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A Review of Contradiction at G-POP.NET Forgotten Sol - Contradiction
www.forgottensol.com
Genre: Neo-Soul, Hip Hop, Jazz, Blues, Latin
by Jon Minners
I am a firm believer that Myspace is going to change the world. Forget about all the negative hype you hear on the news. They are just looking for controversial stories and often ignore the positives that sometimes go along with it. I know…I’m a hard news journalist. It’s what we do. Thank God for my side gig. For every bad thing you can say about Myspace, there are 100 positive things to add. Myspace is changing the way we listen to music and it is finally opening up our world to great songs by wonderful artists, who for whatever reason can’t crack the Clear Channel monopolized market.
I discovered Forgotten Sol through Myspace. You can check out their page at www.myspace.com/ForgottenSol. While turning the dial on my radio, I don’t hear the blues; I don’t hear much Jazz; I don’t get much soul on my radio. So, it is very important to look for it and if you look hard enough you will find it. And that is how I found this treasure.
Forgotten Sol was initially a duo, but has since become a six-piece band touring the Seattle scene. The group is led by a fellow New Yorker, Cristina Orbe, who provides an authentic alto voice to the music on the group’s latest release Contradiction. A great voice is only made better by the band that supports her. Filling out the pieces of the puzzle are guitarist Dan Moore, bassist Keith Judelman, drummer Chris Stromquist along with SoulChilde, who provides the integral harmonies to the melodies that make for the best soul sound I have ever heard.
You can say that Forgotten Sol comes from that conscious style that has made such artists as Common, Erykah Badu, India Arie and John Legend the stars they are today, but that would be just a mainstream maven’s way of trying to identify this music with a relevant sound. In all honesty, I can’t really describe the style of Forgotten Sol. It’s like walking into a club and listening to some spoken word poetry. Everyone offers their own unique voice and separately, the artists are great, but together, it is an experience like no other.
That’s what I can say about Contradiction. You take a little Hip Hop, put it together with R&B, a little Latin, some Jazz, some spoken word harmony, the Blues and some soul and you have an eclectic CD where each song captures your attention, leaving you nodding your head, vibing to the beat, and just enjoying yourself. As a whole, the CD just relaxes you. It tells you a story. It gets your creative juices flowing and makes you open your eyes to the world.
Take Solace, which is my favorite song on this CD. Orbe has a beautiful flow when she discusses a scene near and dear to my heart, since I am from New York. Town name New York, New York / Man reaching in his pocket / Gets shot 41 times / Didn’t find a weapon on the body this time. We then get the harmonized chorus…Ain’t no solace for the family, which is repeated several times before Orbe hits us with some raw, heartfelt emotion, with a Hip Hop, hardcore spoken word vibe…I just wanna trust the ones that are here to protect me / I run because of who you shot down don’t want you to get me. And then we get the rap from MC Gatsby, of Cancer Rising. LAPD killed a friend of mine in 91 / And you can best believe that they didn’t find a gun / They beat him like a dog in the middle of the street / About four months before they did it to Rodney King / No videotape, no pity or breaks / Except two clubs that broke when they was hittin’ his legs.
I will say that police do get a bad rap for the crimes of some of their brethren. I deal with police on a daily basis, but these events happened. They brought about a pain in others and Forgotten Sol puts it out there in one song that just has so many different layers to it; and they all blend perfectly together to create a song you may never hear on the radio, but you will want to play over and over again all the same.
That’s what I like about this band. They never once compromise their beliefs and never once forgo one sound for another, instead bridging the gap between different sounds and ideas to just make great music.
And if you love spoken word, check out Labyrinth. There are so many other great songs, dealing with infatuation, racial identity and other topics anyone and everyone can relate to. I can go on for days talking about each song and how it resonated in my ear and never left, but I’d rather you take a listen for yourself. Rediscover what mainstream music wanted you to forget. Great music is out there. Find it.
For feedback, visit our message board or e-mail the author at mailto:jminners@g-pop.net.
