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Biography
Featuring brothers Alan (drums) and Neal Evans (Hammond B-3 Organ) alongside Eric Krasno (guitar), the band came together towards the end of the 1990s. All well-versed in previous jam band projects, Soulive wanted to move to more funkier, jazzier territory, to which they have succeeded with aplomb.
Before releasing their own music, Soulive established themselves as a live act, playing alongside the likes of John Scofield, Maceo Parker, Robben Ford and Los Lobos, soon gaining their own headline slots. In 1999, they released their debut EP, “Get Down,” which was soon followed by their first full-length, “Doin’ Something” in March 2001, which featured John Scofield.
Blending soul-jazz with hip-hop’s rhythmic sensibilities, Soulive’s music is tantalisingly danceable, giving James Brown and Sly Stone a run for their money. Signed to Blue Note with their first release, they continued to record a steady string of albums, with “Next” in 2002, followed by 2003’s self-titled effort. In 2005, they moved to Concord, offering fans “Breakout,” as well as a collection of live recordings that captured their incendiary live performances.
In 2007, Soulive moved to the legendary Stax label, with “No Place Like Soul” arriving shortly after. Celebrating their tenth anniversary in 2009, the trio released “Up Here,” followed a year later by the Beatles covers album, “Rubber Soulive.” Another tribute album came in 2012, “Spark,” which was dedicated to the work of soul-jazz guitarist Melvin Sparks.
Live reviews
The three members of Soulive are dressed in suits and ties. Their outfits are made less formal by sunglasses, bandanas, and their hip music. They stand onstage in a loose row, the guitarist in the center with the drummer and keyboarder on either side of him. All three are exceptional musicians, pulling complex, fast beats from the drum heads, guitar strings, and keyboard. They launch straight into “El Ron”, a ten minute long musical saga full of solos, speed changes, and phenomenal musicianship. The crowd loves it, and after each solo applaud with gusto. Soulive is a jazz/funk band made up of trio Eric Krasno and brothers Neal and Alan Evans. They started playing together in New York in 1999, and released their first album, Get Down!, in the same year. Between 1999 and 2012, they released thirteen other albums, totaling a whopping fourteen albums in thirteen years. The band are well known for their lengthy solos and catchy, optimistic tunes. Soulive always put on a quality show. Whether indoor or outdoor, to a large or small crowd, Soulive consistently put on their best face. Over fifteen years of musical excellence, Soulive have only improved. If you haven't see them perform yet, it's high time you did.
ZoeWhittall
Soulive is one of those bands that sounds pretty good when you listen to their songs, but their live performances are amazing. One of the best live bands I've seen, and I've seen a lot. Galactic, the headliner for this show, was incredible too... Both of these bands are way better live than their music sounds otherwise!! Don't miss out!
stephenmara
