OLA ONABULE is one of this generations finest soul/jazz/funk
singer/songwriters. After a brief spell with Elektra Records - Ola
decided to set up his own label, Rugged Ram Records at a time when few
artists dared to believe they could define themselves and control their
musical output. Ola has gone onto become an artist whose shows out
number most and a reputation as one of the finest live performers in
the UK. He has written and arranged six albums with the latest THE
DEVOURED MAN taking him on tour dates across the UK and Europe as well
as visits to the US.
OLA'S music encompasses his
African roots as well as the soul, jazz and funk of the music he heard
in his childhood. His songs document the social and policitcal issues
of the day and the universal subjects of love and loss. The lyrics are
often cryptic, sometimes profound and reach parts of the soul that
modern music often refuses to delve into. Ola's shows are full of
passion, joy and comedy with an ability to connect with his audience
that is quite breathtaking no matter whom no matter where with a four
and a half octave range voice that is capitavating with its sheer range
and power. Ola has guested with some of America's finest soul and jazz
artists including Diane Reeves, Gladys Knight, Al Jarreau, Patti
Labelle, Roberta Flack, Joe Zawinul, Natalie Cole, and Roy Hargrove.
'Britains finest.' Blues & Soul Magazine
"His unique selling proposition is a golden voice, with a range and smoothness that recalls singers such as Luther Vandross...
...his songs break free of funk, with a voice that is beautifully clear
and appealingly textured, almost classical. There are moments when he
lets fly with a kind of yodelling ululation, like a more radio-friendly
Leon Thomas."
John L Walters, The Guardian
“A
collection of beguilingly emotive – and surprisingly politicised songs
that recalls Marvin Gaye’s masterpiece "What’s Going On" and is a world
away from the airbrushed grooves that are supposed to constitute the
genre these days. What’s going on indeed?" -
Rory Ford, EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS
“...His
voice has touches of super smoothies George Benson and Al Jarreau, as
well as the grittier Memphis style and he has a range and elasticity to
match his rich tonal qualities.”
ROB ADAMS, THE HERALD, SCOTLAND
"His
latest conscious soul outing ‘The Devoured Man’ ... a killer voice, and
three-octave range at his disposal, Ola is a class act among many
lesser, certainly less intelligent, soul-jazz Joes." JAZZWISE MAGAZINE
" The UK's answer to Donny Hathaway..."
THE BASEMENT
“The
Devoured Man is probably his best complete album so far, a grown up
album full of intelligent lyrics, wonderful and yearningly soulful
vocals from the man himself.”
CHRIS WELLS, ECHOES
From 8pm at The Voodoo Rooms, 19a West Register Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AA. Advance
tickets £12 (stbf) from Tickets Scotland, Ripping, Underground
Solushun, The Voodoo Rooms, online at www.ticketweb.co.uk or by phone on 0132 220 3234.
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