Oli Rockberger - Sovereign [CD]

Pianist, vocalist, songwriter and producer Oli Rockberger's fourth studio release, 'Sovereign' features ten, intelligently-crafted songs ­ with stories and lyrics drawn from life experiences and whose music is grounded in a love of soul, jazz, gospel and R&B. <p>Recorded predominantly as live-in-studio takes, Sovereign's visceral dynamic, combined with the richness of judicious overdubs, is key to the "perfect marriage" that the pianist hears in his favourite albums. From the country-blues Wurlitzer hook of 'Let's Stay Home', through the buoyant, gospel-infused outpourings of 'Burned', to the edgy, soulful groove of 'My Old Life', here are songs which explore the push-pull emotion of human relationships, alongside an ever-present sense of leaving places behind and treasuring memories. <p>The music for this album came together from a decision to return to his native London after sixteen years in the United States where, following successful graduation from Berklee College of Music attended as a Full Tuition Scholarship recipient, his formative New York career developed as sideman to big-name jazz instrumentalists including Randy Brecker, Will Lee (with Steve Gadd) and Nathan East, to working alongside acclaimed singer-songwriters Carly Simon, Jesse Harris and John Mayer. <p>Now based in the UK capital, Rockberger continues to work internationally as an in-demand sideman, with recent collaborations including Becca Stevens, Richard Spaven, Fridolijn and Louis Cole, in addition to his ongoing work with acclaimed UK songstress Laura Mvula, as a member of her touring band (keys/vocals). <p><b>Review</b> <p>"Polished, inventive stuff...There's a warmth and knowingness to songs that tell of letting go and looking forward, sentiments buoyed by Rockberger's tenor vocals, deft arrangements and dexterity on a range of keyboards." -- **** Evening Standard