my core group--when I'm graced! fred cash on bass, daniel sadownick on percussion, robin macatangay on guitar-- and, always a pleasure to work with; ronny jordan, maritri, melvin davis,buddy williams, I miss you rocky bryant--
The creative force of gina Breedlove is as dangerous and delightful as this earth we share. folksoul is the signature sound of this versatile vocalist and songwriter, who has graced stages internationally, working with artists who-- like herself-- defy and redefine genre. A coalescence of rhythm and blues with storytelling cadences of folk and gospel, folksoul allows one to find one's own way into the music, and is uniquely empowering in this way. gina & the folksoul crew please and provoke audiences from note one.
Balanced between breaths, we are held entranced by the sound of this woman singing. She credits the poignancy of Stevie Wonder's lyrics and the tenderness of Minnie Ripperton's timbre as major influences, and it's apparent to any listener just what honor she does to both these legacies. gina's folksoul often manages to strike an intellectual nerve even while stroking our emotions. Singing backup for the sumptuous talent of Phylis Hyman at the tender age of 15 prepared gina for subsequent stints with Omar, Ani Difranco, Sekou Sundiata, Craig Harris, Toshi Reagon and Lizz Wright. An extensive background in theatre as well, she originated the role of 'Sarabi' in the Broadway cast of The Lion King.
With folksoul, gina Breedlove has invented a delectable melange--a contemporary sound with classic orchestration and an irresistible groove. It is indeed the medicine many of us have been waiting for. It's music that celebrates the love we struggle to build, and represents a courageous kind of beauty-- that essential antidote to what ails us. Simply put, we need this.
