Soul Inspired Events Presents - Soul 4 Soul's 3rd Birthday Celebrations @ Parr Street Liverpool - Sunday 27th October 2013
Doors opened at 20:00 and the crowds soon flocked in ; a diverse mix ranging from students and those in the 30-50 age bracket.
Soul 4 Soul began three years ago and was the creation of Saeed Olayiwola & his friend Adeyinka Olushonde; the aim to provide live music events which provide artists a platform to showcase their talents whether they be singer-songwriters, vocalists or musicians. Assisted by good friends and colleagues Tony Nwachukwu and Kelly Parker, Soul inspired events have consistently put on successful events with quality soul music to cater for many palates.
Studio 2 is such a great venue. It looked super cool with a panel adorning the stage bearing the Studio 2 Parr Street logo. You'd be forgiven for thinking that you were in a swanky private members club in London.
The lineup was incredible; no wonder there was standing room only by 21:00.
Lineup
JP Cooper - Headline act
Randolph Matthews
Jay Alexzander
Katanas
Soul 4 Soul House band and vocalists
Kelly Parker hosted and gave a warm welcome to the throng. The Soul 4 Soul House band and vocalists served up a soulful appetizer with Mark Asquith performing a sultry, acoustic rendition of "Billy Jean" and "Use me". Kelly followed with "No love allowed and "Signed sealed, delivered". Christina Malley ; local singing teacher sang a uber-soulful, funk-filled "Tell me something good" and a mash up of "Only love" and Rhianna's "Where have you been" the latter jam packed with gorgeous silky harmonies from Kelly and Katy on B.V's. 18 year old singer songwriter Katy Alex sang "Breathless" and "Wings" Saira, Taylor Mitchell and the rest of the Soul 4 Soul band concluded and sang a rapturous cover of "Good times" by 70's icons Chic.
Randolph Matthews
He has been described as an ethnic beat boxer with a fusion of Bobby McFerrin, Richie Havens and Seal. From the minute he walked on stage, my attention was captivated. Matthews engaged with the audience with style and wit. His delivery was impeccable. The solo artist and lyricist through crisp vocals and audience participation was a hit with the audience. This man has gained a new fan here. I can't understand why I had not come across his music sooner.
Jay Alexzander
Joking that Randolph Matthews was a hard act to follow, Alexzander - singer songwriter and backing vocalist to MOBO unsung winner Esco Williams took to the stage and performed a beautiful set to the hyped crowd. Despite his self-deprecation, there was nothing for him to worry about as there was no diminishing quality and the audience loved him. Songs included "I don't know" which was a humorous morning after the night before recollection (or not as the case may be) of occurrences from a drunk filled night.
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| Jay Alexzander performing |
Formerly known as The Du'Montts, this soulful duo took no prisoners and owned the stage. Their amazing soulful harmonies made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. Their vocal arrangements were on point. I closed my eyes and felt like they were singing just to me. Their sound is reminiscent of Beyonce.
JP Cooper
The piece de resistance graced the stage in the form of JP Cooper. I have been a fan of his since I first saw him perform in a soul sessions evening at a venue called "House" in Liverpool last year. The unassuming artist armed with his acoustic guitar wowed the crowd who were eager to hear him. Singing songs such as "Whenever you hold me"and "Oh the water" it is clear to see why Cooper is destined for success. His voice is like silk and he gains inspiration from gospel and rhythym and blues genres. His three critically acclaimed EP's are available for download on Bandcamp.
The audience was visibly stunned by Cooper's delivery. They were in the presence of greatness. His undeniable talent and above all his humility connect him with his audience, leaving them totally enamoured with him. If you have never heard of JP Cooper or heard his music, I urge you to do so as though your life depended on it. Your ears deserve to be blessed by his music. Not only can this man sing, he writes the most beautiful lyrics. He served up to the Soul 4 Soul audience a wonderful sweet dessert of soulful loveliness.
A huge thank you from me to Soul 4 Soul and the artists who made the evening truly memorable. With entrance fees of £3 for students and £4 others, it was a steal. I look forward to a full calendar of events for 2014 and eagerly await birthday celebration number 4!
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