http://www.us3.com
There are two new vocalists featured on “Questions”, London-based singer Mpho, and Brooklyn native Reggi Wyns.
Mpho is a vocalist and songwriter with influences as far reaching as her background. Born in South Africa, the 26 year old daughter of SA singer Sipho Mabuse moved to London at the tender age of
4, where she has lived ever since. Influenced by a wide range of female singers from Abbey Lincoln to Joni Mitchell, she also harbours a passion for the psychedelic funk of Sly Stone and Rick James. Mpho has consequently worked and performed in
various genres with many artists including the legendary South African singer Miriam Makeba, jazz pianist Bheki Mseleku, English rapper Ty, trip-hop outfit Spacek, and British urban sensation Miss Dynamite. Mpho’s subtle tones express
diversity from hip-hop and funk to rock and folk, while her writing offers commentary on issues from global and social to personal.
Reggi Wyns was born and bred in Brooklyn, New York 27 years ago, and is a multifaceted artist. His recording credits include two independent albums with highly acclaimed New York rap crew LIB,
released in 1999 and 2000. Reggi is also an accomplished actor. His credits include a co-starring role in Fox Searchlight's 2002 film "Brown Sugar", the 2001 Miramax film "Serendipity", and a guest appearance on NBC's "Law
And Order: SVU". He draws inspiration from the fight for liberation throughout the world, as he believes the role of an artist is to render the human struggle in artistic form.
Mpho’s contributions “Whatcha Gonna Do?” and “When She’s Dancing” are about that spine-tingling moment when you hear an irresistible groove and simply have to
dance! Both have a contemporary R&B sound with a distinct latin influence, peppered with South American percussion and the montuno piano riffs of Neil Angilley. “Believe In Yourself” is an uplifting ode to positive thinking featuring
both Mpho and Reggi, with Us3 band member Mike Gorman on piano. Reggi asks some pertinent questions about the meaning of the word ‘peace’ on the moody bass-led groove of “What Does That Mean?”. DJ First Rate puts in the cuts
on the turntables and guitarist Dave Okumu lays down some angular funky chords.
“Can U Feel It?” sees Reggi describing a whole range of stressful feelings we all have to face everyday, while Ed Jones provides the funky flute over what can only be described
as a latin-influenced acid hip-hop groove (!). Mpho returns to the uplifting vibe with “Get It Together”, another tale of the individual’s daily personal struggle. The Us3 horn section of saxophonist Ed Jones and trumpeter Chris
Storr keep it sweet and mellow in the background. “The Truth” continues the angular funk approach with Ed and Chris once again providing sharp horn punctuations underneath Mpho’s verbal search for the truth.
Finally, “The Healer” is dedicated to Geoff’s baby daughter Asa (which means ‘the healer’) who recovered from a serious illness last summer. This Fela Kuti-inspired
track features the funky Us3 horn section of Ed and Chris, joined by the Nigerian guitarist Femi Temowo, who also plays a very George Benson-like guitar & scat solo. It is a celebration of life.
“Questions” is Us3’s fourth album, a contemporary slice of jazz-influenced urban sounds leaning heavily on a latino R&B vibe.
Album Launch party dates:
September 29 th &30 th – Jazz Café, London |
