Jocelyn Talks About Forthcoming Jocelyn & SoulP Album

Here's some footage that I took whilst on a visit round Miss Browns, where she talks about our forthcoming album, and loads of other stuff...

Jocelyn Brown Album Update

...Well, it's been a good couple of weeks, i've been back and forth up and down the M4 motorway a few times to Royal Berkshire where bass legend Punk Pappa resides to get all the bass parts completed for the album... We don't know what we're gonna call it yet though... Anyways, Paul 'Punk Pappa" Lancaster has really stepped up to the benchmark on these sessions, his "In the pocket" playing is prevalent throughout the album. I was sat in a room writing with Jocelyn on Wednesday, and she currently has disco producer and engineer extraordinaire John Morales staying with her. He gave me some props about the tracks, which coming from him is a real compliment, considering he did many of the Salsoul, Change, Kleeer engineering sessions back in the day... He heard the basslines and he was instantly like "Who's playing bass"?... Haha, Punk Pappa I replied... "Nice work" he replied... "In the pocket"... Which is exactly what I wanted to hear. Seriously Punk Pappa has really pulled some bass heaven out of the bag, and I am so looking forward to finishing off the tracks next week (see and hear his work @ http://www.myspace.com/punkpappa )... I've done 9 so far, including a remake of the classic "Somebody Elses Guy" (wait till you hear the bassline on this one)... I know some will say it's a sacrilege to do such a thing, but I have hopefully nailed it as the lady herself loves it... Don't worry, it's not smooth jazz or cheezy, in fact it sounds a bit like a Bond theme... Wait and see...

Jocelyn has written to five or so as it stands, she's doing her homework at night and at weekends (as she tells me) Love the way she records her ideas, she sits down with an old skool Sony Walkman with a record facility, presses the record button and just freestyles riffs, hooks and verse ideas then plays them back and picks the bits she likes best and writes around them... Really good to see her writing songs again, I see an excitement in her eyes that i've not seen for a few years, and it just seems apt that we're doing the kind of tracks she was doing when she first started out as a session singer in the prolific New York disco era of the Studio 54 generation.

point is, they are really beginning to take shape and everything is sounding just as I want it...

Miss Brown requested that she's like a ballad yesterday, so last night I set about starting it... Found some nice chords and have finished it off today. It's got heart string tugging chords and i'm really into it at the moment... Will put the live bass and guitar down on it next week and bring that son of a bitch to life!

Well there's my little update...As i've been writing this the twat next door has been pissing about with his smoke alarm and it's been constantly ringing incessantly in my ears for the past 20 minutes... I'm about to go round and smash it with a hammer!

Over & out,

SoulP

Coming soon...Jocelyn Brown & Soulpersona... The album.

...Not left any news on here for a while, figured I'd wait until I had something interesting to say...

Well, one of my dreams has come true, after knowing and working with Jocelyn Brown for many years, we are finally writing an album together. It happened quite by accident. I was at her annual thanksgiving back in November and at the end of the night, I played her a couple of tracks I'd been working on. These were tracks I had made, inspired by the the disco, rare groove, jazz funk movement in the 1979-1982 era... Instantly, Jocelyn started singing over them and making up lyrics and asked me if I had any more.... I mentioned that I had a couple and we arranged to meet the week after she could hear them... After listening to the five songs I had, I suggested that maybe we should put out an EP, the came the earth stopping moment as these words came out of Miss Browns mouth ...."Let's do 12 songs and put it out as an album"

...After thinking about it for a millisecond, I said "Yeah...Alright" and immediately took my ass home to write some more. From the tail end of December until now, I have written another 7 tracks all inspired from the 1979-1981 era when Jocelyn was known as Jocelyn Shaw, working as session background vocalist for legendary acts and artists such as Salsoul, Kleeer, Change, Bobbi Humprey, The Mizzel Brothers, Luthor Vandross, Cerrone, David Ruffin and countless others. So with that in mind, I realised that I really have to step up to the plate and try to create some music like I was living back then, in those wonderful times...

