BREAKING NEWS: a singing drummer from Richmond, CA and a bass player from northern Jersey deliver classic songwriting, tight musicianship and danceable grooves...two great talents come together, and release a stunning debut: one of the hot, new "throw-back" soul bands of 2007! In 2002, ERIC BROWN moved to NYC from the Bay area, and hit New York City's live music scene in venues like the VILLAGE UNDERGROUND and JOE’S PUB... On an R&B/gospel gig, he met bassist MICHAEL GRIOT; an independent producer, and busy tour musician...almost immediately, they began writing and recording at GRIOT’S studio (ATTICA). They quickly became a highly-regarded NYC "live" rhythmn section; their deep grooves and soulful syncopations were heard while touring behind UK soul legend OMAR, and international hip-hop artist COMMON...it was clear to everyone right away: there was something special about the way they grooved!! "FOR YOU" is their highly-anticipated debut release from PWI ENTERTAINMENT...OMAR himself shares an uptempo w/Brown on "family affair"; Grammy-nominated trumpeter Russell Gunn(who also tours with C-Lo) rips on two songs, as well as a catchy co-write and backing vocals by Philadelphia's own R&B royalty Kenny Whitehead. "BLACK i is our way to express our love of just performing", says bassist Michael Griot, "through our instruments and our lyrics". Comparisons run the gamut: from Prince to Raphael Sadiq...from Curtis Mayfield to D'Angelo..."we are basically doing up-tempo relationship songs on this CD". ERIC BROWN Family of musicians: dad-singer…..mom: singer/piano…brothers: drums and bass….raised in a neighborhood of musicians…regular rehearsals of local bands in the garage! Started on drums at age 7, jamming w/brothers……added piano at 16, playing both drums and piano in church…occasionally sung in church and directed choir…started writing music at 17. ERIC BROWN has had the pleasure of working with: EDWIN HAWKINS SPEARHEAD DWAYNE WIGGINS(TONI TONY TONE) COMMON OMAR JULIE DEXTER MICHELE SHOCKED ALLISON CROCKETT MAURICE WHITE MICHAEL GRIOT Raised in Northern, NJ…Started on classical cello at age 7…quickly gained skill through recitals, orchestra, and private lessons….mother was a strong recreational singer and music oficianado: everything from classic r&b to Broadway showtunes were heard in the household…father was a fan of the blues and jazz, and an all-around supportive spirit…..started electric bass at age 13; immediately began organizing other neighborhood and church musicians into bands, and having rehearsals in his basement on occasion……placed 7th chair All-North Jersey in cello that year….started r&b cover band at age 14, playing localtalent shows and competitions in Orange, NJ….added trombone and tuba at 15 while captain of marching and stage bands….graduated from high school “Most Musically Inclined”….got songwriting tips/mentoring in Philly from the late Harold Melvin… MICHAEL GRIOT has had the pleasure of working with: COMMON ANGIE STONE OMAR QUEEN LATIFAH RUSSELL GUNN LAURYN HILL JULIE DEXTER GURU’S JAZZMATAZZ N’DEA DAVENPORT CARTER BEAUFORD(Dave Mathews) ---------------- Review:- Michael C Ashley Life and Soul Promotions/Ssoul Limited UK This arrived before my holiday and got repeat plays on my journey, taken me a while to get back to the review for which I apoligise- but there’s only me! I have sensed quite a bit of Drum and Bass influences, nuances and feel creeping into neo soul lately, I don’t treat this with trepidation but I suspect a lot of UK soul might, lets wait and see. However this is not necessarily overtly full on D&B, just the best bits, in fact its quite mellow and definitely soulful, and I’m liking it more with each listen. please u is heavy on the bass, horns groove in and out giving a jazzy feel, spokenish vocal yet catchy, excellent, been playing this a lot. For you, again lots of beat, bit of their own style and uniqueness is emerging, bit of Sly about it too. Puppy love is only an interlude but I mention it because it is heavy on the Cello which is another interesting feature of these guys, or Michael Griot more particularly. Peace of mind is less D&B, more ballad, still hits of sly but also curtis too, in fact theres a bunch of stuff in here, church organ, steel guitar, female vocals, yet its not to complex at all. Pleasure is back to Drum and Bass, more upbeat, bits of this and bits of that, it’s like Drum and Bass with Soul keeping it in check (and not Drum and Bass getting lost on gimmicks and electronic wizardry). Sweet like the sun is like mellow D&B, in ballad stylee. Family affair ft Omar is a top cut, upbeat and one that the Uk could like with the beat and the fact that it is Omar. No more is another upbeat track that the UK will go for with some jazzy trumpets and persistent best. A bit of a breath of fresh air about this, like it a lot. I hear they’ve been picked up by Teddy Crockett’s stable and I can see why, they fit perfectly into that. Putting Life into your Soul and Soul into your Life, Michael C Ashley Life and Soul Promotions/Ssoul Limited Flat 4 4 Shrubbery Walk Weston Super Mare BS23 2JE UK mike@lifeandsoulpromotions.co.uk soulmikeashley@hotmail.com www.lifeandsoulpromotions.co.uk