Jacob Merlin's Alchemy of Soul
10/19/2009
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(PR) Backline Records announces the October 20 release of Jacob Merlin's new CD, Alchemy of Soul, distributed nationally by Burnside Distribution.
Featuring an exciting blend of old-school funk, mixed with New Orleans second-line beats, pop and rock flavors - all powered with a gospel fervor - Alchemy of Soul brings back the grooves of the all-time great horn bands as epitomized by Tower of Power, whose legendary trumpet player, Mic Gillette, is a special guest on the album.
Alchemy of Soul showcases the keyboard wizardry and songwriting of Jacob Merlin, whose original songs combine influences as diverse as James Brown, Chicago, Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, Steely Dan and Earth, Wind and Fire in one glorious caldron of sound that's bound to satisfy.
Portland native Jacob Merlin, who learned to play piano at age four and was brought up listening to the sounds of both classical and jazz, begin developing his composition and performance skills throughout his years in high school and college. After a short side trip to Nashville early this decade, he moved back to Portland and began to put together the essence of what would become the core of his new band: Michael Suffin on guitar, Erik Mimnaugh on bass and Jordan Ruback on drums. The horn section features Ron Regan on tenor sax, Andy Fuller on trumpet and Rick Tippets on trombone and tuba. Rick Tippets, who did all of the horn arrangements, also happens to be Jacob Merlin's father. In addition, Jacob brought in some of the areas' top vocal talents to sing back-up on the album. Tower of Power's Mic Gillette lends his special talents on trumpet, trombone and flugelhorn.
The Jacob Merlin Band's live performances in the northwest have become the stuff of legend, with their driving, exhilarating, take-no-prisoners style guaranteeing sweat-drenched dance floors and happy smiles on the faces of their audiences.
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