I immediately realised that the whole thing needed live bass and enlisted my best friend for many years, Mr Paul "Punk Pappa" Lancaster... I have been driving to his town of Newbury for the past few weeks and we've been laying down some bass line and guitar picking goodness, and the tracks have been brought to life. Plus I have got live percussion from a good friend and former Jamiroqui drummer/ producer extraordinaire Nick Van Gelder...

In a nutshell, I'm really excited and honored to be able to work with possibly the greatest female vocalist of our time. Jocelyn is like a second mother to me and I have learned so much from her in so many ways. I'm also really happy that Jocelyn will be writing all the songs, this is something I really wanted her to do as I know she's a wonderful writer as well as a singer... Also, Jocelyn has never done a full album of her own material with anyone before, so this is a first for her, and I'm soooo honored to be given the production responsibility...

I hereby promise that this will not be any smooth jazz, undiluted bullshit, this will be all about grooves, hooks, goosebumpy arrangements and delicious vocals... Jocelyn will also be singing all her own background too, which I cannot wait to start recording!!!

Hopefully the album will be ready for the Spring/Summer, we are trying to get it ready for the April- May period... Will keep you updated.

Love & Goodness,

SoulP

Soulacoaster Reviews

As a general rule, I am usually slightly wary of albums by producers that feature nearly as many different vocalists as it does songs. In a lot of cases the result is disjointed, confusing and difficult to listen to as a whole. Thankfully this is not the case with Soulpersona’s Soulacoaster.

In many ways this album reminds me of Eric Lau’s (masterpiece) New Territories. Rather than simply filling the album with beats and picking so-so vocalists to sing a hook on top, Soulpersonahas chosen the vocalists carefully and has held back from over-producing the songs. The balance between production and letting the vocalist shine is just right.

I’ll admit I wasn’t familiar with many of the vocalists on this project. I have albums by Deborah Jordan and Darien, and i’ve heard a few tarcks by Replife but that is about it. However I will definitely be checking for each and every one of them from now on, especially Kia Bennett whose ‘So Natural’ is one of my favourite cuts on the album.

I’d have no hesitation in recommending this album to anyone who is a fan of soul, funk, jazz or hip-hop. All elements are expertly combined and the result is an album you can put on repeat and happily listen to all day (I should know, I’ve done it!).

Review by Souluk

Soulful music from Soulpersona -- a warm and just smooth enough ride on the Soulacoaster! Soulpersona is the producer, arranger and instrumentalist behind the curtain -- a genuine talent who has attracted an impressive roster of singers and collaborators for this set -- including Sibel Thrasher of the legendary Roy Ayers Ramp group -- plus Deborah Jordan, Darien of Reel People, Kia Bennett, Replife and Juliet Ashby. This is a fresh, timeless modern take on classic and cosmic soul, with a breezy and moving sound, bits of 70s soul jazz and keyboard funk and programmed beats with real heart and soul! Titles include "Flying Easy" and "Weightless" feat Deborah Jordan, "Candy Wrapper", "Walk On Through" and "Perfect Life" feat Princess Fressia, "In Your Eyes" feat Sibel Thrasher, "Can't Hide" feat Darien, "Lifetime" and "So Natural" feat Kia Bennett and more...

Dusty Groove America

The soulful heat coming from across the pond has been keeping our ears nice and toasty with beautiful beats, sultry voices and universal subject matters. UK-based producer extraordinaire, Soulpersona (aka SoulP), has collaborated with a number of talented singers from around the globe. The result is Soulacoaster, a profound LP that captures the essence of soul, jazz, funk, disco and hip hop.

The album features the vocal stylings of Princess Freesia, Darien, Kia Bennett, Sibel Thrasher (from the Roy Ayers Music Project) and a host of other artists who make great additions to your playlist. Soulacoaster was produced virtually--with SoulP's tracks and artists' vocals being transferred via e-mail before being mixed and mastered. "Candy Wrapper" is a sexy, soul-hop single with an irresistible beat and solid performance by Princess Freesia. Her invitation to "make you sweat and sautee" will cause your eyebrow to raise as your inhibitions do the opposite. Be warned, this one is solely for the grown and sexy.

