Buscar:serg

Ein verspieltes Album mit klangschönen Träumereien, komponiert für Mandoline und Akkordeon, poetisch und unbändig zugleich. Es ist das erste Mal, dass der stets kreative Komponist speziell für die Mandoline geschrieben hat. Auf dem Album ist auch Vincent Beer-Demander zu hören, dessen Mandoline zu einem Orchester multipliziert wird, um eine einzigartige Klangpalette zu schaffen, die sorgfältig mit dem Akkordeon von Grégory Daltin kombiniert wird.

Mike Patton, der mit Vannier an dem 2019 erschienenen Album 'Corpse Flower' gearbeitet hat, sagt über die Veröffentlichung seines neuen Albums auf Ipecac: „Jean Claude ist ein guter Freund, Mentor und ein wunderbar talentierter und exzellenter Komponist. Eine Legende. Es ist eine große Ehre, mit ihm gearbeitet zu haben. Seine Texte und Arrangements haben eine Vielzahl von Künstlern beeinflusst, und ich kann mich zu den Glücklichen zählen, die seinen Weg gekreuzt haben. Er hat schon bahnbrechende Sachen geschrieben, bevor ich überhaupt geboren wurde. Er hat mich tief beeinflusst und ich bin ihm für immer dankbar und voller Ehrfurcht“.

Jean Claude Vannier, der von der Presse als „the rare bird“ bezeichnet wird, hat in den letzten 60 Jahren unter anderem mit Serge Gainsbourg und Jane Birkin sowie mit Künstlern wie Beck und Sean Lennon zusammengearbeitet. Er hat an unzähligen Soundtracks mitgewirkt, sechs Soloalben veröffentlicht und ist eine Ikone der französischen Popkultur, die für den Eurovision Song Contest komponiert, Videos gedreht, Gemälde ausgestellt, Radiosendungen moderiert und Kurzgeschichten veröffentlicht hat.

The Tonarium is an idiosyncratic instrument comprising of two sets of modular synthesizers: Serge by Random Source, and another one by Bugbrand, both of which operate alongside a mixer constructed by Piotr Ceglarek and Jan Dybała. This intertwinement facilitates precise control over audio and CV signals and integrates technology with analog sound, offering the artists a distinctive sonic palette to delve into.

The present record unfolds in two parts, each exploring the fluctuating nature of sound. Both equally contribute to the work’s immersive imaging characterized by sound intensity, continuity and endless flow. Within its sonic tapestry lies a space for listeners to uncover subtle nuances, pulsations, and moments of harmony flickering through each chord’s firm surface.

In Part I, a formidable force consisting of chord progressions pierced by abrupt shifts and transitions unfolds. This deliberate disruption of harmonic continuity invites listeners to immerse themselves fully in each musical entity, uncovering the intricate details of the chords’ overtonal structure, drifting and steadily glimmering inside their glowing cores.

Part II, on the other hand, presents a more closed form—a recurring four-chord motif that evolves and transforms with each iteration until it finally fades out into whisper-like serenity. Here, the bass pulsates with greater intensity, like a wave enveloping the listener in a froth of feelings, which prevails and swells throughout the composition. In contrast to Part I, it exudes a sense of warmth and intimacy, inviting listeners to reflect over the dimensions of their own inner landscapes.

The Tonarium is to serve as a conduit for expression—a vessel through which the artist Aleksandra Slyz is enabled to channel her creativity and emotion into the music. Both Part I and II of the work have the capacity to drag listeners into a sonic odyssey that transcends time and space, therefore leaving an indelible impression on one’s trembling soul.

Performed & recorded on December 18-19th 2023 while in residence at The New Media Laboratory in Katowice, Poland.

