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About Gemini Soul:
Gemini Soul (Andrè Ajamu Akinyele – bass & drum
programming; Jon O'Bergh – piano, keyboards &
programming; Andrew Foster – percussion; and Alex Marks
- drums) originating from the San Francisco bay area are
known for their eclectic blend of smooth jazz/funk
fusion with an electronic element known as "Cyber Jazz."
Andrè Marcel Ajamu Akinyele (Ah-jah-moo + Ah-kin-yay-lay) recorded as MARCEL from 1998 to 2004 and had independent success with several releases throughout the U.S., Europe and Japan. As MARCEL, he released five CD's ranging in style from Funk to World, but as Ajamu Akinyele (name change in 2004 meaning "Strong Warrior" in the Yoruba language of Nigeria, Africa) embarked on his first Cyber Jazz CD titled "Supernova," in 2005. In 2006 the world witnessed just how far Ajamu would go; he released the double CD "Black Magic The Cyber Jazz Experience," which established him as a true contender in the jazz industry.
Jon Carl O'Bergh, whom Ajamu has known since 2002, had
previously written and produced 6 CDs, including "Song
of Fire," currently unreleased; "Songs from other
Planets;" "Carta," which was No. 1 nationwide on the NAV
chart; "Meditations from a Lost World," which reached
No. 3; "Sacred Spaces;" and "Millennial Landscapes,"
which reached No. 2. He also co-produced songs for
MARCEL, now known as Ajamu Akinyele, on Marcel's 2003
release "Uptown : 2025 A.D.," and for R&B recording
artist JARROD on his debut CD "Every Part of Me."
Ajamu and Jon joined forces in 2005 with the release of
"A Cyber Jazz Holiday;" Gemini Soul was born fusing
smooth jazz and funk fusion for a new generation. Two
years later on January 9, 2007, Gemini Soul released
their second offering "Liquid Soul," which features 13
tracks of new original music, plus favorite standards
such as Peggy Lee's "Fever," and Dave Brubeck's "Take
Five." "Liquid Soul" also features covers of Stanley
Clarke's "Yesterday Princess," Sade's "Kiss of Life" and
"Hang On To Your Love." On July 25, 2007, the world
witnessed their third release "Live : The Liquid Soul
Tour," which captures Gemini Soul doing what they do
best, performing live. And on February 25, 2008, Gemini
Soul released their fourth CD "The Nefertiti Xperience,"
which is guaranteed to start a new jazz revolution
within the music industry.
In late January 2007, Gemini Soul added Andrew Foster on
percussion. Andrew’s transition from one skill to
another is like Sade’s tune "Smooth Operator." Growing
up in the early seventies, listening to many styles of
jazz including Brazilian and traditional jazz, inspired
Andrew to become a percussionist. He met with
producer/bassist Ajamu Akinyele one evening after a
Gemini Soul show and the rest is history. Andrew recalls
during the first jam session, "It was like magic playing
with Ajamu Akinyele and Jon O'Bergh…it just came
naturally."
In early June 2007, Gemini Soul added Alex Marks on
drums. Alex is influenced by drummer David Silveria from
the rock band Korn, and the drummer John Bonham from the
70's rock band Led - Zeppelin. So, why jazz? Alex's
first drum teacher suggested that he listen and learn
from the music and styling of Miles Davis, Tower of
Power and John Coltrane. Alex's music teacher also
wanted to encourage him to play different styles of
music, making him a well-rounded musician. Alex loves
funk, fusion and Latin jazz. By joining Gemini Soul,
Alex brings his influences of rock and funk/fusion,
enhancing Gemini Soul's Cyber Jazz experience.
Gemini Soul's new release "The Nefertiti Xperience" is
inspired by the Sun Goddess herself, Queen Nefertiti;
while Herbie Hancock’s critically acclaimed "Head
Hunters" album and MeShell Ndegeocello influence the
music. Gemini Soul’s set list will concentrate on their
new release "The Nefertiti Xperience" with a few
surprises.
Gemini Soul's sound "Cyber Jazz," which is a blend of
jazz – funk fusion, reflects the influence of bassists
MeShell Ndegeocello and Stanley Clarke; the smooth
sounds of Sade; the funk fusion of jazz legend Herbie
Hancock; and the pop funk jazz - fusion of Miles Davis.
Gemini Soul's stage performances are visually exciting
and entertaining, while engaging and energizing the
audience. This isn't your typical jazz; this is Cyber
Jazz!
Gemini Soul has been featured on the morning television
show Sacramento & Co., (ABC affiliate KXTV) and various
radio shows throughout the country. Their music has been
featured on the hit television shows Girlfriends, The
Tony Danza Show, and Entertainment Tonight. They had the
privilege of opening for Pete Escovedo at the 2007 San
Jose Juneteenth Festival. Pete Escovedo said, "Ajamu is
one FUNKY bass player!"
Gemini Soul have performed in some of the country's most
prestigious jazz and club venues such as Catalina Jazz
Club, Hollywood, CA; The Knitting Factory; Hollywood,
CA; The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA; The Rhythm
Room, Phoenix, AZ; Kuumbwa Jazz, Santa Cruz, CA; and
many others.
Gemini Soul was a "Featured Artist" in the
September/October 2007 issue of Abyss Jazz Magazine, one
of the jazz industry's premiere magazines.
Gemini Soul's discography has been recognized and added
to Billboard and VH1, which is a huge accomplishment
being independent artists.
Gemini Soul feat. Ajamu Akinyele Upcoming Shows:
Sunday - February 15, 2009 @ 1 PM
EON Coffee
24970 Hesperian Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94545
Monday - February 16, 2009 @ 7 AM
KPOO 89.5 FM Radio Interview
The Morning Drive Show w/ DJ Feeve Wells
Tune-In On The Dial at 89.5 FM
Tune-In Online at www.kpoo.com
San Francisco, CA 94115
Sunday - February 22, 2009 @ 3 PM EST. / 12 PM PST.
WFSK 88.1 FM Radio Interview
Fisk University
Tune-In On The Dial at 88.1 FM
Tune-In Online at www.wfsk.org
Nashville, TN 37208
Thursday - February 26, 2009 @ 12 PM
De Anza College
21250 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
Also, available at CDBABY & I-Tunes:
Gemini Soul f/ Ajamu Akinyele – Dark Skin Babies : The
Movement (2009)
Gemini Soul f/ Ajamu Akinyele - The Nefertiti Xperience
(2008)
Gemini Soul f/ Ajamu Akinyele - LIVE : The Liquid Soul
Tour (2007)
Gemini Soul f/ Ajamu Akinyele - Liquid Soul (2007)
Ajamu Akinyele - Black Magic : The Gold Edition (2007)
Ajamu Akinyele - Black Magic The Cyber Jazz Experience
(2006)
Gemini Soul f/ Ajamu Akinyele - A Cyber Jazz Holiday
(2005)
Ajamu Akinyele - Supernova (2005)
MARCEL - Secret Weapon Volumes 1 & 2 (2004)
MARCEL - Uptown : 2025 E.P. The Remixes (2004)
MARCEL - Uptown : 2025 A.D. (2003)
MARCEL - Spice The Alternative Hip-Hop Experience (2001)
MARCEL - The Diary of Marcel (1998)