Daniel Johnston: Guitar Cato van Dijck: Vocals Sofie van Dijck: Vocals, Guitar Joost van Dijck: Vocals, Drums Chris Dros: Keys Xander Vrienten: Bass Wilko Sterke: Alto Sax The Souldiers are… Joost has returned behind the drumset to unleash a groove onslaught reminiscent of Al Jackson, of Booker T, Stax and Hi Records fame. Also he’s renowned for his New Orleans second line drumming. Shares Lead and backing vocal duties on all songs. Fittingly for a multi instrumentalist he switches to guitar, mandolin and keyboards when required. On guitar Daniel brings all the grit of a country blues player, funk chops from the swamp and lead work along the lines of BB king and Albert King. Joining on keyboards Chris Dros, switching from piano and organ firmly rooted in blues, New Orleans and boogie piano styles of Dr. John and James Booker. On Lead Vocals, the mercurial Cato. A keen singer from an early age that has now developed into a formidable performer with all the guts of a Tina Turner and the haunting intimacy of Joni Mitchell. Sofie on backing vocals, completing the three part harmony vocals so integral to the souldier’s sound. She also accounts for tight telecaster guitar and percussion Xander is our groove based bassplayer, he fit his notes just between the bassdrum and the guitarchops, he adds the push and pull and an ounce of bounce! Wilko, mister tall as trees plays alto saxophone (watch out for the Jr Walker instrumental) and keyboards. The Souldiers play... a repertoire of classic songs by some of the most revolutionary acts to have emerged out of american counter culture and beyond. the list involves refreshing interpretations of material composed by the likes of “the Band”, Sly and the family Stone, Dr.John and The Staple Singers. Performances throughout the year of 2006/07/08 proved successful in fusing hypnotic groove with folk and pop close harmony thereby adding a new dimension in style and performance to the Amsterdam music scene. Performances on the 2008 'Portland Blues Festival' (US) proved the band to be a big stage festival band playing on the 4th of July right after 'Canned Heat' and in line with the big Isaac Haze who unfortunatly died recently, RIP. 15 thousend people in the crowd made it the biggest gig ever for the Souldiers. Drawing influence from musical masterminds like Allen Toussaint and Sly Stone while introducing their own production techniques based on a solid foundation of motown, stax and the memphis sound, they hope to complete their upcoming album in the near future. All this makes for a complex and engaging aural experience, constantly evolving yet firmly entrenched in rootsy rhythm and blues. The Souldiers are a bunch of young musicians that on stage are full of passion and energy who know what they’re about and will lay down a performance not to be forgotten. Souldiers philosophy...... We live in a society where we are all too easily fall into the pit of consumerism and the only escape seems to be isolating oneself in subcultures. Here we have built up walls surrounding our perception and from within there is a pervading threat of moral ambiguity. In the modern age where our world is getting smaller we are forced more and more to walk the line of cultural oblivion, emotional chaos and environmental disaster. It is up to all of us to find a resolution and create something in unison before we are left with nothing but mother nature’s wrath. The souldiers aim to extinguish the ongoing climate of fear and doubt that seems to have a stronghold in today’s society. This according to our own philosophy constitutes an honourable pursuit of values to be found in songs of yesteryear and commitment to a continual search for something original, authentic and heartfelt. History Founder Joost played in his family band “de Van Dijck Band” with his sisters Floor, Sofie and Cato for years, learning the trade of live performing and general musicianship. Under the guidance of their father, Paul, the foundation was laid for their unique family blend of harmony vocals. In 2003 Joost hooked up with old time buddy, Daniel de Vries from New Zealand, and together they embarked on a musical journey discovering the mysteries of groove. Assisted by legendary Frank Sutherland, early indo-dutch exponent of country blues guitar going way back to the sixties. In the course of that year they decided to form a band. Acquiring the musical talents of Mees van Warmerdam on Drums, Hassie Dune on Bass, Wilko Sterke on Keys and alto sax, Mickey Smid on guitar. With Joost on guitar and securing joint lead vocals with Cato and Sofie. This early inception of the band was “the Soldiers in the army of love” formed in early 2005. Armed with a repertoir of funk, socially conscious lyrics and original material the band hit the road. A brief split due to members being involved in other projects lead to a halt in proceedings. Soon a new line up emerged with the addition of Chris Dros and Aldo Hakman on keyboards and van Dijck sister Floor on bass and backing vocals. Since Floor and Aldo left the band, the 7 piece group, bassseat filled by Xander reached the sound and presence of today. The realisation of a genuine and inspired vision was cultivated, thereby giving birth to a new horizon of possibilities and exploration of a wider range of music. So now they are back with a firm grip on the musical torch that giveth light to those who are in need. Everything from a quick fix of funk to a heartfelt soulful solution you name it the souldiers have got it. Love peace and Happines! |
20 november 2009
de Nieuwe Anita, Boogaloo Nation avond 22.00 26 november2009 the Souldiers bij De Wereld Draait Door 19.30 26 november 2009 Mp3 Live (Meander) Late Night Live in Amsterdam 22.00 11 december 2009 Maloe Melo, Souldiers Farewell party (say goodbye before we leave to New Zealand) 22.30 13 december 2009 - feb 2010 Tokyo, New Zealand, San Francisco Tour |