If you mixed a bucket of soul, a heap of organic beats, and a gallon of healing lyrics with a dash of funk, you would get "Eclectik Soul". Eclectik Soul is a Mississippi-based soul duo that is quickly gaining momentum across the globe. Eclectik Soul was formed in 2007 by Tawanna Shaunte' Chapman a.k.a. "The Messenger" and Greg Stewart a.k.a "Junkyard Drummer". Eclectik Soul has created a fusion of Jazz, R & B, and Neo-Soul sounds that have given "soul" music a new appeal. In 2008, they released their debut album, "Eclectik Soul: Eclectik Soul", which has started a "buzz" with listening audiences all over the US and abroad (London, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Japan) This "buzz" is evidenced by hundreds of CD sales. Along their journey, they have collaborated with several other brilliant musicians who have contributed their talents/ inspirations to the Eclectik Soul mission such as Symeon Robins (keyboardist/ musical arranger) and Cedric Mitchell (bassist/ vocalist) who can both be heard on the first album.
Together, their performances include (Neo-Soul Artist) Dwele's album release party (Jackson, MS), Governor's Grammy Awards (Jackson, MS), local political campaigns (Jackson, MS), Neo-Soul venues (New Orleans/ Atlanta), and a 3-month promotional tour in New York City which included a performance at Eric Roberson's Sol Village Showcase. Their music has hit the airwaves of several internet radio shows all over the US and has become a part of WRBJ-97.7 (Jackson, MS) regular rotation. As "edutainers", Greg and Shaunte' create music that not only makes you want to move, but carries a message that can be applied to all situations, ages, and races. Because Eclectik Soul's awesome creativity never ceases, their next album titled "Rising" is due to release early Spring of 2010.
Eclectik Soul: Bio
Tawanna Shaunte' - Lead Vocalist
Shaunte's inspiration and vocal training came from her musical father, who died in a car accident. Even though, she was born in the small town of Florence, MS, Shaunte' had a "big" voice at age 9 and still captivates listeners today. Shaunte's masterful songwriting skills and vocals are truly gifts by spititual intervention. Her soulful voice can be easily compared to the boldness of Mahalia Jackson and Nina Simone's smoothness.
Her musical performances have been with many local artists in MS, and span as far as regions in Senegal, West Africa, and South Africa.
Greg Stewart - Drummer/ Percussionist / Background Vocalist
Born in Gary, IN, Greg learned as a toddler to create a variety of rhythms using his mom's pots and pans. He exhibits power and skill that reflects 27 years of drum/ percussion experience, along with the talents of arranging/ composing music. His love for music led him to pursue a college degree in Music Performance at Jackson State University (Jackson, MS). Individually, he has performed for many artists such as Daryl Coley, Kim Burell, Richard Smallwood, David Banner, and Les Nubians.
Guest Musicians
Greg and Shaunte' have teamed up with some other really talented musicians from all over the US and abroad who deserve much recognition for their dedication and loyalty to the Eclectik Soul vision. These musicians are Ruben Lloyd (bass guitar, Jackson, MS), Billy Grant (bass guitar, New York), Brady Watt (bass guitar, Boston, Massachusetts), Telmo Fernandez (lead guitar, Spain), Bert Price (keyboards, New York), and Olamide Faison (background vocals, New York).
