Releases / RAW ARTISTIC SOUL - “You Got Rhythm Too”

Quite some time has passed since the worldwide acclaimed debut album of Raw Artistic Soul “What About Love” moved the global world music-scene, Deep house, Freestyle and Afrobeat music fraternities alike. Fresh for 2007 Phil Kullmann delivers an outstanding rich tapestry of dancefloor-grooves with his second album “You Got Rhythm Too”.

Raw Artistic Soul music lifts borders between genres and has a unique defined sound, drawing from fat house-beats, timeless good funk, warm soul, driving afrobeats, virtuous jazz vibes and skillful deep song intimacy. With a musical horizon and background to send the average beat-hobbyist pale, top-percussionist, remixer and producer from Cologne, Phil Kullmann has set another distinct exclamation mark on the music scene. Having previously gained so much respect around the globe, Phil’s work has been championed by the international dancefloor-elite including Osunlade, Kenny Dope, Dimitri from Paris, Karizma, Bobby & Steve, Franck Roger, DJ Deep, Roger Sanchez and more. Alongside his long-term musical partner Michael "Nivalito" Ehnes, Kullmann delivers an impressive broadside on “You Got Rhythm Too” sporting a superb playing team of musicians including Domingo Patricio on flute, Flamenco-wunderkind Rafaél Cortes on Accoustic-Guitar, Patrick Wieland on E-Guitar, Lillo Scrimali on the Accordion and Christoph Titz on Trumpet and Flugelhorn, as well as some illustrious guests on vocals.

Brilliant drum-programming, very soulful arrangements, jazz-coloured soundscapes, crisp substantial percussive layers topped off with live strings build the perfect platform for guest-appearances. Vocalist include:
Masters At Work approved vocal Icon Wunmi who features on the acclaimed single “Oya O”, the US-Exceptional Poet Ursula Rucker whose brilliance can be heard on “The Light” and regular cohort and Cuban vocalist Edisney Portales Vega on “Pa La Loma”. The album also features the new Raw Artistic Soul discovery, John Gibbons, a folk/soul vocalist who is featured on the current soulful smash “Keep On Shining” which recently hit number #1 on the ultra-credible download-platform Traxsource within shortest time. John is also featured on the closing track “In Their Eyes”. “You Got Rhythm Too” also features a fantastic selection of instrumental tracks, including last years disco/jazz fused WMC hit “Miami Theme”, the very funky “Zaab” which oozes succulent brass stabs with a smattering of Scat vocals, the beautiful sun-drenched “Bayahibe” laced with pretty Accordion, Abanico featuring outstanding flamenco guitars.

Currently John Gibbons solo album is being produced in the Raw Artistic-Studios, which has seen Kullmann apply his genius remixes for Beady Belle, Tiger Stripes, Can7, Inaya Day and Ralf GUM to name a few, as well as percussion for lots of German Top-Acts of all different genres and now the own label Raw Artistic Records as additional playground for Phil’s sounds.

“You Got Rhythm Too” appears, as the predecessor to “What About Love” along with a series of single releases on GOGO Music, the label imprint run by German’s prime Deephouse-DJ and activist Ralf GUM. Ralf has released constant quality music since GOGO’s inception in 2001, aside of working with Raw Artistic Soul since day one, other stellar acts including Inaya Day and Michael Procter have released on his label. Having gained support from the worldwide DJ elite, we can only expect more great things to come from one of Germany’s most prestigious soulful dance labels.

“You Got Rhythm Too” is a testament to Kullmann’s raw talent, with his constant vision of looking forward, Raw Artistic Soul can only serve to gather more momentum...House? Future Afro? Global Funk? World Jazz? Dancefloor - Folk? No folks - this genre is simply called Raw Artistic Soul!

Click for German Pressinfo (pdf - 54 kb)

Tracklist Raw Artistic Soul - You Got Rhythm Too - GOCD 004:

01 Miami Theme 5:10
02 Zaab 5:52
03 Keep On Shining - Featuring John Gibbons 7:50
04 The Light - Featuring Ursula Rucker 8:15
05 Oya O - Featuring Wunmi 8:36
06 Bayahibe 6:18
07 Abanico - Featuring Rafael Cortes 7:37
08 Pa La Loma - Featuring Edisney Portales Vega 6:24
09 In Their Eyes - Featuring John Gibbons 9:42

