Album Notes

Full Soul Ahead features ten original tunes, from guitarist, Wayne Riker, instrumental tracks, comprised of a groove trio(guitar, bass, keyboards), along with percussion on three tracks. Nine of the ten tracks feature a different guest improvisor, spanning a myriad of eclectic instruments, contributing their solos to each soulful track, encompassing swing, Latin, jazz, blues, fusion, funk and gospel.

"Riker swings, riffs, bops and soars his way through ten original tracks, that spell soulful, with a capital "S", with stellar support from Dave Curtis on bass, and Michael McGinty on keyboards....each guest musician brings their A-game, from Lori Bell's bop flute, to Tower of Power's funkmeister, Mike Bogart, on trumpet....the whole crew demonstrates their musical mastery, from funk, blues, Latin and bebop, to Memphis soul struttin'...."
--Andy Volk--The Fretboard Journal & music author--

...."adventurous riffs,including elements of country,blues,jazz and soul....fluid guitar licks,slipping and sliding with emotional strength in a relaxed manner." --Jim Santella, Southland Blues Magazine, April,2010--

The Wayne Riker Ensemble is: Wayne Riker--electric guitar
Dave Curtis--electric bass
Michael McGinty--keyboards

with very special extended musical family: Jonny Viau--tenor sax
Chris Vitas--electric violin
Eduardo Sabogal--percussion
Lori Bell--flute
Kevyn Lettau--vocalizations
Billy Watson--harmonica
Bob Campbell--tenor sax
Robert Rotzler--viola
Mike Bogart--trumpet
Chris Klich--alto sax