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| The Revelations' "Deep Soul" Now Out Digitally "Deep Soul, " the debut release from Brooklyn, NY-based sextet The Revelations featuring Tre' Williams has just been released by Decision Records/Traffic Entertainment. "Deep Soul, " a seven track EP, features the emerging Urban AC radio hit "I Don't Want To Know" that has picked up significant airplay throughout the South including stations in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Jackson, Charleston, Columbia, Augusta, Columbus, Little Rock, Montgomery and Norfolk. Another track from the release, the ominous "Heavy Metal Blues" is getting attention from the AAA format. The EP, produced by Bob Perry of KOCH Entertainment, is now available digitally through iTunes, Amazon and eMusic with physical versions, both CD and vinyl, slated for release January 27th. A full-length album from The Revelations is expected to be released in late April or early May. Fronted by the intensely soulful Williams, The Revelations' line-up includes hip-hop veteran and former Roc-a-fella artist Rell who is Williams' co-lyricist and vocalist. Wes Mingus who has backed Bilal and Leela James is the band's guitarist and keyboard player Borahm Lee has worked with Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill. The Revelations rhythm section is likewise populated by experienced musicians: bassist Josh Werner has performed with Matisyahu as well as Sly and Robbie while drummer Gintas Janusonis' resume includes stints with Erykah Badu and Branford Marsalis. While The Revelations have been compared to soul greats of the past, the group's attitude is decidedly contemporary and far from retro. Tre' Williams, a product of the projects of Daytona Beach, made his way to New York where his church-honed artistry and searing sound earned him acclaim from the notoriously critical Amateur Night audience at Harlem's Apollo Theater. Accepted by the rap community, Williams has been associated with Petey Pablo, Styles P (of The L.O.X) and Nas, whose Ill Will Records released "Let There Be Light, " a single from Nas' "Hip-Hop Is Dead" album that featured Williams. Rell, originally from South Carolina, is likewise a multi-dimensional talent who has worked with such notable artists as Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Raphael Sadiq, Kanye West, and Dr. Dre. His "Love For Free" became something of a club anthem and he wrote "Here I Stand, " the title track to Usher's 2008 album. The Revelations featuring Tre' Williams have caused a stir in recent weeks with Soulbounce.com noting Williams' "...raw passion that will remind you of artists of yesteryear like David Ruffin, except without the reincarnated '60s stylings that have infiltrated soul music lately. The Revelations are out to prove that live instrumentation is, well, alive and kicking, with no need for rap solos or machine-altered vocals." Soultracks.com concluded, "The Revelations are a revelation. A live soul band that will give the Dap Tones and Muscle Shoals a run for their money with a big-voiced frontman ala David Ruffin." Soul-Patrol's Bob Davis who caught the band live at a recent club date in Newark, NJ wrote, "Put quite simply, Tre' Williams & The Revelations provide for you that often spoke of but quite elusive thing that we like to reference as 'great black music from the ancient to the future' or what might otherwise be called 'the real thang.'" write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |