Results for "Soul"

SOUL

Born: December 25

Soul is phenomenally successful instrumentalist who is on the verge of changing instrumental music as we hear it today. Soul's sound has been a staple on adult contemporary and smooth jazz audiences, making him a household name. Soul is a fine player with an attractive sound (influenced by Kenny G) that often caresses melodies, putting a lot of emotion into his solos. Because he does not improvise much (sticking mostly to predictable melody statements), his music largely falls outside of Jazz and into Soul/R&B. However, since he is a saxophonist, he is classified as Jazz. Chris Mitchell started performing with professionals such as Kyle Turner and Dean James in 2005

Penni Layne

Born: May 16

Penni Layne has always lived at the intersection of soul and jazz, drawn less to genre lines than to songs that feel lived-in, intimate, and true. The Boston-based vocalist and songwriter brings together the sophistication and phrasing of jazz with the emotional directness of soul and R&B, creating music that feels both timeless and distinctly her own.

Throughout her musical career, Layne has explored the space between genres, embracing everything from jazz standards and soulful interpretations to original compositions written alongside her longtime musical collaborator and husband, Larry Jackson. Together, the two share a creative partnership built on a mutual love of songwriting, storytelling, and the freedom to let music evolve naturally.

Nadav Peled

Born: January 17, 1988

Nadav Peled is a guitarist and composer whose music blends elements of jazz, soul, R&B, funk, and various other styles. He has carefully crafted his musical style and curated his artistic exploration into a successful music career.

His debut album- Anbessa Orchestra was dedicated to combining elements of Ethiopian music with a dose of American jazz. Anbessa Orchestra is an innovative project with a high acclaim and an integral part of New York’s groove scene.

His music has been featured in commercial campaigns for Coca-Cola and United Airlines, he has also contributed and recorded music for Apple TV’s, Lady in The Lake working with acclaimed musical producer Bekon (Kendrick Lamar/ Hozier).

Suzie Telep

Suzie Telep is a French-Cameroonian vocalist and songwriter whose music weaves jazz, soul, gospel, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms into a rich tapestry of sounds. Singing in English, French, Basaa, Creole, and more, she takes audiences on a vibrant multicultural journey filled with joy, belonging, and self-affirmation. Inspired by legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Dianne Reeves, Angélique Kidjo, and Miriam Makeba, she first enchanted the Parisian jazz scene at iconic clubs like 38 Riv’ and Péniche Marcounet, captivating listeners with her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence.

Telep

NNORDY

NNORDY is the musical project of Montreal-based Haitian-Canadian drummer and composer Ronny Desinor.

Raised with gospel as his first musical language, Ronny developed a deep sense of groove, feel, and creativity, along with a mastery of polyrhythm that has shaped more than two decades of collaborations and performances across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Along the way, he has shared stages and projects with artists including Anomalie, GEMINICRAB, and Kallitechnis.

With NNORDY, he steps into the role of composer and bandleader, crafting melodies and arrangements that blend jazz, fusion, and soul into a sound that reflects the many musical influences that have shaped his journey.

Tokyo Skinny Boys

Tokyo Skinny Boys is a Japan-based jazz fusion project founded by guitarist, songwriter, and producer Tom Ishizuka.

Blending jazz fusion, funk, soul, blues, and city-pop influences, the project creates a distinctive sound that combines sophisticated musicianship with contemporary urban grooves inspired by modern Tokyo.

Tokyo Skinny Boys has collaborated with internationally acclaimed musicians, including Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Bob Mintzer of Yellowjackets. The project's recordings feature rich harmonic textures, memorable melodies, and a fusion of traditional jazz sensibilities with modern production approaches.

Josh Warren

Born: March 6, 2004

Rooted in the jazz tradition but drawing influences from all over the map, Josh Warren is an award-winning Canadian bassist, composer, and arranger originally hailing from Victoria, BC. Since moving to Toronto to study with Canada’s finest, he’s shared the stage and recorded with a plethora of Grammy-nominated and JUNO award-winning musicians (including Ingrid Jensen, Jeremy Ledbetter, Rich Brown, Allison Au, and Joaquin Nunez) and performed all across the country, playing at iconic venues and major festivals from coast to coast. 

His debut album “The Path”  (engineered and mixed by JUNO award-winner Patric McGroarty) will be out everywhere on August 22nd, 2026, and features an award-winning cast of young lions on the Canadian jazz scene, and blends the jazz tradition with shades of Pat Metheny, Stevie Wonder and Snarky Puppy

Travis Hall

Born: January 23, 1994

Travis Hall (b. January 23, 1994) is an Atlanta-based vocalist, composer, and Recording Academy Voting Member whose work exists at the intersection of jazz tradition, soul expression, and contemporary Black American Music. He holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Georgia State University, where his graduate studies included advanced jazz theory, harmonic analysis, and improvisation alongside classical and operatic training.

Hall’s compositional voice is grounded in extended harmony, modal interchange, altered dominants, and jazz-informed voice leading — elements that shape both his writing and performance approach. Though widely recognized as a Soul and R&B artist, his music reflects a deep engagement with jazz structure, ensemble interplay, and improvisational phrasing.

Debo Ray

Grammy-nominated and award-winning artist, Debo Ray is a powerhouse vocalist and charismatic storyteller that connects deeply with her audience both on and off stage. Blending the soulful richness of R&B with cross-genre influences, her sound reflects the depth of her artistry and the vibrancy of her spirit. On stage, her radiant energy transforms every performance into an immersive, unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression long after the music ends.