Organized by The Soundscape Foundation

Composed & produced by Aleksandra Słyż

Mastered by Rashad Becker

Photographies by Kacper Krzętowski

Design by Maks Posio

Executive production by Christian Di Vito

The only album released on the Verve Label by prolific Brazilan singer Marcos Valle, Samba '68 has him recording his Brazilian hits in English in order to capitalize on the then-huge Getz-Gilberto-Jobim-Mendes-Astrud market.

Marcos' rapid and stunning artistic growth is apparent on this Bossa Nova classic. Fans of Sérgio Mendes and Astrud Gilberto (both of whom recorded tons of Valle's tunes) will enjoy it immensely, for Samba '68, with brilliant arrangements by Eumir Deodato, is definitely one of the ultimate "loungy" records. The albumreceived a 4 1/2 star rating on AllMusic，with reviewer John Bush stating that "Samba '68 is a vibrant set of Brazilian pop, indebted to bossa nova and samba but undeniably Americanized for a domestic audience. The result is a joyous album throughout. One of the best Brazilian crossovers of the 1960s."

Following the success of Dance Classics Volume 1, Music On Vinyl, in collaboration with Warner Music Benelux, presents Dance Classics Volume 2.
Once again, all tracks have been newly selected and remastered, offering a broad selection of dance classics and hit songs.
This collection features hidden gems, rare tracks, and deeper cuts, including full-length 12”/album versions. All tracks are un-mixed and DJ-friendly.
Dance Classics Vol. 2 includes floor-fillers from The Trammps, Chic, Rufus & Chaka Khan, Womack & Womack, Michael McDonald, and nine other tracks.
Dance Classics Vol. 2 is available as limited edition on silver coloured vinyl and includes an insert.

FTV004 is an artist mini album from Spains Sergio Garcia recording under his Uf0 Alias. His recognisable breaks and electronic melodies keep in style of previous releases on Altered Sense, Further Electronix, Gated and Withhold, which drift in and out of lush pad heaven breakdowns and skipping breakbeats. Limited to 140 copies worldwide on eco coloured vinyl in eitherblue, pink or purple. Comes with an insert instructions of how to make a crop circle/Uf0 landing site. 5/5 reactions from Carl Craig, Ame, Michel De Hey, Doc Scott, Moy, Nick Warren.

Visioni Fuggitive” is an unconventional project by Alien Alien and Foresta, influenced by Sergei Prokofiev’s “Visions fugitives, Op. 22.” The composition reimagines Prokofiev’s piano miniatures using electroacoustic music, combining various elements like piano fragments, electronic sounds, and field recordings. The result is a 45-minute immersive and emotive piece that beautifully evolves and shifts throughout. Alien Alien and Foresta successfully draw inspiration from classical music history, bringing Prokofiev’s work into a new age and context.

On February 18th, Echo & The Bunnymen’s first best-of compilation Songs To Learn And Sing will be back on vinyl for the first time since its original release in 1985. The album is a comprehensive collection of the band’s first four albums, from their second single Rescue, to The Cutter and the anthemic The Killing Moon. It also includes Bring On The Dancing Horses, originally released in conjunction with Songs To Learn & Sing back in 1985. It arrives back on vinyl as Echo & The Bunnymen go back on tour to celebrate 40 years of magical songs throughout 2022.

ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN were formed in Liverpool in 1978 with Ian McCulloch on vocals and rhythm guitar, Will Sergeant on lead guitar and Les Pattinson on bass. They were soon joined by Pete De Freitas on drums and the rest, as they say, is history. By the time of Songs To Learn & Sing original release the band were a force to be reckoned with, pioneering the post-punk, new wave scene with four highly acclaimed studio albums.

2024 Reissue

Following 2019's Inside, VC-118A returns to Delsin to present Spiritual Machines. Following a re-evaluation of his creative process, Samuel Van Dijk's fourth album encompasses more fluid shifts into abstract and downtempo, dub-inflected realms, without losing sight of the electro and techno qualities that have made VC-118A so compelling from the beginning. Burnished machine soul, aqueous atmospherics and immaculate drum programming abound, but in the mellow, enveloping sound world of Spiritual Machines you can hear Van Dijk guiding his music into a broader form that sounds at once more assured and more inspired.

