Louise and Winston joined forces late in 2004 to create 'REAL', working as songwriters, developing a partnership which has flourished and led to the creation of their first full album "Give Me A Reason". They have created a style which is a unique fusion of soul, funk, rock, acid jazz, yielding music which is both accessible and commercial but has strong, credible jazz roots.
LOUISE POLLOCK is a newcomer to the scene, coming from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. She is already making a strong impact with several UK Producers, having success in dance music first, as Myla. Despite this she quickly realised that her real desire was to work with someone likeminded to create the kind of funky music that she wanted to sing. Her songwriting abilities can also be heard on her solo album "Louise Pollock" out on iTunes, along with her great voice and vivacious personality.
WINSTON ROLLINS needs little introduction. His background is steeped in music having been in bands or performed/recorded with such as Jamiroquai, Brand New Heavies, Incognito, James Brown, Joss Stone, Paul Weller, Beverley Knight, Amy Winehouse, Gabriel, Mica Paris, D'Infuence, Sola Ama, The Pasedenas, Eric Clapton, Tom Jones, Stereophonics, Super Fury Animals, Maxi Priest, Aswad, Courtney Pine, Spice Girls (yes, the Spice Girls!) Pee Wee Ellis, Moloko, Julio & Enrique Iglesias, Sofie Ellis Baxter, Ray LaMontagne and currently Jools Holland. He has his own studio, RedRoom Studios in Chiswick, West London and has produced the album himself. His talents extend thus as a musician (trombonist firstly but also keyboards and bass), songwriter, producer, arranger not to mention a unique personality and stage presence.
The new studio album "LOVE CRAZY" is now finished and is an awesome collection of tracks in the now familiar REAL soulfunk-style but with some surprises too and special guest musicians included! We hope for a release by April/May 2010.
REAL have been asked by soul guru Chris Hill to record and produce an album of soulfunk classics to be release in the near future. This is an exciting new project set to include Louise's superb vocal version of the Norman Connors classic track, “Aquarian Dream”, with Winston dealing with the JB Horns sound in other tracks. Watch this space for more news on the project!
REAL LIVE EXPERIENCE
REAL are looking forward to a number of live shows in 2010 including:
Ronnie Scott’s, London
The Jam House, Birmingham
Life Café, Manchester
Hi-Fi Club, Leeds
Festivals all over the country
PLUS MORE TBA!
As a performing entity REAL generate a fresh and exciting vibe. It is no accident that REAL has some of the best musicians around with vocalist Louise fronting the ensemble and Winston as band leader and MD. Their debut album "Give Me A Reason" is out now in the UK on Smooch Records via Passion Music & Pinnacle. Available in all good music stores as well as on iTunes and Amazon. It has been a phenomenal hit since its release in April 2006. The album was released in Japan in December 2005 by Columbia Records and reached number 6 in the Jazz Chart. REAL’s remix of the title track made the top 10 Dance Chart in Japan in December 2005, their single went to number 20 in the Zip100.
THE REAL BAND: Louise Pollock (vocals), Winston Rollins (trombone, MD) Chris Storr (trumpet), Lisa Grahame (sax), Adam Goldsmith (guitar), Mike Gorman (keyboards), Ian King (bass), Erroll Rollins (drums), Sola Ackingbola (percussion)
CONTACT: Winston RollinsEmail: winston.rollins@gmail.com
REAL REVIEWS:Some comments on REAL and their debut album "Give Me a Reason".
”REAL are a refreshing mixture of tight funk and loose morals. Singer Louise Pollock, who co-writes the songs, leads it all with amazing confidence and some very exciting moves. Great stuff.” - Maurice Gallagher, GMTV.
”.great to see new soul acts emerging.great tracks on the album.I wish them all the best” - Tony Blackburn, BBC Radio London
”.brilliant.the best of British jazz/funk” - Tim Smith, BBC Radio2
”I haven't stopped listening to it and doubt that I will for a long time” - John Hilderbrand, Tomorrow Jazz USA
”.very good indeed.Louise Pollock is a dynamic and expressive vocalist.an auspicious debut” - Blues & Soul Magazine
”.a sense of spontaneity here that goes beyond the usual.” - Dusty Groove America
.on the basis of what I have heard so far, the name they have given themselves is fully justified!” - Peter Young, SmoothFM
”This has really grabbed my attention.I like it! Overall a great album. Good to see the live sound back in a big way. Got my love for sure” - Deli G, Vibe101FM / GalaxyFM
”.gaining on me with every listen” - Simon Harrison, Basic Soul Radio
”.excellent release.I will be heavily supporting it” - Tony Jenkins, WLRFM Ireland
”.funk-soul.REAL bring it right back with a bang. So yeah this is retro but done with a lot of style” - Touch Magazine
”.raw and energetic.a genuinely funky, edgy sound that ripples throughout the whole album, singer Pollock has the attitudinal strength to drive them all with confidence. A spontaneous, exciting debut” - The Works
”Instant radio, great on the ears and after a few pints, great on the feet!” - Billy Butler, BBC Radio Merseyside
”REAL's debut release shows real promise.and show just how dynamic this young couple promise to be” - Grainne McLoughlin, Irish Post
”absolutely fantastic album.” - NeilB, LifeFM / Soulfunk Digital
”It does sound very good, and is something that has been missing from our sets for a long time. The big band breaks are worthy of early 12'' vinyl classics.when they slip into the slower R'n'B side of things, the pedigree shines” - Pro Mobile
”On top of the sultry voice of Louise Pollock we get the acid jazz genius of Winston Rollins.This is genuinely good stuff and is well produced and conceived. A break from the norm” - One Week To Live
”.really impressed” - David Rowe, Jamiroquai Funkin' News
”Really nice vocal, liking most tracks on the album, real feelgood summer vibe” - Greg Brogan, SS Radio
”very nice vibes in this album in fact I like it very much.wicked.” - Brian Royer & Chris Simmons, Solar Radio
”Nice funky soulful tunes with a touch of jazz” - Jackie Becker, Heineken Radio
"LOVE CRAZY" NEW ALBUM REVIEWS COMING SOON
