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About The New Album:

Dark Skin Babies : The Movement from Gemini Soul is a two CD set, which contains 20 tracks of non-stoppable experimental jazz funk-fusion at its best. Gemini Soul’s new release, Dark Skin Babies : The Movement is the follow-up to their 2008 release The Nefertiti Xperience. With all songs produced, arranged and composed by Andre Ajamu Akinyele, bandleader and bassist, this marks as their fifth album. This is Gemini Soul’s most political and social conscience collection to date.

Dark Skin Babies : The Movement features three cover songs by some revolutionary artists such as MeShell Ndegeocello’s “Al-Falaq 113” taken from her jazz effort The Spirit Music Jamia : Dance of the Infidel album; Herbie Hancock’s “Chameleon” taken from his Head Hunters album; and Prince’s “All The Critics Love You In New York” taken from his 1999 album. Gemini Soul makes each song their own by infusing what they call “The Cyber Jazz Sound.”

Gemini Soul, which consists of Andre Ajamu Akinyele, Jon O’Bergh, Andrew Foster and Alex Marks have expanded once again by adding special guest Waahid Jones on saxophone and additional percussion. Ajamu Akinyele states “I feel this album will be appreciated by lovers of real music without boundaries…artists and likeminded individuals who think outside the box.”

Disc 1 has more of an experimental Latin jazz fusion flavor with songs like “Reparation,” “Dark Skin Babies : New Vibe,” and “Finger Print;” whereas Disc 2 has more of a 70’s jazz funk vibe with songs like “Right On,” “Barack & Michelle,” and “The Movement Pts. 1 & 2.” Don’t be surprised if you have one fist in the air by the end of the album.

This album isn’t just creatively innovative, but spectacular from beginning to end. Gemini Soul’s Cyber Jazz is here to stay and they continue to redefine jazz for a new generation. Gemini Soul's music isn't your typical jazz; it's Cyber Jazz!

About Gemini Soul:

Gemini Soul (Andrè Ajamu Akinyele – bass & programming; Jon O'Bergh – piano, keyboards & programming; Andrew Foster – percussion; Alex Marks – drums; and special guest Waahid Jones – saxophone & percussion) originating from the San Francisco bay area are known for their eclectic blend of jazz funk-fusion with an electronic element known as "Cyber Jazz."

Andrè Marcel Ajamu Akinyele (Ah-jah-moo + Ah-kin-yay-lay) recorded as MARCEL from 1998 to 2004 and had independent success with several releases throughout the U.S., Europe and Japan. As MARCEL, he released five CD's ranging in style from Funk to World, but as Ajamu Akinyele (name change in 2004 meaning "Strong Warrior" in the Yoruba language of Nigeria, Africa) embarked on his first Cyber Jazz CD titled "Supernova," in 2005. In 2006 the world witnessed just how far Ajamu would go; he released the double CD "Black Magic The Cyber Jazz Experience," which established him as a true contender in the jazz industry.

Jon Carl O'Bergh, whom Ajamu has known since 2002, had previously written and produced 6 CDs, including "Song of Fire," currently unreleased; "Songs from other Planets;" "Carta," which was No. 1 nationwide on the NAV chart; "Meditations from a Lost World," which reached No. 3; "Sacred Spaces;" and "Millennial Landscapes," which reached No. 2. He also co-produced songs for MARCEL, now known as Ajamu Akinyele, on Marcel's 2003 release "Uptown : 2025 A.D.," and for R&B recording artist JARROD on his debut CD "Every Part of Me."

Ajamu and Jon joined forces in 2005 with the release of "A Cyber Jazz Holiday;" Gemini Soul was born fusing smooth jazz and funk fusion for a new generation. Two years later on January 9, 2007, Gemini Soul released their second offering "Liquid Soul," which features 13 tracks of new original music, plus favorite standards. On July 25, 2007, the world witnessed their third release "Live : The Liquid Soul Tour," which captures Gemini Soul doing what they do best, performing live. On February 25, 2008, Gemini Soul released their fourth CD "The Nefertiti Xperience," which started a new jazz revolution within the music industry. And on January 20, 2009, Gemini Soul will release their fifth CD “Dark Skin Babies : The Movement” and this time they’re not only setting an example of musicianship, they’re taking the sound Cyber Jazz to a superior level.

