By definition, the soul is often considered to be the essence of a living being that provides the possibility of immortality and the ultimate union with the divine. In all cultures, the soul is what is referenced when dealing with anything that transcends logic and the physical.
In every organization there is a committee that oversees the progression of it’s members. The committee is usually made up of the most insightful and most experienced of their league. Such is the case of the dynamic brass instrumentalist quartet, the SOUL COMMITTEE.
Formed in 2011 by Jarriel Carter, the SOUL COMMITTEE is the merging of true seasoned musicians with the intention of composing, arranging, producing, and performing multi-genre music with various local and national recording artists. Hailed as one of the most versatile trumpeters in jazz, hip hop, and gospel, Jarriel Carter has distinctively contributed to the collective sounds and grooves of bands that have achieved both commercial and critical acclaim over the last two decades, including Grammy award winning artists such as Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Erykah Badu, Myron Butler, and Israel Houghton. Most recently, the fervent sounds of Jarriel’s trumpet can be heard in the Warner Brother’s hit movie, Joyful Noise, starring Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton. The movie’s soundtrack, on which Jarriel also performed, debuted number one on Billboard’s gospel chart. In addition, Jarriel’s sultry, rich tones were highlighted on Fred Hammond’s latest project, God, Love and Romance, which also debuted at the top of the charts. Jarriel’s ability to seamlessly cross genres provided an opportunity for him to become a member of the Soul Kontrallaz, currently one of the most sought after production teams in the industry. Jarriel collaborated with the Soul Kontrallaz team on hip hop artist, Talib Kweli’s single, Wait For You, which garnered mainstream success. Jarriel is a true student of his craft and is continuously influenced by legendary artists, such as Quincy Jones, Roy Hargrove, Miles Davis, Terrence Blanchard, Earth, Wind & Fire and Steely Dan. The sky isn’t the limit for Jarriel, it is merely the view. More information can be found at jarrielcarter.com.
Saxophonist, Shelley Carroll hails from family of gospel singers and musicians in Houston, Texas. Shelley’s matriculation through city’s famed High School for the Performing and Visual Arts not only cultivated his skill, but helped him develop a true flair for the stage. While attending the University of North Texas, Shelley earned a spot in the Grammy Nominated One O’clock Lab Band. The experiences and exposure offered Mr. Carroll a coveted invitation to join the Duke Ellington Orchestra by trumpeter Barry Lee Hall. This worldwide exposure not only allowed him to travel the US many times over, but also provided him with a passport that has been stamped in over 30 foreign countries. His recordings and performances have allowed him to share the limelight with Maureen McGovern, Tony Bennet, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams and a host of others. In 1997, he was able to feature members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra on his debut CD for Leaning House Records. His second CD, A Distant Star was released in the fall of 2001 featuring pianist Bernard Wright, bassist Curtis Lundy, and drummer Sebastian Whittaker. *Shelley believes he can impact the next generation by sharing his wisdom with the youth. He currently teaches part-time at West Mesquite H. S. and gives clinics whenever his schedule permits. He even has intentions to develop a Summer Jazz Workshop in Dallas. More info can be found at shelleycarrol.net.
The second saxophonist in this quartet is no novice to the music scene. Born in Dallas, Texas, 1970, Keith Anderson discovered his love for music at the early age of 10. He began training with James Wilson, who would give him a pinch for each mistake, which he attributes, today, for his work ethic. Keith Anderson attended the prestigious Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, and was under direct leadership of Bart Marantz. He is in the great company of Grammy Award Winning Alumni including Nora Jones, Roy Hargrove,and Erykah Badu. His stage performance is heralded as some of the most engaging you will ever witness. He has shared the stage with a variety of artists, including Roy Hargrove, Erykah Badu, Bobby Lyle, Kirk Franklin, and the even the great Cab Calloway, during which it was quoted many times that Mr.Anderson was “the newest of the Texas Tenors”. Mr.Anderson has been fortunate enough to have recorded with Al Jarreau on his album “Accentuate The Positive”. Demonstrating Mr. Anderson’s versatility, he was also recruited to record with hip-hop guru Kanye West on his “College Dropout” CD. Most recent projects entail Fred Hammond’s “Free To Worship”, Marcus Miller “Free”, Kenny Lattimore and Chante Moore “Uncovered/Covered”, Roy Hargrove “Distractions”, Poogie Bell Band “Get On The Kit”, and Kirk Franklin “The Fight Of My Life”. Keith Anderson tours with the infamous bassist Marcus Miller. More information can be found at fullofsoul.com.
Rounding out the fullness of tone in the SOUL COMMITTEE is trombonist Gaika James. His ability to maneuver this instrument comes from his 25 year investment of perfecting his gift. Although his greatest influences are John Coltrane, Curtis Fuller, Joe Henderson, and Johnny Hartman, he is not limited to merely one preference of expression. He is well versed in Gospel, Blues, Reggae, Salsa, DnB, House, Nu Jazz, and Lounge. His discipline is unparalleled and has caused his musicianship to be solicited by the likes of Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, and Toby Keith. There is more to come for this rare instrumentalist!
The SOUL COMMITTEE is committed to preserving of the integrity of music while never compromising soul through captivating horn arrangements and powerful performances. Consult the SOUL COMMITTEE if you are looking for a component to your musical landscape that will truly beautify your auditory experience with the movement of emotion and soul-stirring arrangements.