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Check out the Review
posted 09/11/2006
Request the Forgotten Sol on the radio Hey folks! The following radio stations have our full length album:
KEXP 90.3 FM (Seattle)
dj@kexp.org
206-903-KEXP (5397)
KSER 90.7 FM (Everett)
(425) 303-9070
KBCS 91.3 FM (Seattle/Bellevue)
(425) 564-2424
KUGS 89.3 (Bellingham)
360-650-KUGS(5847)
KBOO (Portland 90.7 FM, Corvallis: 100.7 FM)
(503) 231-8187
KAOS (Olympia 89.3FM)
(360) 867-KAOS
Help spread the word - give them a call so others can hear the music.
If you want to own a copy go to http://www.cdbaby.com/forgottensol2 or buy at iTunes.
See ya at the CD release party, Aug 26!
posted 08/18/2006
4 song sample CD released to radio stations! Contact the following radio stations if you want to hear a sneak peak from our upcoming album:
KEXP 90.3 FM (Seattle)
dj@kexp.org
206-903-KEXP (5397)
KSER 90.7 FM (Everett)
(425) 303-9070
KBCS 91.3 FM (Seattle/Bellevue)
(425) 564-2424
KUGS 89.3 (Bellingham)
360-650-KUGS(5847)
KBOO (Portland 90.7 FM, Corvallis: 100.7 FM)
(503) 231-8187
posted 05/31/2006
Hurry Up and Wait We are currently in the studio recording a full length full band cd. Its is going remarkably well. We have about six more days speckled about the next 2 months.
We are also planning a fun(d)raiser for April 15th to gather the money to complete the project.
Like most bands we are rich in inspiration but a little wobbly in the funds department.
There are many levels at which you can help from Voluteering at the event to just coming to the event or donating at a higher level. Please contact us if you are interested in any of these methods of donation at---forgottensol@yahoo.com----
posted 03/23/2006
WOW! Nectar... Hey folks who happen to find this post,
Just thought I'd share some enthusiasm for our show the other night at Nectar in Fremont (SEATTLE). There were some amazing people out there dancing and sharing lots of beautiful energy.
We will be back at Nectar the end of July, so the fun continues. Thanks for all the support. Hope to see you at an upcoming show.
Dan
posted 05/21/2005
Siren's Echo Just found this bio of Siren's Echo - the group we will be sharing a stage with on Feb 12. Check it out...
Siren's Echo Bio
posted 01/28/2005
WHAT'S HAPPENING? Hope everyone is doing well so far in 2005. We are starting out the new year with some new inspiration, new ideas and continued hope for peace.
Hopefully you will start seeing some posters and flyers for our show on Saturday, February 12 at LO_FI Performance Gallery on 429b Eastlake Ave E (http://www.lofiseattle.org/). Diehard fans may remember that this is where we held our CD release party in 2003. For this show we are bringing up Siren’s Echo (www.sirensechomusic.com), a hip-hop duo from Portland and part of the Oldominion Crew (too bad I mispelled this on our flyer!). Additionally we’ll have some help on the turn tables from DJ gLoRy B! spinning dance grooves and interludes.
Performing with Forgotten Sol will be the talented drummer Todd Johnson (www.salem-music.com/), Bass Player Justin Cayou (www.quasinada.com) and background singers Andrew Nuñez and Soul Childe. A six piece band including Cristina and I.
In an effort to get the word out about Forgotten SOL and also involve you folks in our efforts, we are seeking volunteers for our PR Crew or ‘street team’. This crew would help us distribute flyers and/or put up posters in various parts of town. Folks who contribute time will get in free or reduced to many of our shows as well as access to free CDs and unreleased material. Email US us at: street@forgottensol.com if you are interested.
Other than that… hope to see you all out at some shows.
See ya,
Dan
posted 01/22/2005
The New Year Our show at the Chocolate Factory with Andrew and Soul Childe was a ton of fun. Hearing our music collaborating with two amazing artists opened a whole window of potential for Forgotten Sol. I'm excited for the New Year for that reason.
We'll be playing again for Seattle Thunder on January 22nd. We'll send out an email when we have more information on this and other shows in the New Year.
Happy Holidays.