Darien and SoulP deliver an ambient, groovy vibe with "Don't Go." The snare pops and the synths dance in the air with Darien's declaration that he's willing to do what it takes to make love work.

Overall, this project is a sincere voyage through a collective passion for soul music. I encourage you to join the journey when the album drops on October 19th.

Soulbounce.com

This is...expansive, ethereal, cosmic soul. And Soulpersona is originally from from Wales! Well, there's lovely for you! Appealing to fans of 4Hero, our man, Soulpersona, treats our ears to a chilled set of songs that bodes us well for the coming new decade. Exemplifying this further, if you really warmed to the more futuristic, sensual modes of soul on Marva King's latest set (think "Lovely") the you will very much know what you are in for. match to this the more lkeft-field moments from 4Hero (aided and abetted by the legendary Larry Mizell) then sonically you bang this album on the head. I defy anyone with an ounce of soul and sensuality in their body to not seriously dig "Flying Easy" featuring the wispish, seductive Marva King-ish Deborah Jordan. This isn't a cover of the Pete Escovedo classic, but a brand new jam of real note. To be honest, the whole album is a weighty item and well worth your serious consideration. Attracting positive comments from the likes of Oliver Cheatham, Patti Austin and Leon Ware, it will be mere seconds of your listening time to hear exactly why the Legends have such positive things to say about this gentleman.

pastimes thinly into your subconscious...if this song doesn't grab you then shame on you!!! The glorious 70s sounding "Walk On Through" complete with flute is simply delightful, and the brilliant "So Natural" featuring Come, check out the dirty, sexy groove "Candy Wrapper". Complete with heavy bassline and guitar this could easily be Mtume for the 21st Century. The slinky vocals courtesy of Princess Freesia lays open more sensual, warm and wet feelings, the emphasis on pleasure and tantalisingveiled under the notion of unwrapping a candy. Such naughtiness so early on in a recording. Very promising indeed! The risque lyrics are veiled in metaphor and yet very sexy indeed. No lewdness or filth here, pure imagination only required! Darien appears on the KILLER "Don't Go". Oh, this is SUPERB! A futuristic yet traditional groove that simply flaotsKia Bennett cannot be beaten. The vocal harmonies easily on par with Zhané, this is a great, great tune. Fans of Liquid Spirits or Jazzanova will so feel the rap vibe of "Alright" - an Erykah Badu type of jam, and a strong rap paying homage to the soul greats. It gets no better. "In Your Eyes" pays such homage to the Ubiquitous soul sounds of Roy Ayers / Ramp and works magnificently. The delicious Deborah Jordan again pleases with the summery "Weightless" and Kia Bennet's "Lifetime" adds some real cold chill to proceedings. The closing call, "Imagine" is yet another KILLER that pays homage to the Roy Ayers sound, and draws to a close one of the most essential albums of the moment. Please do not let this homegrown gem slip away.

Soulchoonz.com

Barry Towler
The Vibe Scribe

Ain't That Peculiar, Kool & The Gang, Marvin & SoulP

Just wanted to say a few words about "Ain't That Peculiar"... This music was originally just a mess about with Kool & The Gangs "Summer Madness" track, I posted the track on facebook and through that a geezer called Neil Thompson got in touch and told me that he has fitted an old Marvin Gaye song over the instrumental of my re-edit. He sent it over and I nearly lost my mind. I then got him to send me the accapella because I wanted to add some more musical arrangements, some Marvin style piano, strings, chimes and some of the delicious Moog sounds you hear in his songs, especially from the "I Want You" album... One of the best albums made, EVER!...So, if you hear the original of "Aint that peculiar" it's a much faster backing track, you don't really get to hear the lyrics, but with this more emotional, laid back, backing track, you get to hear the pain and troubled soul of Marvin Gaye, the lyric "But each hurt, makes my love stronger, stronger than before" is really fucking deep, genuis writing... The summer madness groove just makes the track so more emotional and sad.

