Nick Rolfe
Just a Modern Day Soul Man
© 2002 NiJaRo Music (634479030321)
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A groovy mixture of vintage soul, funk, and jazz, recalling the soul greats of the past with a very personal, modern, urban edge.
tracks
- 1 With Your Faith
- 2 My Take On It
- 3 Fakin' the Funk-tion
- 4 Mother Mary
- 5 Stretchin' (nick)
- 6 Mojo Mis-directed
- 7 Stretchin' Ii (gene)
- 8 Black Is...
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Nick Rolfe was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Seattle, Washington. He began studying piano at the age of six, learning both classical and modern pop repertoire.
In 1992 he was accepted into Cornish College of the Arts, the leading music school in Seattle. At Cornish he was heavily influenced by his early mentors, trombonist Julian Priester and saxophonist Hadley Caliman. After two years of collegiate studies, Nick moved to New York City and completed his B.F.A, in music performance, at the New School for Social Researches' Mannes Conservatory.
Nick Rolfe is a highly versatile musician, currently playing with various jazz, R&B, gospel, funk and alternative groups in and around New York. Nick has toured/ performed with numerous artists including saxophonist Frank Foster, drummer Charlie Persip, bassist Eddie Gomez, alto-saxophonist Arnie Lawrence, trumpeter Jimmy Owens, saxophonist Billy Harper, bassist Buster Williams, bassist Reggie Workman, bassist Cecil McBee, drummer Cecil Brooks III, saxophonist Don Braden, trombonist Steve Turre, bassist John Lee, saxophonist Benny Golson, drummer Winard Harper, drummer Gene Lake, actress/vocalist Carrie Smith and actor/comedian Dave Chappelle (including Dave's critically acclaimed Carnegie Hall debut), vocalist Grady Tate, 2x Grammy Nominated Russell Gunn and Ethnomusicology, and famed celebrity lawyer Johnny Cochran.
With this latest project, "Just A Modern Day Soul Man" Nick introduces the listener to his soulful vocal delivery and impressive songwriting. Rolfe enlisted close friends, drummer Gene Lake (of Meshell N'degeocello, Surface, David Sanborn fame) and bassist Carlos Henderson (of Erika Badu, Amel, Q-tip fame) to help in creating the greasy, grimy, FUNKY pocket the rhythm section puts down on this record. To add the needed textures, master percussionist Kevin "Bujo" Jones (of Whitney Houston, Isley Brothers, Archie Shepp fame) and guitarists Dave Manley (with Musiq Soulchild) and Carl Burnett(with Ethnomusicology) all contributed on the highest level. Aiding Rolfe in rounding out the vocals are the beautiful and talented duo of Rucyl Mills (former member of alt. hip-hoppers The Goats) and Heather Rose led by the in-demand vocal talents of Curtis King (works with Madonna, Cheryl Crow, Billy Joel, Celine Dion, Wyclef Jean, James Taylor, to name a few). Adding the final touches are two of the most cutting edge young musicians in the international jazz/improvisational music scene: Trumpeter Russell Gunn (who leads his own 2x Grammy Nominated, ahead of it's time band Ethnomusiclogy) and Alto Saxophonist Bruce Williams (Little Jimmy Scott, Oliver Lake and bandleader in his own right).
Says Rolfe, " My goal with this project was to create a record that echoed the testaments of the soul legends of the past ( Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Shuggie Otis to name a few), the modern contributions of some of my contemporaries (such as D'angelo, Meshell N'degeocello, Maxwell, etc) and mix in my own sound. I also wanted to incorporate my strong jazz influences in the form of improvisation."
A daunting task, to say the least, but Rolfe handles this melting pot of styles tastefully. Everything feels easy and effortless yet the underlying groove is THICK. This is the kind of soul you can shake- it on the dance floor to, sit back and bob your head to, or settle in and vibe to. There's something for the average listener and something for the pro's. Enjoy the journey.
reviews
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Great beginning to what has developed into a VERY solid concept!!
author: Shane WillinghamI bought "The Remedy" first (which Rolfe made after this EP) and it blew my mind. It's clear that "Modern Day Soul Man" was the start of a developing sound, but, while it's raw and rough, it's undeniably soulful and Rolfe's musicianship needs no development! This is a top notch musician! Getting a chance to go back and listen, after hearing the follow-up first, is like being able to see the future, and the future is looking BRIGHT for Mr. Nick Rolfe!!!
Promising CD from excellent musician/songwriter
author: JustinNick's 2002 CD already shows promising musicianship and songwriting skills, which come to full bloom on his CD "Remedy". Love the arrangements and the tightness/funkyness of the songs. Only reason why I gave this CD 4 stars instead of 5 is the length (about half an hour). We need more, Nick, can't wait to hear what you're up to in the future!
sincere.....insightful.........soulful: NICK ROLFE has arrived!!
author: m.k. jackson/founder: PWI ENTERTAINMENTNick Rolfe is in the fast lane to success.....soulful grooves, personal lyrics and an All Star lineup of musicians make his first vocal offering worth the wait. Mother Mary is my commercial pick at college radio(but Fakin the Funk-tion wil undoubtedly be a concert fave)...i predict BIG things internationally by summer 2003.
Nick Rolfe's "Just A Modern Day Soul Man" is the kind of groovy music with cool
author: Kelvin SholarThis cd has the power of soul classics but with modern ideas (like the delayed vocals on "Mother Mary"). Every aspect of this cd is great! from the sultry background vocals on "Mojo-misdirected" to the effortless control of groove of "black is..." and earthy sophistication of "My Take on it" (check out the killer synth solo- 2:10). This cd is a part of the classic Nick Rolfe sound with his smooth image balanced with serious musicianship (if you've seen the live show). I recommend it to everyone who needs a funk facelift!
This CD has great songs and musicianship
author: Edward Crockett, Director, Artist Development, Soulprovider MusiModern Day Soul Man illustrates what I already knew about Nick Rolfe: he's the real deal. Any of us who've been blessed to see him live wih his band, Slick Jackson, already knew that Nick brings it and brings it hard. Modern Day Soul Man will get the word out to the rest of the world. Mojo Misdirected and My Take On It are funky, message filled workouts that will soothe the cravings of those of us who've been been waiting for Prince or D'Angelo to stop messin' around and drop some more science. With Your Faith features harmonies that would make Donald Fagen (Steely Dan) smile with admiration. Nick's intense yet sensitive vocals on Mother Mary harken back to mid-70's Curtis Mayfield. The musicianship is top notch throughout. Nick and his all-star rhythm section, Gene Lake and Carlos Henderson (those of us who've heard Gene and Carlos play with our favorite artists know that the title of all-star doesn't begin to do them justice...) must have been reaching for the farthest, deepest realms of the funk while birthing these grooves. Take my word for it: get this record and better still, catch Nick Rolfe the next time he comes to your town. When you hear his melding of out-of-this world musicianship with great songs "like they used to make" you'll know that you are listening to the future of funk and soul.