Ola Onabule

OLA ONABULE

I met Ola at a recording session in Notting Hill, London over 12 years ago, since then we have become great friends and have co-written on a number of songs. This man has an immense musical talent and is one of the most underated performers on the planet.

OLA has guested and/or shared stages with some of America’s finest soul and jazz artists including Diane Reeves, Maceo Parker, Gladys Knight, Al Jarreau, Patti Labelle, Roberta Flack, Joe Zawinul, Natalie Cole, Raul Midon, David Sanborn, Incognito, John McLaughlin, Chick Corea, Randy Newman. and Roy Hargrove. OLA’s music has appeared in films such as N’est Tres Pas Catholique and Second Hand Lions featuring Robert Duvall and Michael Caine.

OLA has performed at many UK and international festivals including The Edinburgh, Leverkusen, Ingolstadt and Aalener Jazz Festivals. OLA has performed at many of the world’s famous jazz venues including several sell out runs at Ronnie Scotts London, Kennedy Center Washington, shows at Blue Note in New York, Joe’s Public Theater, The Jazz Club In Minden and Quasimodo’s in Berlin.

OLA has been a regular guest on BBC Radio 4′s Loose Ends, As well as performances on BBC London BBC World Service programmes. In March 2007, PBS WCNY filmed A concert by OLA in Syracuse, in the state of New York.

OLA Continues to work with other artistes in the role of Songwriter and Producer.

The press say “As a vocalist, he possesses a stunning voice of enormous range and emotional clout”. His voice is “beautifully clear and appealingly textured, almost classical …with a range and elasticity to match his rich tonal qualities”. “The influences of Soul, Jazz and the West African music of his childhood come together in subtle and sophisticated melodies and time signatures.” and “OLA’s songs feature lyrics that are layered with metaphor and allegory. OLA seemlessly documents the issues of the day with the universal subjects of love and loss.”

Here is a Classic Christmas love song written by Kenny Herbert and Ola Onabule. Perfomed by Ola Onabule at the 606 Jazz Club in Chelsea, London. Filmed by Bob Heatlie. A perfect song for film placement. For further information visit www.kennyherbertmusic.com or olasmusic.com

See this video on YOU TUBE at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7b8TjWvACY&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

For further information on Ola please visit: www.ola-onabule.co.uk

• Click on the Plyer below to listen to : The Right Thing

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