When I was adding stuff to this track and mixing it, it was like working with the ghost of Marvin Gaye, it was late, there was no-one in the house but me and I ust admit, it was so overwhelming that it nearly (just nearly) brought a tear to my eye. Those who know me well know that I idolise Marvin Gaye, listening to his albums have given me so much inspiration on so many levels. Marvin was deep, he wasn't only the most wonderful singer to ever grace this earth, but he was also a multi instrumentalist, a great keys player, drummer, arranger and producer. Marvin Gaye is the reason I got into producing music, I just wanted to make beautiful simple soul music that gives people goosebumps, just like he did.

Anyways, here it is in all it's glory, if your a deejay and want to support this, drop me a message at soulpersona@gmail.com. Close your eyes and hear the haunting vocals of Marvin Gaye doing his thing, the way he knows best.

Marvin Gaye "Ain't That Peculiar" (SoulP & Neil Tomo's Summer Madness Mix) by Soulpersona

A&R Dickheads

If you are an artist, producer or musician, beware of the people that come up with any of these "buzzwords" I usually use these words as a bullshit detector, because the people in this shallow music industry who speak this bullshit are normally the bullshitters. Theses are not made up, these are genuine phrases that I have been victim of. So here we go...Here are my top 10...Don't trust anyone who says ANY of these.

10. "No Brainer" eg."He can mix the album by next week...Seriously, it's a no brainer"...

9. "Blue sky thinking" eg. "We need to take this urban talent and give it some blue sky thinking"...Oh fuck off!

8. Beware of words like "Urban" "Showcase" & "Talent" In the same sentance, all of these words should tell you that there is no oppertunity to be gained. eg.

A&R/Promoter: "Hi SoulP! We've got this showcase for unsigned, urban talent, are you coming?"

SoulP: "No, I'd rather drink my own piss thanks" ...What this geezer has just said, tells me it's gonna be it's gonna be average. Am I wrong?

7. "Think...Out the box" If somebody ever tells you to "Think out of the box" they are really telling you not to have your own imagination...They're telling you that their ideas will be much better. Its a control buzzword, often used in this scenario eg. "I like your ideas. but let's try thinking out of the box on this one" ... I get so angry when I hear this one that sometimes I think about slapping them round the face...

6. "At the end of the day" Normally used to summerise a meeting. "At the end of the day, the long and short of it is, that there's just no market for it...Soul music just doesn't sell" I was actually told that by a complete twat who shall remain nameless for legal reasons...You know who you are... You probably don't actually, cos you've said that shit to thousands of people for years.

5. "Ping" Or "Shoot" you an email... If anyone tells you that they'll ping, or shoot you an email...They probably won't...I prefer to "send" or "fire" emails accross personally... Also don't ask me to "Touch base" with you either.

4. What the fuck is "Chillax"... That's just stupid...

3. "Hook up" or "Do lunch".... NEVER hook up or do lunch with anyone...I prefer to meet up and have lunch..... And if anyone ever asks you out for "Brunch" tell them to fuck off.

2. "Lets raise the anchor and let this one drift" This one should only be used if your either a sailor, a boat owner, ..Or a pirate...However if your a complete cunt, this works great as well.

1. "I don't say this very often, but this song has number one written all over it"... This usually means that it wont.

SoulP's advice is to always be aware that 90% of managers and record label people are out to musically rape you of your sound, talent, passion and your integrety. These people arn't even musicians, so they have no right to tell you to change anything that your musically proud of.

Realise that you can now sell your music without having to rely on a record label and that you can have your own publishing, your own online shop and your own image. Just steer clear of labels unless they offer you a deal that you just can't refuse.... But if it sounds too good to be true, it normally is....

SoulP

SoulP's Summer Madness Free Download

...For the next 14 days, my version of Kool & The Gangs "Summer Madness" will be available for free download. The download link is below the video.

Download Here:

https://rcpt.yousendit.com/779999084/183a07780163bfaa47909ad9a5fee89f