With an extremely loyal fan base, respect from musicians of almost every genre and experience opening for bands such as The Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band and The Roots, Soulive is well on its way to becoming the next big thing in the rock world.
The band focuses on combining the soul jazz of the past with more modern hip-hop beats. They create a style of jazz that allows you to either dance, nod to the hard and funky beats or simply sit back and take in the soulful melodies.
Soulive started out as an organ-based trio from Woodstock, N.Y., back in spring 1999. Never having recorded any songs together, brothers Alan and Neal Evans asked their friend and guitarist Eric Krasno to join them at a festival in Woodstock. Their performance was so well-received by the audience, it became their first EP, Get Down!, and sparked a vigorous touring schedule.
Soulive has come a long way since then. They are no longer looked at as an organ trio; in fact, they aren’t even a trio anymore. They have recently been joined by alto saxophonist and longtime friend Sam Kininger. With their newest addition, Soulive released a new album this September called Break Out. This album, much like their past ones, combines riveting instrumental solos with smooth ballads to create a unique, soulful and jazzy sound.
Other great musical talents have graced the group’s tracks as well. Trumpet player and frequent Soulive guest Rashwan Ross, who is currently working on a side project with Dave Matthews Band; Fred Wesley, a horn player from the James Brown Band; Jurassic 5 and Dave Matthews himself have all contributed to Soulive’s beats.
Soulive performs Saturday at the 9:30 Club in Washington. Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information, call (202) 393-0930.
