    Fabulous CD I love this album. Fall In Love is one of my favourites. I had never really listened to Electronica or House music before but having found Tortured Soul this has changed my mind. Very Good!!!!!

  • just what i needed
    author: k o

    they put on the best live show i've seen on 20 nov 04 at smartbar in chicago...bought 1 cd after the show and 2 online today! the cd is fabulous, and the only thing that tops it is seeing them perform live. i went to chicago b/c i was sick of my music collection, and this cd gives you just what you're looking for. buy 1 for yourself and 1 that you'll make all your friends listen to!

  • author: Edgard Gomes Neto (Brasil)

    Simplesmente fantásticos.....Tive o prazer de conhece-los no Festival Internaciional de Jazz em Montreal.O mundo deve tomar conhecimento de almas elevadas como essas.

  • Tortured soul = good
    author: Arica

    I've seen Tortured Soul three times now, these guys are great. They are why I like house music now. I love this cd btw, thanks for comin to my city 3 times in the past year :)

  • Tortured Soul is re-writting the genre of House music
    author: Elyse MArie

    These guys have got it! They have successfully combined soul, house, dance and groove! I can chill to this music and on the same token work out listening to them. My favorite song is "Why." Christian really knows how to write a song which everyone can identify with in one way or another! They are awesome and my favorite new band!!! I saw them in San Diego, and their live show was off the hook... try to check them out live... it is 130% for the whole non-stop 2 hour set!

  • They poped in the STL at Delmar: Everyone and everything was groovin!
    author: gd

    They poped in the Saint Louis at Delmar and they had everyone and everything groovin!!! Great music

  • Awesome...gotta see them live!!!
    author: Kelly

    I went to see them for the first time in San Diego, CA. I was just in awe how they sounded..so I had to go find the CD and buy it. The CD is jamming...couldn't stop bopping my head. The whole CD wants to make you groove!

  • A perfect compilation
    author: Steve Soulfired

    Went to see these guys at Cargo in London. Was very impressed by the live performance, so hunted down the cd. Its a lovely combination of tracks, arranged perfectly, and one that will played alot over the coming months and just gets better with each listen, so dont be embarassed when you get caught out singing along in your car.

  • Very good CD. I hope there a show planed in Montreal this comming winter
    author: Mario
  • Two thumbs up & tens across the board!!!
    author: Betty Granola

    I just got turned on to tortured soul by a coworker and it happened just at the right time. I was getting so sick of everything I was listening to and needed a refreshing change!! These guys rock - for real!! My favorite track right this moment is "how's your life" it just reminds me of good times on good dance floors and it's a nice flashback or memory... Otherwise they are soothing and soulful and at times i feel like I am listening to stevie. So this is my opinion and i'm sticking to it. Go buy this album!! Do yourself a favor! Much peace and love---> see ya

  • Man, this Cd is what's up!
    author: Robert

    Coming from a person that's used to pure Baltimore house....These kat's are what's up for real! I mean, they've acheived the perfect blend of smooth with a house beat. I listen to this CD at work everyday. I whenever I do, my day goes by faster and better! Especially "Don't hold me down!""

  • Unprecedented LIVE HOUSE!
    author: thedktr

    After I first heard "How's Your Life" on the dance floor, I was hooked. Then, I saw them live, and I was floored! If you like good House music, this is a must!!! I think there's a Black man living inside of Christian :)

  • So good, I've bought two more copies for friends
    author: lumpy62

    I saw these guys on a local TV newshow, when I'm usually groggy, and based on that performance alone, I sought out the CD. I played it at least five times in the first week I had it, and this is coming from someone who normally refuses to listen to the same thing twice in one week. Proving there's an exception for every rule, I played this for friends who demanded to know who the band was and how to get the disk. I ended up buying two more for friends who loved it. The music has a great soul/house/throwback style, and the instrumentation and production are so straightforward you'd swear it was recorded 40 years ago. The singer/writer/drummer (not a combination you see everyday) defies your visual expectations for a funky soul god, but it just proves that you can't judge yaddda yadda. I defy anyone to listen to this band without smiling and getting into their groove. Buy this and see them if they appear in your town.

  • Highly recommended
    author: Nick Gee

    Can't really add much - the previous comments have summed it up really well already. Definitely one of my favourite CD's at present. Smooth, simple and very laid back. "Don't Hold Me Down" is my personal favourite - I've been playing this out for ages and it always gets a good response - well worth cheking out. Go buy this CD!

  • For all the old "Garage Heads"
    author: Phyllis Leath

    I have the CD and must say after seeing Tortured Soul perform at NJPac 7/15/04 I am forever a FAN!!!!! If you an old CLUB HEAD you must have this CD!!!!

  • one of the best this year
    author: peter warlow

    all i can say is, if in anyway your into soul funk jazz or house, go buy this album . Every track a winner. Future classic.

  • Saw Tortured soul at the Montreal Jazz festival. They rocked even in the rain.
    author: Merlin

    The music makes you feel good. Makes you want to move and dance in a smooth way... Great for background music at a light party. I will use it in my execise classes for a warm up or cool down... even sculpting section of class...

  • GO SEE ONE OF THEIR SHOWS!!!
    author: Bryan

    I saw a live show at the festival de jazz de Montréal: IT WAS GREAT!!Very groovy and smooth music.Great style if you want to chill out :)

  • Tortures Soul, does exactly what it says on the tin.
    author: Sha159

    I decided to check out this CD after much hype and good feeback from close freinds, who are big music enthusiast and/or work within the industry. Now My initial rectaion was brilliant but as i explored through the tracks i must admit i was more and more disapointed. Now from a production stand point, well theres isnt a great deal to talk about its not exactly complex music nor is there allot there to be mixed. However thats not to say that this is bad music, in actual fact its quite good. Whats there has been worked well and it does what its trying to do very well. The boys have obviously never lost sight of the finish line! There are nice elements of dance, soul & gospel that keep you pondering about past times and memories. The soft vibes, soulfull lines and vintage synths keep you locked in throughout the CD. Although its quite noticeable that the band have obviously been influnced by the likes of Si Brad (Weekender, Attaboy, Toko). Which brings me nicley to the vocals, because the vocal sung by John Christian Urich are actually very similar to Azeem's (Si brads singer). Now this for me is where the band is dicing with death, becuase for me Si Brad and Azeem are not to be touched. They are the Gedi's of this genre and still here in the UK they are very much underated and un heard of. Now lets not go off the point, the vocal sounds brilliant and the structuring of them are usually good and even more impressive in 'hows your life'. However its the lyrics that always let the songs down. allot of the times theyre very cliched and at points very cheesy, but not so cheesy that you can go pick it up at your local dairy product store... No offence but i think this the weak point in the band. Now thats another point, lets not forget that this is band not a few guys locked in box room supping mugs of tea and making some noize ready to cut to vynal. Tortured Soul being a band is what makes the whole thing great, because this the sort of music that will sound pretty much the same wherever your listning to it. So chances are you wont be disapointed when you turn up at a gig. This is again due to the fact that the music is quite staright forward, not heavly processed! The reasons behind my main dislikes is mainly due to the fact that ive heard to much material that is simillar. But still its very reffreshing to see somone get it right. All in all: Its just nice music that realxes your muscles and thoughts. Its the kinda dance music that you could probably get your Brittney spears lovin sister or your frank sinatra lovin granny or your devil worshippin neighbour or YOU GET THE PICTURE!!! Its music that every can enjoy!

  • My new soundtrack for Summer!
    author: Sarah

    This is the best CD I've bought in a while...you will listen to it again and again and again and again....serious goodness.

  • Soulful Grooves To Getcha Moving
    author: Simon Williams

    There's nothing bad to say about this album. The music comes from the heart, is completely unpretentious and speaks straight to your soul (and your feet!). I would reccomend it to anyone who likes either house or soul, even RnB, easy listening or just good lyrics. It's testament to the organic creativity that it's impact has - it deserves to blow artificial dance out the water!!!

  • Too Many Favorites
    author: Mack

    This is my #1 CD for the summer of 2004. It will stay in rotation. There are several artists who could benefit from Tortured Soul's writing/production. *cough* Maxwell *cough* Excellent CD!

  • Intellegent Soul House Jazz
    author: Camacho

    What is expected from a European band, or DJ - comes first hand here in the states. "Tortured Soul" as in sophisticated intellegent house moves your mind, body & soul. Every track featured on "Introducing" are influenced by old school house & Nu soul vibes inspired by "Lil Louis", "Instant funk", "Ten City" and not to mention delicious vocals on a "Opaz-Ray Hayden" vein. Highly recommeded for those with musical substsance. 5 stars above the clouds!

  • I have it on all the time
    author: Phil

    I might do something wrong is the best house music track I have heard in a long, long time. I'm comming from the Classic House Era 1980's. It proves dance music can be written with sophistication, intelligence and emotion. Most of all its REAL.

  • Smooth
    author: Matt

    Great collection of tunes, beautiful vocals, harmonies and tight soulful production, buy it now.

  • Do it now...you won't be sorry!
    author: Tyrone Blea

    How can one band revive the soul in House music? Easily I guess. This might be the best album of the year!

  • This cd is just plain good music!
    author: KIm

    Just get it!

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