Limited edition 180g vinyl - the complete LP + 6 bonus tracks.

An essential figure in the fusion between jazz and bossa nova, pianist/composer Sergio Mendes, who passed away on the 6th of September (1941-2024), recorded over 55 releases under his own name.

This release presents the complete original album 'Voce Ainda No Ouviu Nada', (literal translation: You Still Haven't Heard Anything), originally released in the US as 'The Beat of Brazil'.

Mit dem Begleitalbum "Best of Jethro Tull Redux" lässt sich das Erlebnis von "Aqualung Redux" noch erweitern und vertiefen. Mit beiden Werken zollen Magnetic Eye Records gemeinsam mit zahlreichen Freunden der britischen Rocklegende JETHRO TULL und ihrem Meilenstein-Album "Aqualung" aus dem Jahr 1971 respektvollen Tribut. Auf "Best of Jethro Tull Redux" bieten weitere spannende Künstler ihre Neuinterpretationen aus dem ebenso einzigartigen wie umfangreichen Gesamtwerk der Briten an.
JETHRO TULL sind musikalische Riesen mit einem einzigartigen Sound - oder besser gesagt Sounds, die im Kanon der Rockmusik unvergleichbar geblieben sind. Die 1967 in Blackpool, Lancashire, von dem Schotten Ian Anderson gegründete Band hat im Laufe ihrer jahrzehntelangen Karriere immer wieder stilistische Veränderungen und Imagewechsel durch- und überlebt. Vor allem die charakteristische Stimme ihres Frontmanns und die Einbeziehung der Querflöte als wesentliches Instrument haben JETHRO TULL dennoch mit einem unverkennbaren klanglichen Fingerabdruck versehen.
JETHRO TULL haben von Anfang an die Grenzen der Rockmusik neu vermessen. Durch die Einführung von Elementen aus der klassischen Musik, des Jazz sowie der traditionellen Musik haben die Briten zahlreiche Impulse gegeben, weshalb sie zunächst dem Art Rock zugerechnet wurden und mittlerweile unter anderem zum Progressive Rock zählen. Die britische Legende schaffte den Spagat zwischen Kunst, Breitenwirkung und kommerziellem Erfolg stets mit nur scheinbarer Leichtigkeit. Dazu trug auch die herausragende Bühnenpräsenz von Frontmann Ian Anderson bei, dessen theatralischen Auftritte sogar mit denen seines Zeitgenossen, dem legendären britischen Sänger Arthur Brown, konkurrierten.
Die Magnetic Eye Redux- Reihe lässt ausgewählte Künstler handverlesene klassische Alben aus der Geschichte des Rock und Metal komplett neu interpretieren und respektvoll in das neue Jahrtausend übertragen. Bisher hat das Label solche Meilensteine wie PINK FLOYDs "The Wall", HELMETs "Meantime", BLACK SABBATHs "Vol. 4", JIMMY HENDRIX' "Electric Ladyland", "Dirt" von ALICE IN CHAINS, AC/DCs "Back in Black" und den SOUNDGARDEN-Klassiker "Superunknown" in Redux-Versionen veröffentlicht. Unter vielen anderen haben sich solch herausragende Künstler wie MATT PIKE, PALLBEARER, THE MELVINS, ALL THEM WITCHES, KHEMMIS, ASG, ZAKK WYLDE, MARK LANEGAN, SCOTT REEDER an diversen Redux-Projekten beteiligt.