Dan
posted 12/08/2004
Lots o' Rain We had a great time playing with our pals from Quasi Nada. It turned into quite a team building moment as the rain threatened to electrocute all members of their band.
The rain didn't stop Sunday, and our debut at Hempfest never happened. We were very bummed about this.
Our last show in a while will be at Columbia City's Beat Walk on September 3rd. By paying for one admission, you get to check out music at 11 venues. Check the showdates section of the website for more info. Hope you all can make it out.
See ya,
Dan
Beat Walk's website
posted 08/25/2004
Just checking in and wanted to make sure you were all checking out and supporting KBCS, 91.3 FM. Specifically Barbie DeCarlo's program, Daily Planet from 3-5PM PST every Friday. Barbie is very supportive of Forgotten Sol, but more importantly of music with meaning message and soul. Specifically I've noticed her playing Quasi Nada (www.quasinada.com) whom we'll be playing with at Snoqualmie Pass on August 21.
Also, thanks to Ben who reminded us to update the website with our upcoming shows. This should be completed today, so CHECK it...
See ya,
Dan
KBCS website for online listening.
posted 07/24/2004
So our last day in Alaska we interviewed at KNBA 90.3. Tooled around. Then went to the Organic Oasis....a place that lives up to its name. We had delicious and nutritious food and played to true blue fans. Everyone who came out had seen us before or had a cd. It was completely awesome. They were so warm and so down to earth. Everyone had some interesting story or a really juicy piece of feedback to share. It kind of felt like playing in Vancouver B.C.. Then we loaded up fast and mounted the plane to Seattle. I landed at 4:45am and now it is 835am. This trip was full of so many lessons and memories. Tommorrow I leave for the OCF in Eugene. It just don't stop. I love summer time. Peace. Love to the Alaska peeps.....cristina
posted 07/07/2004
It is the last day of our stay in Alaska. This place is pretty incredible. Girdwood by far recieved us with the most love and we had the most adventure there as well. Yesterday I had the oppurtunity to go rafting in the Matanuska and Chickaloon both rated class 4 rivers. I headed out there with the folks from Kipchoge and the Ginger Ninjas as well as Borrina Mataka. Screams and smiles and a sense of exhilaration. I also felt real trust for Byron and Eric of Borrealis Rafting. He was awesome. This place is filled with wildflowers, glaciers, kind folks and good energy. Right now I am sitting in Anchorage in Cedrics apartment listening to Shannon (our merch mistress) say "are you done yet?" So I am done but I will write more about it all when we get back to Seattle.
Love
Cristina
posted 07/06/2004
We're having fun trying to fit five people and all of our gear in a small mini-van. The times I played Tetris as a kid pays off in this moment. In my college band we fit 5 people and all of our gear in a Buick Century! So I'm sure we can do this...
See ya,
Dan
posted 07/02/2004
Last night we played the Moose's Tooth with Gangly Moose. It was so much fun. One of my political poems was met with a very supportive crowd response. One gentleman said he loved the music "although (he) hates rap" and "wasn't too sure about the politics". Loving the music is the first step then you can feel through the content. At the least the sound of it was enough to let his ear be co-opted for a little while. Then because we openned we got to drink as much ber as we wanted. It is wild to be drinking and drinking and yet it always seemed to be the same time of day. Till it got a little dark and then it looked like sunset time but without an actual sunset. I had a great time and I can't wait to get out to Homer today to actually see Alaska. Peace Cristina
posted 07/02/2004
Here we are......and it looks like Seattle in April. Kind of misty, kind of overcast, kind of damp. I feel as though I have barely nibbled the experience. Writing about a barely eaten meal is pretty difficult without refering to the campy and familiar metaphors. So I will spare you. Except for the long errie hallway of the restaurant we went to. It was long and thin enough to feel terrifying as Dan made running noises behind me. My heart skipped a few beats and I probably lost at least one year of my life and gained one grey hair from the experience. Maybe there is something DEEP I could say about it but I am not gonna try. I'll probably just erase this when we can put something cooler in it's place.
