Ola Onabule - It's the Peace That Deafens

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:22
Size: 127,1 MB
Art: Front

(4:05)  1. Dark Matter
(4:20)  2. The Girl That She Was
(4:59)  3. Jankoriko
(5:00)  4. Love Again
(4:54)  5. Patience Endures
(4:28)  6. Herbs for Your Heartache
(4:41)  7. It's the Peace That Deafens
(5:26)  8. The Voodoo
(4:16)  9. Invincible
(4:37) 10. In Your Shoes
(4:37) 11. Orunmila
(3:55) 12. In the End

Success in the music business can offer the artist several choices, to continue doing what is popular, or decide to take music in a personal direction. With a respected discography going back to 1995, and having pushed the edge of soul-pop in the UK and Europe, versatile vocalist Ola Onabule opts for expanding upon his diverse bi-cultural heritage in It's The Peace That Deafens. Creating a dramatic departure from his previous releases, Onabulé explores jazz inclinations, world influences, and personal insights, presented in a sophisticated ambience. Though born in Britain, Onabulé was raised in Lagos, Nigeria, where the inspiration came for this release. Blessed with a voice that spans two octaves, he utilizes his vocal skills in an instrumental manner, offering unique nuances, syncopation, and modulations. Prepared with twelve original compositions, he lays out a conceptual record that flows seamlessly through jazz territory as on "The Girl That She Was," leaving ample space for saxophonist Villu Veski to color the background. There are African stories of tribal justice in "Jankoriko," performed with a strong juju rhythm, and "Orunmila," a reference to the Yoruban orisha (god) of wisdom, knowledge, and divination. Traces of Caribbean reggae are evident in "Love Again," with deft strumming by guitarist Femi Temowo, and an influence of Earth, Wind, and Fire passes through "The Voodoo." 

The title track is a sensitive ballad, that drifts into an operatic blues, as Onabulé stretches his voice into the emotional horizon. He wrote this tune as a witness to situations beyond control, where inner stability and survival can be achieved through peace, but it's the peace that deafens. "Invincible," is highlighted by the interplay with trumpeter Jukka Eskola, laced with a distinctive African jazz vibe, it is a superb upbeat number. As a message to the young men coming up, "In Your Shoes," is advice from a man who has been there, done that, and came out better for it. This is one where he shows his mastery of the classic soul idiom. After a run of effective soul characterized albums, Onabulé since 2009 has had acclaimed tours and engagements with some of the major European jazz orchestras as the WDR Big Band, and SWR band, both based out of Germany. He is also in high demand on the international concert circuit. The collective years spent in this intense environment, inevitably led to a refined focus in his compositions, and mature approach in his presentations. This record is a substantial convergence of introspection, dedication, and talent, showcasing a consummate performer at the crest of his craft. ~ James Nadal https://www.allaboutjazz.com/its-the-peace-that-deafens-ola-onabule-dot-time-records-review-by-james-nadal.php

Personnel: Ola Onabulé: vocals; Jukka Eskola: trumpet (9); Villu Veski: saxophone (2); Snake Davis: flute (12); Ross Stanley: keyboards, piano, Hammond organ, (3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12); Pete Adams: piano, keyboards (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7); John Parricelli: guitar (5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12); Femi Temowo: guitar (2, 3, 4); Phil Mulford: bass; Jack Pollitt: drums (5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12); Chris Nickolls: drums (1, 6, 7); Ralph Salmins: drums (2, 3, 4); Will Fry: percussion (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10).

It's the Peace That Deafens

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Ola Onabule - Point Less

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 82:46
Size: 190,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:19)  1. Throwaway Notion
(5:22)  2. The Old Story
(5:31)  3. Point Less
(5:31)  4. And Yet
(5:21)  5. Exit Wound
(5:58)  6. What the Heck
(6:02)  7. Ballad of the Star Crossed
(5:15)  8. I Knew Your Father
(5:37)  9. Suru Lere
(5:21) 10. Tender Heart
(5:01) 11. Conceive It
(5:55) 12. So They Say
(4:49) 13. Pas Famille
(5:42) 14. You Can't Depend on Love
(5:53) 15. Dignity

British-Nigerian singer/songwriter Ola Onabule has a rich baritone voice and a commanding presence. He's a soul singer above all, but also draws on pop, world music and jazz. Despite its title, opener "Throwaway Notion" is a catchy tune with a Pan-African groove, and very dark lyrics about the current race to the bottom in politics all around the world. Guitarist John Parricelli contributes memorable lead and solo guitar. "The Old Story" has a slinky Latin feel. But "Exit Wound" uses a recurring samba rhythm (voice and instruments) to great effect, producing one of the most memorable tracks. The words challenge "hackneyed 'silver lining' songs," with a chorus that begins "don't send me all your thoughts and prayers."  "What The Heck" goes into soul/funk territory, recalling some of Stevie Wonder's music. "Suru Lere" (named for a place that returnee African-Americans settled in Lagos) is a bossa nova, with fine saxophone obligato and solo from Duncan Eagles. It calls for making a stand where you live, rather than hoping for a return to a mythical place. "So They Say" is marked by an especially soaring vocal melody, as well as guitarist John Parricelli's contribution. Inspired by Rudyard Kipling's poem "We and They," it begins "So they say, is a thing they say, when they say things they should not say." Harmonica player Berthold Matschat makes a great addition to the group sound on the final two tracks. Closer "You Can't Depend On Love" also shows off the singer's scat singing skills. Onabulé is the whole package: a powerful, expressive singer and a striking songwriter, with incisive things to say about contemporary society. But always in a poetic way: he is no mere polemicist. His stylistic influences are broad African, Latin, jazz, funk, soul and pop and they combine in a completely natural fusion. There is considerable rhythmic variety in these tunes, ably handled by the entire cast of supporting musicians. ~ Mark Sullivan https://www.allaboutjazz.com/point-less-ola-onabule-rugged-ram-records-review-by-mark-sullivan.php

Personnel: Ola Onabulé: vocals; John Parricelli: guitar; Guillermo Hill: guitar; Al Cherry: guitar; Femi Temowo: guitar; John Crawford: piano; Ross Stanley: piano; Pete Adams: piano; Jack Pollitt: drums; Chris Nickolls: drums; Phil Mulford: bass; Will Fry: percussion; Duncan Eagles: saxophone; Berthold Matschat: harmonica; George Hazelrigg: Hammond organ.

Point Less

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