Soul Feel

Thursday, October 28, 2004
SoulFeel; charismatic, enigmatic, and ready

Editor’s note: The Valley Journal this week inaugurates a new feature, music and stage reviews by local writer Kathryn Preston. Preston, who has a stage and music background, can be reached at kathrynshakti@yahoo.com or by calling the VJ at 963-3211, extension 100, and leaving a message. Her reviews will be published periodically in The Valley Journal.

BY KATHRYN PRESTON

Special to the VJ

“Soulful” was the theme at the Black Nugget one recent Friday evening in Carbondale, as SoulFeel took the stage. An evening of freewheelin’ vocals, rhythmic dexterity, and lush harmonies made for a packed dance floor and a rhapsody of soul.

The harmonies of lead singer Brad Foster and Dobro master Brook Mooney are reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel. Laying those harmonies on top of funk, psychedelic rock, delta blues, and even reggae rhythms, creates a hybrid, the music of SoulFeel seems to willfully defy any notion of niche.

Foster’s lead vocals range from a soft, but powerful Prince-like falsetto to a gravely bass, the likes of Dr. John or Louis Armstrong. Not bad for a 25-year-old white boy from Baton Rouge.

A highlight of the evening was the band’s rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” with Foster gripping two microphones, giving a hauntingly Morrison-esque performance. When asked about his musical influences, Foster listed Jim Morrison, “and anyone else who has overwhelming charisma.” During “Relax Your Mind,” it was as if Foster were crooning his love to some imaginary sweetheart or to the music itself. It doesn’t get more charismatic than that.

SoulFeel took the audience on a road-trip, from a country road leading to Foster’s Grandpa’s house in Mississippi to Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison,” which refreshingly was not just a copy-cat cover tune - it seriously rocked the house!

Completing the band were Dane Wilson, a Glenwood Springs native, on drums; Kurt Radomski on Mandolin, adding a tinge of Appalachia; and Michael Jude (of Take the Wheel fame) sitting in on bass. Keyboardist Jeff Johnston was absent, as he is in Florida volunteering aid in disaster relief.

As one patron from Denver put it, “These guys are right on the fence!” meaning they are poised for bigger things. And, indeed, they are. The band plans to start touring regionally by the end of January, according to band manager, Erin Rogers. For upcoming tour and scheduling info, check out www.soulfeel.net.