Mit dem Begleitalbum "Best of Jethro Tull Redux" lässt sich das Erlebnis von "Aqualung Redux" noch erweitern und vertiefen. Mit beiden Werken zollen Magnetic Eye Records gemeinsam mit zahlreichen Freunden der britischen Rocklegende JETHRO TULL und ihrem Meilenstein-Album "Aqualung" aus dem Jahr 1971 respektvollen Tribut. Auf "Best of Jethro Tull Redux" bieten weitere spannende Künstler ihre Neuinterpretationen aus dem ebenso einzigartigen wie umfangreichen Gesamtwerk der Briten an.
JETHRO TULL sind musikalische Riesen mit einem einzigartigen Sound - oder besser gesagt Sounds, die im Kanon der Rockmusik unvergleichbar geblieben sind. Die 1967 in Blackpool, Lancashire, von dem Schotten Ian Anderson gegründete Band hat im Laufe ihrer jahrzehntelangen Karriere immer wieder stilistische Veränderungen und Imagewechsel durch- und überlebt. Vor allem die charakteristische Stimme ihres Frontmanns und die Einbeziehung der Querflöte als wesentliches Instrument haben JETHRO TULL dennoch mit einem unverkennbaren klanglichen Fingerabdruck versehen.
JETHRO TULL haben von Anfang an die Grenzen der Rockmusik neu vermessen. Durch die Einführung von Elementen aus der klassischen Musik, des Jazz sowie der traditionellen Musik haben die Briten zahlreiche Impulse gegeben, weshalb sie zunächst dem Art Rock zugerechnet wurden und mittlerweile unter anderem zum Progressive Rock zählen. Die britische Legende schaffte den Spagat zwischen Kunst, Breitenwirkung und kommerziellem Erfolg stets mit nur scheinbarer Leichtigkeit. Dazu trug auch die herausragende Bühnenpräsenz von Frontmann Ian Anderson bei, dessen theatralischen Auftritte sogar mit denen seines Zeitgenossen, dem legendären britischen Sänger Arthur Brown, konkurrierten.
Die Magnetic Eye Redux- Reihe lässt ausgewählte Künstler handverlesene klassische Alben aus der Geschichte des Rock und Metal komplett neu interpretieren und respektvoll in das neue Jahrtausend übertragen. Bisher hat das Label solche Meilensteine wie PINK FLOYDs "The Wall", HELMETs "Meantime", BLACK SABBATHs "Vol. 4", JIMMY HENDRIX' "Electric Ladyland", "Dirt" von ALICE IN CHAINS, AC/DCs "Back in Black" und den SOUNDGARDEN-Klassiker "Superunknown" in Redux-Versionen veröffentlicht. Unter vielen anderen haben sich solch herausragende Künstler wie MATT PIKE, PALLBEARER, THE MELVINS, ALL THEM WITCHES, KHEMMIS, ASG, ZAKK WYLDE, MARK LANEGAN, SCOTT REEDER an diversen Redux-Projekten beteiligt.

Pianist, Composer, Multi-Instrumentalist Eva Novoa Releases First Album from Her Newly Forged Trio with Sax Legend Daniel Carter and Beloved Drummer Francisco Mela

"It’s not a rumor. Brooklyn’s Eva Novoa has formed a new trio! Novoa / Carter / Mela Trio, Vol. 1 marks their first sparkling album together (which is also Eva’s third with 577 Records). The group performed live for the first time in Cambridge (Boston) in 2022 and at the NY Forward Festival in August 2024.

In an invigorating creative explosion recorded at New York City’s Sear Sound in 2021, the multi-talented instrumentalist unites with sax legend Daniel Carter and beloved drummer Francisco Mela. Prepare to be reawakened when you experience Novoa tickling the ivories, dominating the Fender Rhodes, and wowing with the electric harpsichord and Chinese gongs. Even her whistling will linger in your mind!

As captured in the electrifying tracks “Aire” and “Fuego", Novoa / Carter / Mela Trio, Vol. 1 is inspired by the four elements (earth, wind, fire, and water). “Hasta Mañana Vida Mia” weaves together Cuban tradition with soulful lyrics (sung by Francisco) and high-energy, rhythmic conversations with horns and drums. The musicians’ free interplay approach defines this eclectic trio and their sonic universe.

