Astral22 Presents…Imperial
TF001
Producer Astral22 delivers a solid first ever various artist compilation release titled “Astral22 Presents… IMPERIAL” which features a quality line-up of hand picked emerging and established independent soul artists. This spirited soulful “smooth”, “feel good” production showcases Astral22’s collaborations & re-works. The focus here is on the music, lyrical content, and this producer’s signature blend of RnB, Nu Soul; with elements of Jazz, Funk and Blues.
INSPIRATION AND MUSING ON “IMPERIAL”
The title “Imperial” is reconceptualized here as it relates to the self owned state of empowerment each of us possesses. The message and music here speaks of “what is unique and beautiful” about the “individual”. Astral22’s inspiration and enthusiasm for the genre and artists represented here comes to fruition in this homage to the Independent Soul Movement.
“Astral22 has brought together a talented assortment of vocalists and created his own unique vision of soul. The resulting album, Imperial, is a majestic feat in progressive soul featuring moments of sheer brilliance and more than a few breakout performances from the cast of rising stars. With a handpicked selection of artists that includes La Sonya Gunter, Rogiers, and Stephanie Renee to name just a few, Astral22 paints a tapestry that embraces traditional soul, future soul, and spoken word in equal doses……If this first collection of progressive soul is any indicator, Imperial marks the debut of an impressive new talent. ”
Norman Mayers – Nu-Soul Magazine
2009’s been a vintage year for indie soul compilations and this new 15 tracker from Los Angeles’ Trans Phatt Records is right up there with the pick of the crop. However, it’s not quite right to describe this collection as a “various artists” set. Sure, each track features a different singer but the production and concept is down to Astral 22, the alter ego of L.A. based writer and producer Armand Tulumello. His vision gives the album a distinct unity and direction that so many compilations lack, but don’t think that means that this album is samey and stuck in one groove. Far from it. Armand here works with musicians and singers from around the world and allows them to operate as free agents. His skill is in imbuing each cut with a kind of spirituality and his respect for the music is evident throughout. That spirituality, I guess, is most obvious on ‘Imperial Theme’ from Stephanie Renee. It’s a spoken word piece that has a hint of Jill Scott about it but it wouldn’t be out of place on those famed Ibizan Café Del Mar chill out albums. More up-tempo (though not frantic) are ‘In This Life’ from Rena Scott, LeNora Jaye’s ‘A Silent Prayer’ and Katie Cole’s ‘Think About It’. That last one has delightful retro feel about it and will delight sophisticated modern soulsters. Ms. Cole’s gentler ‘Back Into The Sun’ is another highlight… guaranteed to bring warmth to the approaching winter. There’s more gentle, insinuating soul on ‘The Reason’ from Rogiers, ‘Starting Over’ from Simone and Shuane’s ‘Make Me Wanna Fly’. That one offers just a hint of Latin rhythms while Fernando Cardo takes his vocal on ‘Nunca Sabras’ in Spanish, though his other track (‘You Never Know’) features English lyrics – handled with the album’s most overt old school soul vocal. More variety comes with the shuffling ‘Fair Play’ from Mz. Pat, the intricate rhythms of Heidi Martin’s ‘Ism’ and the languid harmonies of LeNora Jaye’s ‘Do You Wanna’. Astral 22 holds all this together with his commitment to quality in new soul music. His label’s mission statement is to ‘Give you back what you’ve been missing’… he’s made a great start. Available from all the usual internet outlets.(BB) 4/5
Featured CD / Support: Paul Aaaron’s Keep The Faith London / Warrior FM, Groovement Soul Dublin, Norman Mayers New Soul Magazine, grownfolksmusic.com, Eric Johnson Soulified.com, The Hearlobe Radio Experience, Radio Bombo 101.1 FM Italy, DJ Dan C E MIHE, Chris at soultracks.com, Dj Soulswede at soulinterviews.com, blacksoulrhythms.com, theurbanmusicscene.com, soulspain.com, DJ Greg Clifford, DanceJuice UK, Bounceradio.net, afunkabovetherest.com, DJ Roger Williams-Soulsorts, DJ Ruth Fisher – stompradio.com, DJ Paul Goldsmith “Select Soul Show”, Starpoint Radio DJ’s, Solar Radio DJ’s, Jazz89 KUVO.ORG Jory Reeves, Upper Room with Joe Kelley and Gi Dussault, Mike Ashley – Soul Freedom Radio Cardiff, Marcel – Danceteria Netherlands, Richard de Jong SaveOurSoul Netherlands, DJ Gary Spence – SoulchoonzShow, DJ Phil Driver – Soul Unsigned, Kev Sowerby Radio Teesdale, Lady Mamalade – bounceradio.net, Bobb Semple- Back2Basics on Solar Radio, Radio , grownfolksmusic.com, DJ Chris Box – Soul Heaven, DJ Stretch Taylor, DJ Ash Selector and many more…
