DESCRIPTION:
Hailing from Londons East End, Oli Lazarus spent three years of musical osmosis in Flying Records, a shop specialising in soulful dance music. After this grounding education and with very little song writing or studio experience under his belt, he produced Reel Peoples debut single Spiritual. The entirely positive reception to his maiden voyage (plus a little help from production master Phil Asher and multi-instrumentalist Nathan Haines), helped spur him on to realise the lauded debut LP.

Mike Patto, a gifted multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter and arranger came on board in 2002 having previously worked with restless soul and collaborated with artists including Don E. Patto's father (also Michael) was a musical figure of note, as vocalist in renowned 60s jazz/rock fused group Patto. The influence rubbed off on Mike (and Oli), as well as other artists who proved key in shaping the Reel People sound, including Steely Dan and Stevie Wonder plus other black music heroes such as Marvin Gaye and Gil Scott Heron.

Reel People have come home to roost on Papa Records for their brand new offering Seven Ways To Wonder which is released on February 25th 2008. The new longplayer has upped the ante: a heady brew of the many ingredients necessary to concoct an album worthy of a claim to their position within the classic UK soul pantheon.











Reel People - Seven Ways To Wonder [2007]

On February 25th 2008 Reel People present Seven Ways To Wonder, the follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut album Second Guess. The new longplayer has upped the ante: a heady brew of the many ingredients necessary to concoct an album worthy of a claim to their position within the classic UK soul pantheon. Reel Peoples core members are Oli Lazarus and Mike Patto.

The album kicks off with Alibi and introduces new guest vocalist Darien. Coming from Mount Vernon in New York, Darien has emerged from NYs underground soul scene and is set to wow fans with his stunning tone and warm vocals. With hints of Stevie in his heyday and paying homage to Sergio Mendes, Alibi is a wonderful piece of Latin-edged soul which will instil euphoria in even the most jaded of souls.

The legendary Omar comes next with Outta Love a Bill Withers-influenced cut with a soca groove. Amazing is an updated take on the classic 80s soul vibe, in the vein of Maze or Shalamar and also Reel Peoples first hook-up with singers Tony Momrelle & Imaani (Incognito). London favourite Vanessa Freeman returns with Rise & Fly and takes you deep into a hypnotic journey that wouldnt be out of place as a Bond theme tune. Tony Momrelle is then on board again for the classic It Will Be. With a vocal performance that sends shivers down your spine and a production that would not be out of place on a George Benson record, Perfect Sky allows Joy Rose some beautiful space and time on an ideal summers-evening. Taking one of several shifts in style, Reel Peoples very own Mike Patto steps up for Ordinary Man which sounds like the lost classic that Hall & Oates or Steely Dan never wrote.

REEL PEOPLE - AMAZING