Born in Barcelona, Spain, Eva Novoa is a pianist and composer who’s been mastering her talents since childhood. Calling NYC home since 2012, she has rocked countless local venues with her thrilling performances and has played with many adored artists all over the globe.

Her new album drops on November 22, 2024, and will be available on vinyl, CD, and digital download. Don’t miss the stunning cover art by Novoa’s friend and collaborator, acclaimed street photographer Richard Sandler, and stay tuned for Volumes 2, 3, and 4!"

Piano, Fender Rhodes, Cinese gongs, percussion & whistling by Eva Novoa.
Tenor, alto & soprano saxophones, trumpet, flute, clarinets by Daniel Carter.
Frums & vocals by Francisco Mela.
Recorded April 18, 2021.
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Jeremy Loucas at Sear Sound, New York City.
Photography by Richard Sandler.
Graphic design by Sergio Vezzali.
Graphic support by Mark Smith.

No one has lived a life quite like Marcos Valle. He became an overnight international sensation, fled a military dictatorship, dodged the Vietnam war draft, had his music sung by Homer Simpson, made enemies with Marlon Brando, and became an unsuspecting fitness guru for multiple generations. But to truly understand the great Brazilian composer, arranger, singer and multi instrumentalist, one must listen to his music.

Lead Single (Life Is What It Is) : Between the release of his first album in 1962 and today, Marcos Valle has released twenty-two studio albums traversing definitive bossa nova, classic samba, iconic disco pop, psychedelic rock, nineties dance and orchestral music. He has also had his songs recorded by some of the all time greats, including Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughn, Sergio Mendes, Elis Regina, and (last but not least), Emma Button of the Spice Girls. He has also had his music sampled by Jay-Z, Kanye West, Pusha T and many more.


With his twenty-third studio album Túnel Acustico, Valle set out to bring it all together.

“I believe my music is many things. It goes in different directions. I have many different ways of writing music, sometimes it’s melodies and harmony, sometimes the groove is the focus. But all the music I have made over my sixty year career is unified. It is all natural and it is all sincere. And this is what I wanted to bring to my new album.”

A prominent feature of Valle’s career has been his dual residence between Brazil and the USA. Originally moving over in the mid-sixties on the back of bossa nova’s international proliferation, Valle toured with Sergio Mendes and became hugely in demand as a composer and arranger. But the Vietnam War loomed and the threat of being drafted saw him return to Brazil. He spent the following years in Rio writing music for TV and film, as well as four cult favourite albums in collaboration with some of Brazil’s most groundbreaking musicians including Milton Nascimento, Azymuth, Som Imaginario and O Terco.

By 1975, Brazil's military dictatorship was at its most oppressive, making living and working increasingly difficult. Valle moved back to the US where he would reside in LA, writing songs for, and collaborating with the likes of Eumir Deodato, Airto Moreira, Chicago, Sarah Vaughn and Leon Ware, amongst others.

Túnel Acústico features two songs originally conceived during Valle’s time on the West Coast: “Feels So Good”, a stirring two-step soul triumph written in 1979 with soul icon Leon Ware, and the sublime AOR disco track “Life Is What It Is”, composed around the same time, with percussionist Laudir De Oliveira from the group Chicago.

Built around an unfinished demo Marcos found on a shelf in his house 44 years after it was made, the “Feels So Good” demo was restored with the help of producer Daniel Maunick, who also utilised AI stem-separation to remove the placeholder vocal ad-libs. Valle added Portuguese lyrics to sit alongside Ware’s vocal hook, as well as extra keyboards and percussion.

Also written in late seventies LA, “Life Is What Is It” was co-penned by Laudir De Oliveira from the band Chicago and first released on the bands’ Chicago 13 album with lyrics by Robert Lamb. Another nod to his good times in LA, Valle recorded his own version for Túnel Acústico, upping the tempo and deepening the groove for a blast of irresistible summer soul.