In late January 2007, Gemini Soul added Andrew Foster on percussion. Andrew’s transition from one skill to another is like Sade’s tune "Smooth Operator." Growing up in the early seventies listening to many styles of jazz, including Brazilian and traditional jazz, inspired Andrew to become a percussionist. He met with producer/bassist Ajamu Akinyele one evening after a Gemini Soul show and the rest is history. Andrew recalls during the first jam session, "It was like magic playing with Ajamu Akinyele and Jon O'Bergh…it just came naturally."

In early June 2007, Gemini Soul added Alex Marks on drums. Alex is influenced by drummer David Silveria from the rock band Korn, and the drummer John Bonham from the 70's rock band Led - Zeppelin. So, why jazz? Alex's first drum teacher suggested that he listen and learn from the music and styling of Miles Davis, Tower of Power and John Coltrane. Alex's music teacher also wanted to encourage him to play different styles of music, making him a well-rounded musician. Alex loves funk, fusion and Latin jazz. By joining Gemini Soul, Alex brings his influences of rock and funk-fusion, enhancing Gemini Soul's Cyber Jazz experience.

In early 2008, Gemini Soul met with percussionist/Saxophonist Waahid Jones at one of their shows. In July of that year Waahid sat in with the band performing a few dates here and there and by the end of the year found himself recording music with them. Waahid Jones originally from St. Louis, MO has been playing percussion for over 20 years. His musical influences include Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, Kenneth Nash and Bill Summers to name a few. Waahid has played and performed with some top contenders in the music industry such as El Debarge and Maestro Brian - who recorded on Maurice White’s (Earth, Wind & Fire) record label - Kalimba Records, just to name a few.

Gemini Soul's new release "Dark Skin Babies : The Movement" is a mind-blowing mixture of experimental jazz funk-fusion. Gemini Soul delivers a brand new sound with this double CD. Musically influenced by the 70s jazz fusion explosion and inspired by artists such as Herbie Hancock, Return To Forever, MeShell Ndegeocello and Parliament-Funkadelic. This documents a testament of things to come from Gemini Soul.

Gemini Soul's sound "Cyber Jazz," which is a blend of jazz- funk fusion with an electronic element, reflects the influence of bassists MeShell Ndegeocello, Stanley Clarke and Marcus Miller; the smooth sounds of Sade; the funk fusion of jazz legend Herbie Hancock; and the pop, electric jazz-funk fusion of Miles Davis.

Gemini Soul's stage performances are visually exciting and entertaining, while engaging and energizing the audience. This isn't your typical jazz; this is Cyber Jazz!

Accomplishments:

Gemini Soul has been featured on the morning television show Sacramento & Co., (ABC affiliate KXTV) and various radio shows throughout the country. Their music has been featured on the hit television shows Girlfriends, The Tony Danza Show, and Entertainment Tonight. They had the privilege of opening for Pete Escovedo at the 2007 San Jose Juneteenth Festival. Pete Escovedo said, "Ajamu is one FUNKY bass player!"

Gemini Soul have performed in some of the country's most prestigious jazz and club venues such as Catalina Jazz Club, Hollywood, CA; The Knitting Factory; Hollywood, CA; The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, CA; The Rhythm Room, Phoenix, AZ; Kuumbwa Jazz, Santa Cruz, CA; The Hedley Club Lounge, San Jose, CA and many others.

Gemini Soul was a "Featured Artist" in the September/October 2007 issue of Abyss Jazz Magazine, one of the jazz industry's premier magazines.

Gemini Soul's discography has been recognized and added to Billboard and VH1, which is a huge accomplishment being independent artists.