SoulMatesMusic

Jarrod Lawson - Keys & Soul Within the very soul of +Soul^Mates- lies a truly rare talent : Jarrod Lawson. Jarrod is Blessed with a voice steeped in reverence for the great soul singers that have gone before him. Yet he brings a fresh unique approach and sound of all his own. Jarrod expresses this in his innovative arrangements and original compositions as well. Adding His formidable keyboard chops and ability to kick bass lines, comp chords and sing, makes him a musical force on many levels. But what really sets him apart is the artistic love he puts into all he does - everything he touches turns to soul! Blessed with music, Jarrod’s early years were filled with sound in his father’s recording studio in Redwood City, California, where he discovered drums as a percussive play tool. Jarrods father, Steven taught him much about music and exposed him to many artists including the legendary Bob James, an amazing piano player and singer. Jarrod soon became infatuated with the infinite harmonic possibilities offered by the piano, and eventually moved on to become a three-year student of the acclaimed Clackamas Community College music program. It was here that Jarrod seasoned his pallet with flavors of great composers in every genre: Frederic Chopin, Errol Garner, Chick Corea, Stevie Wonder, Joni Mitchell, Bob Marley, etc. From this was born Jarrod’s unique style of vocal/lyrical and instrumental composition. "J-Law" has been seen in concert with international acts such as Average White Band, Maceo Parker, and Angelique Kidjo to name a few. At the center of the +Soul^Mates- he is free to share his gifts and move deeply all who listen to the amazing soul of Jarrod Lawson. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jay"Bird" Koder - Strings with Wings & Helmsman of +Soul^Mates- The consummate team player, Jay very much believes +Soul^Mates- to be a musical co-op and likes to let the music go where it wants to go for the most part. But being an experienced musical director he is also at the ready to steer the ship where needed. As a performance artist, he has been called "Guitar Virtuoso " and one performance will show why. The guitar becomes a miniature orchestra in his hands. More than a guitarist, this "Bird" flies high sonically, and paints musical soundscapes on a canvas of harmony and rhythm using strings as one of his mediums. A master of reinventing himself, he obliterates boundaries and stylistic restrictions. His sound is resonant, at times lyrical, at times ferocious, yet always steeped in a deep soulfulness of all his own. As one quote goes: "I dare anyone to listen to Jay Bird's guitar without falling in love!" Jay"Bird"Koder has been blessed to perform, record and study from some of the world's greatest, including his current heros : The +Soul^Mates- !!! For more info see: http://www.facebook.com/jaybirdkoder ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Reinhardt Melz - Drums, Percussion, Widgets etc. The heart beat of the +Soul^Mates- Reinhardt Melz was born to play the drums. Hailing from a musical family this prodigy developed amazing skills at an early age and was playing professionally by the time he was a teenager. One of the most intelligent and savvy musicians you will meet, Reinhardt is a lifetime student of all music and is a gifted arranger, composer and studio musician. There is very little he can't do with rhythm and music. Equally at home in all styles, he has developed amazing strength in Afro-Cuban, Latin and other world rhythms as well as complex odd meter playing. Capable of emulating an entire rhythm section all by himself, at times he can appear to have eight arms and four legs going! Yet even with such an incredible array of technique and facility he will always choose the high road to play incredibly tastefully and musically where most needed. Rather than blow the listeners out of their seats, he prefers rather to make them move & groove and join the party. Reinhardt has toured and or recorded with: Gino Vannelli, Howard Tate, Curtis Salgado, Damian Erskine project, Bobby Torrez and many more. Sweet Sexy Soul! - www.soulmatesmusic.com