On Túnel Acústico, Valle's core band features two members of the renowned Brazilian jazz-funk group Azymuth: Alex Malheiros on bass and Renato Massa on drums. The rhythm section is completed by percussionist Ian Moreira, with additional contributions from guitarist Paulinho Guitarra and trumpeter Jesse Sadoc.

The contemporarily composed music on Túnel Acústico features an impressive lineup of guest lyricists, including renowned Brazilian artists: Joyce Moreno (Bora Meu Vem), Céu (Nao Sei), and Moreno Veloso (Palavras Tão Gentis) as well as Valle's brother Paulo Sergio Valle (Tem Que Ser Feliz).

The album closes with "Thank You Burt (For Bacharach)", a tribute to the legendary composer who passed away in 2023.

Túnel Acústico will be released on 20th September 2024 via Far Out Recordings. Valle is set to tour Europe and America in support of the album.

A Day in the Life' was released in 1967 and reached #1 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart.

From the early 1960s to the late '80s, A&M was one of the most eclectic and powerful independent record labels in the world. The roster of artists who recorded there includes The Carpenters, Captain Beefheart, The Police, Joe Cocker, Suzanne Vega, Procol Harum and Janet Jackson, among others. Founded as an independent company by Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss in 1962, soon the label garnered interest and success, and was acquired by PolyGram in 1989. Throughout its operations, A&M housed well-known acts such as Sting, Sergio Mendes, Supertramp, Bryan Adams, Burt Bacharach, Liza Minnelli, Paul Williams, Quincy Jones, Cat Stevens, Peter Frampton, Carole King, Extreme, Joan Baez, the Human League, Soundgarden, Duffy, and Sheryl Crow, among others. Reissue of the debut album on A&M Records by jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery, released in 1967. It reached #1 on the Billboard Jazz album chart and #2 on the R&B chart. Considered by far the best of his three albums on A&M (in partnership with Creed Taylor’s CTI Records), A Day in the Life features a plethora of star sidemen, such as Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Ray Barretto and Grady Tate, among others, as well as superb arrangements by Don Sebesky.

The Exaltics are back on Repetitive Rhythm Research and they mean business! 3 tracks of intense, ravey, 90's Detroit inspired dark, driving techno. Alden Tyrell & Serge add a razorsharp, expertly produced club friendly remix completing the 4 tracker.

Daniel Monaco returns on the Rush Hour Store Jams imprint with another disco heavy two tracker, with vocals from TK daMonza. Two feel good songs, to calm and comfort your soul...

Written by Daniele Labbate aka Daniel Monaco, additional production and Mixing by Whodamanny
Voice and Lyrics by TK daMonza
Alessandro Cinelli: Drums
Yannick van ter Beek: Percussion
Sergio Dileo: Saxophone
Simone Cesarini: Guitar
Alberto Melloni: Additional Guitars
Daniele Labbate: Bass, Synths, Backing Vocals
Recorded at Daniel Monaco Studio in Amsterdam
Mixed at West Hill Studio Napoli