Peace
Cristina
posted 07/01/2004
We are gearing up to head up to Alaska. This will be a first for me visiting Alaska. We are very excited and hope to make some new fans up there.
Look forward to updates from the road...
Peace,
Dan
posted 06/26/2004
So last week we had the amazing oppurtunity of playing on KBCS 91.3. Barbie DeCarlo is just the most receptive positive individual so talking to her was a joy and to be on the radio was so easy and delightful. I feel blessed to have had the oppurtunity. Also mad props to KBCS for playing our CD on such a regular basis. I feel the love from them and the support. Then the Tractor was a very fun performance with many an engaged listener. And now Alaska is coming up and I just feel completely gracious that I will be able to tour in that amazing place. I will make an effort to journal and share some stories.
Love and Peace.
Cristina
posted 06/20/2004
I just heard a radio spot for our upcoming show at Town Hall in Seattle. This show is a benefit for a great local radio station - www.KBCS.fm - and features local guitar giant Bill Frisell, us, and more poetry and music. Amy Goodman, host of the program Democracy Now! - www.democracynow.org - will be speaking.
I'm very excited to be sharing a bill with Amy Goodman. I've been listening to her program for over 7 years. Of course Bill Frisell will be great too...
Anyway just thought I'd post my thoughts regarding this great milestone for Forgotten Sol. Hopefully folks will be able to attend if they are in Seattle.
Also, I just finished editing some live music from our show in Moscow Idaho (see Cristina's last post) so I should have that on the site soon.
See ya,
Dan
Link for May 7 show at Town Hall
posted 04/27/2004
We just got back to Seattle on Sunday. Idaho was great fun. Our first stop was The Moontime in Coere D'Elene. We played to a fairly mellow but engaged crowd. It was a good first stop for us on the tour. The next morning we woke to a tow truck trying to tow Todd's car. Thank goodness we arrived in time to pay off the towing guy. They were some pretty ornery folks talking about fork lifting the car out of the way. That would have made for some interesting photos I am pretty glad I will never see.
Then we drove an hour up to Sandpoint. Todd headed up to Switzer for a sunny day of riding and the rest of us napped and laid in the sun by the beach. Eichardt's was a lot of fun. Though our first set was O.K., our second set began to rock it. We sold a bunch of CD's and definitely gained some serious fans in Sandpoint. That night we stayed up pretty late. And after everyone snuggled into bed I went into the bathroom to play some guitar and maybe write. After shows I often feel pretty creative and I just can't turn it all the way off.
The next morning we drove a beautiful 3 hours to Moscow. Pronounced MOSS-CO for anyone who is interested. We stayed at THE BAND HOUSE where all the bands who play at John's Alley stay. Then we shopped at Goodwill. I went to this guitar store and play a Martin Acoustic Mahogany Jumbo body guitar till they kicked me out. The show was awesome. We played to excited dancing folks who were "inspired", "loved seeing a woman on stage in this town", and dug the poetry "especially, you know, that one about society". I met some great people and heard some interesting stories. It was definitely good fun.
The next day was a beautiful drive home with sun, rolling hills, streams, dessert, white and green mountains, then Seattle. This trip made me excited for our journey to Alaska. Its good to be home for a couple of days. I am going on my own solo journey next week. A little Vancouver B.C. and some university stops in Oregon. Peace Cristina
Cristina Orbe' Website
posted 04/12/2004
We are just a couple days from hitting the road to Idaho. Every person I have mentioned this to tells me the towns we are visiting are beautiful. I am excited to see how we will be recieved outside of Seattle. It is gonna be Me, Dan Moore, Ryan Farris (Brother's of Max Catharsis), and Todd Anders Johnson (Danny Godiniez Band) traveling together. Wish us luck and we'll keep you posted on the details. Cristina
posted 04/06/2004
Loads of exciting things are happening with Forgotten Sol....
with the introduction of our new website, you can now sign up to be on our email list
you can check the showdates calendar for a show near you....
hear a bit of music, check out the photos or
find some info on Dan or Cristina......whatever you choose to do here, please browse about and don't forget to check back often for new and exciting info
posted 03/14/2004
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