Gemini Soul f/ Ajamu Akinyele
Genre: Jazz Funk-Fusion
City: San Francisco, CA
BayMusicScene.com/geminisoul
Gemini Soul (Andre Ajamu Akinyele – bass; Jon O'Bergh – piano and keyboards; Andrew Foster – percussion; Alex Marks – drums; and special guest Waahid Jones – saxophone and percussion) originating from San Francisco are known for their eclectic blend of jazz funk-fusion with an electronic element..."Cyber Jazz."
Andre Marcel Ajamu Akinyele (Ah-jah-moo + Ah-kin-yay-lay) recorded as MARCEL from 1998 to 2004 and had independent success with several releases throughout the U.S., Europe and Japan. As MARCEL, he released five CD's ranging in style from Funk to World, but as Ajamu Akinyele (name change in 2004 meaning "Strong Warrior" in the Yoruba language of Nigeria, Africa) embarked on his first Cyber Jazz CD titled Supernova in 2005. In 2006 the world witnessed just how far Ajamu would go when he released the double CD Black Magic The Cyber Jazz Experience, which established him as a true contender in the genre of jazz fusion.
Jon Carl O'Bergh has written and produced 5 CDs, including Songs from other Planets; Carta, which was No. 1 nationwide on the NAV chart; Meditations from a Lost World, which reached No. 3; Sacred Spaces; and Millennial Landscapes, which reached No. 2. Jon also co-produced songs for MARCEL, now known as Ajamu Akinyele, on Marcel's 2003 release Uptown : 2025 A.D., and for R&B recording artist JARROD on his debut CD "Every Part of Me."
Ajamu and Jon joined forces in 2005 with the release of A Cyber Jazz Holiday; Gemini Soul was born fusing smooth jazz and funk fusion for a new generation. Two years later on January 9, 2007, Gemini Soul released their second offering Liquid Soul, which features 13 tracks of new original music, plus favorite standards. On July 25, 2007, the world witnessed their third release Live : The Liquid Soul Tour, which captures Gemini Soul doing what they do best, performing live. On February 25, 2008, Gemini Soul released their fourth CD The Nefertiti Xperience, which started a new jazz revolution within the music industry. "The Nefertiti Xperience" reached #37 on the Amazon.com "Bestselling Hot New & Future Music Releases" in the Jazz Fusion genre. And on January 20, 2009, Gemini Soul will release their fifth CD Dark Skin Babies : The Movement and this time they're not only setting an example of musicianship, they're taking the sound "Cyber Jazz" to a superior level.
In late January 2007, Gemini Soul added Andrew Foster on percussion. Growing up in the early seventies listening to many styles of jazz, including Brazilian and traditional jazz, inspired Andrew to become a percussionist.
In early June 2007, Gemini Soul added Alex Marks on drums. Alex is influenced by drummer David Silveria from the rock band Korn, and the drummer John Bonham from the 70's rock band Led - Zeppelin. By joining Gemini Soul, Alex brings his influences of rock and funk-fusion, enhancing Gemini Soul's Cyber Jazz experience.
In early 2008, Gemini Soul met with percussionist/saxophonist Waahid Jones at one of their shows. Waahid Jones originally from St. Louis, MO has been playing percussion for over 20 years. His musical influences include Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, Kenneth Nash and Bill Summers, to name a few. Waahid has played and performed with some top contenders in the music industry such as El Debarge and Maestro Brian - who recorded on Maurice White's (Earth, Wind and Fire) record label - Kalimba Records.
"Dark Skin Babies : The Movement" is a mixture of experimental jazz funk-fusion. Gemini Soul delivers a brand new sound with this double CD. Musically influenced by the 70's jazz fusion explosion and inspired by artists such as Herbie Hancock, Return To Forever, MeShell Ndegeocello and Parliament-Funkadelic. This CD documents a testament of things to come from Gemini Soul. This isn't your typical jazz; this is Cyber Jazz!
Career Highlights: Gemini Soul has been featured on the morning television show Sacramento & Co., (ABC affiliate KXTV) and various radio shows throughout the country. Their music has been featured on the hit television shows Girlfriends, The Tony Danza Show and Entertainment Tonight. Gemini Soul had the previlege of opening for Sheila E's father, the legendary Latin jazz percussionist Pete Escovedo at the 2007 San Jose Juneteenth festival. Escovedo commented, "Ajamu is one funky bass player."
Gemini Soul has performed in some of the country's most prestigious jazz and club venues such as Catalina Jazz Club and The Knitting Factory both in Hollywood, CA; The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA; The Rhythm Room, Phoenix, AZ; Kuumbwa Jazz, Santa Cruz, CA; Hedley Club Lounge - Hotel De Anza, San Jose, CA; Shanghai 1930 Jazz Lounge, San Francisco, CA and many others.
Gemini Soul has been a featured in the Abyss Jazz Magazine; Almaden Times Weekly; Vallejo Times Herald; East Bay Express; Oakland Tribune/Contra Costa Times and the Monterey County Herald, to name a few.
Gemini Soul's discography has been recognized and added to Billboard and VH1, which is a huge accomplishment being independent artists.
Discography: Dark Skin Babies : The Movement (2009); The Nefertiti Xperience (2008); Live : The Liquid Soul Tour (2007); Liquid Soul (2007); A Cyber Jazz Holiday (2005)
Gemini Soul is now booking for 2009.
Interested venues please e-mail: pearljazz@excite.com
GEMINI SOUL is a Registered Trademark. All Rights Reserved.
Profile updated on January 4, 2009