Distance as a measure of time and place informs Kelly Finnigan's, A Lover Was Born with a grit and grace that turns passion into virtue. The latest solo release from The Monophonics frontman roots itself in the best traditions of midwest soul labels like King, Curtom, Dakar, and the Bodie Recording Company. A Lover Was Born is a testimony that these deep cut grooves are not resigned to nostalgia, instead, they are at the burning heart of longing and hope. The journey Finnigan takes listeners on over Lover's eleven tracks echo the state of motion and growth since his solo debut, The Tales People Tell (2019). These two records bookend a prolific period of output, including a pair of Monophonics albums, a Christmas album, a mixtape, and a full slate of producing other artists (The Ironsides, Alanna Royale, the Sextones). "There's nothing like making records," says Finnigan. "It feels like that's my purpose _ the reason I was put on this earth." Written in California, Ohio, and Staten Island, Kelly Finnigan collaborated with old friends in and outside the studio. "I enjoy working alone but it's not how you want to make a record_almost everybody I brought in for this album I've worked with, toured with or spent a great deal of time with." Max and Joe Ramey (The Ironsides), Jimmy James (Parlor Greens), Sergio Rios (Orgone), Joey Crispiano (Dap Kings) and Jay Mumford (aka J-Zone) all contribute to the overall sound of A Lover Was Born. Dramatic influences like Isaac Hayes (check out the piano on "Be Your Own Shelter") and Jerry Ragovoy are chopped and folded into Northern Soul uptempo numbers to create stompers like "Get a Hold of Yourself" or "Chosen Few". Finnigan's take on Deep Soul is captured brilliantly on "Walk Away from Me" and "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)", while Boom Bap pervades on hard hitters "His Love Ain't Real" & "Cold World". Slower songs such as "Let Me Count the Reasons", the emotional "All That's Left", and the soul-stirring album closer "Count Me Out" show the honest and tender side that has become Finnigan's calling card. All the while, the voice is raw and earthy _ in the best tradition of R&B shouters like Otis Redding, Lee Moses, and David Ruffin. The songs on A Lover Was Born reconfigure the spliced and sampled DNA of hip hop (extracted by crate diggers like Dilla and RZA) to create something new, underscoring both the spectrum and depth of soul while making a case to the timelessness of Finnigan's sound.

Distance as a measure of time and place informs Kelly Finnigan's, A Lover Was Born with a grit and grace that turns passion into virtue. The latest solo release from The Monophonics frontman roots itself in the best traditions of midwest soul labels like King, Curtom, Dakar, and the Bodie Recording Company. A Lover Was Born is a testimony that these deep cut grooves are not resigned to nostalgia, instead, they are at the burning heart of longing and hope. The journey Finnigan takes listeners on over Lover's eleven tracks echo the state of motion and growth since his solo debut, The Tales People Tell (2019). These two records bookend a prolific period of output, including a pair of Monophonics albums, a Christmas album, a mixtape, and a full slate of producing other artists (The Ironsides, Alanna Royale, the Sextones). "There's nothing like making records," says Finnigan. "It feels like that's my purpose _ the reason I was put on this earth." Written in California, Ohio, and Staten Island, Kelly Finnigan collaborated with old friends in and outside the studio. "I enjoy working alone but it's not how you want to make a record_almost everybody I brought in for this album I've worked with, toured with or spent a great deal of time with." Max and Joe Ramey (The Ironsides), Jimmy James (Parlor Greens), Sergio Rios (Orgone), Joey Crispiano (Dap Kings) and Jay Mumford (aka J-Zone) all contribute to the overall sound of A Lover Was Born. Dramatic influences like Isaac Hayes (check out the piano on "Be Your Own Shelter") and Jerry Ragovoy are chopped and folded into Northern Soul uptempo numbers to create stompers like "Get a Hold of Yourself" or "Chosen Few". Finnigan's take on Deep Soul is captured brilliantly on "Walk Away from Me" and "Love (Your Pain Goes Deep)", while Boom Bap pervades on hard hitters "His Love Ain't Real" & "Cold World". Slower songs such as "Let Me Count the Reasons", the emotional "All That's Left", and the soul-stirring album closer "Count Me Out" show the honest and tender side that has become Finnigan's calling card. All the while, the voice is raw and earthy _ in the best tradition of R&B shouters like Otis Redding, Lee Moses, and David Ruffin. The songs on A Lover Was Born reconfigure the spliced and sampled DNA of hip hop (extracted by crate diggers like Dilla and RZA) to create something new, underscoring both the spectrum and depth of soul while making a case to the timelessness of Finnigan's sound.