Enjoy the music…

PRESS REACTIONS AND REVIEWS

www.housepage.net
RAW ARTISTIC SOUL - You Got Rhythm Too - GOCD 004

"You got rhythm too" is the second album of Phil Kullmann (Raw Artistic Soul) and once again Phil shown his infinite talent providing an outstanding and eclectic LP infected with various music styles. In the 9 tracks of the album, Phil conbines various ingrediets, from house music to funky, soul, jazz and afro, providing a very fresh and personal sound. All the tracks would deserve a mention, from the disco/jazzy masterpiece "Miami theme", the soulful gem "Keep on shining" featuring John Gibbons on vocals, the forthcoming single "The light" featuring Ursula Rucker, the afro infected "Oya o", the jazzy, relaxing and latin tinged "Abanico" and "Pa la loma", to the super-cool closing track "In their eyes". Quality music without barriers. Essential. by Franco Martinelli

www.SpiritOfHouse.com
RAW ARTISTIC SOUL - You Got Rhythm Too - GOCD 004

Two years after releasing the timeless longplayer "What about love", Phil Kullmann and his Raw Artistic Soul collective return with the follow up "You got rhythm too" where they present a collection of beautifully arranged and instrumentated songs featuring outstanding musicians such as Domingo Patricio (flute), Rafael Cortes (accoustic guitar), Patrick Wieland (e-guitar), Lillo Scrimali (accordion) and Christoph Titz (trumpet and flugelhorn). Add to this the vocal artistry of poet Ursula Rucker, Wunmi, Edisney Portales Vega and John Gibbons and you got an exceptional all-star line-up that will be hard to surpass. "You got rhythm too" features both vocal and instrumental songs with dancefloor-friendly grooves that cover a wide range of genres, offering a unique soundscape not to be found anywhere else. Soul, jazz, funk, afro, latin, disco, house - all these influences are blended in a versatile way into a refreshing collection of vibes. If you listened to Raw Artistic Soul's musical treats in the past, you know you won't be dissapointed. Aside, you'll be discovering various joyful and diversified moments while listenting to the album. Two years ago we said that with "What about love" you've got a masterpiece in your hand - now we say with "You got rhythm too" Phil Kullmann and his Raw Artistic Soul collective bless us with another masterpiece.

RAW ARTISTIC SOUL - You Got Rhythm Too - GOCD 004

This is the follow up album to “What About Love” from Cologne’s Phil Kullmann and Michael “Nivalito” Ehnes plus a superlative team of musicians. This organic collection of nine wonders opens with the big brass hook, sax solo and flange guitar groove of “Miami Theme” with its deliciously rich 70’s funk vibe. Other highlights include the smooth Rhodes/ vocal warbling jazzy groove of “Zaab,” the upbeat Latin flute groove of “In Their Eyes” and “Keep On Shining” featuring John Gibbons, the funky Latin brass song “The Light” featuring the caressing vocals of Ursula Rocker and the wondrous Spanish guitar, accordion and Latin vibe of “Bayahibe.” Stunning. 5/5. By Mark Moore

Blues & Soul (UK)
RAW ARTISTIC SOUL - You Got Rhythm Too - GOCD 004

I got it; you got it; he/she or it got it - we all got it - rhythm … that is - and to prove it Cologne’s Raw Artistic Soul offer 9 cuts that have it too (I hope by now, you realize its all in the title). Yes, here Phil Kullman explores global rhythm by choosing to focus on its primary sources - Africa, the Latin/Caribbean nexus and the melting pot that is Miami. Indeed it’s Miami this kicks things off. “Miami Theme” owes much to the Miami Vice theme but with subdued house beats; “Zaab” offers more of the same. .”Abanico”, featuring Rafael Cortes, brings in big Latin flavours while “Keep On Shining” (with John Gibbons on sultry vocal) is bright and boppy - watch out for the Herbie Mann-a-like flute. For variety try the Ursula Rucker rhymed “The Light”; if you know the Lady Ursula you’ll know what to expect. Like most of the music it’s not house as you define it - but it all defies you to groove.

www.Defected.com
RAW ARTISTIC SOUL - You Got Rhythm Too - GOCD 004

The second long player from the ubiquitous talent that is Phil Kulfman, a.k.a. Raw Artistic Soul, sees quality grooves aplenty, as he delivers a brilliant collection of tracks worthy of the ear of even the most discerning clubber. In truth, if you’re already onto his productions then you may have most of these, but if not then there really is no better introduction. Kicking off with the instrumental magic of Miami Theme and Zaab through to vocal gems such as Keep On Shining and In Their Eyes, this whole album is a prime example of just how high the production values can be in the house arena these days. by Curtis Zack

Manifesto Mag (UK) - Soul Flavas Column
RAW ARTISTIC SOUL - You Got Rhythm Too - GOCD 004

Another album to really hit the spot on first play was the new album from RAW ARTISTIC SOUL on GOGO Music out of Germany. 'You Got Rhythm Too' features several guest vocalists. The current single is included 'Keep On Shining' with JOHN GIBBONS and he also features on the albums defining moment 'In Their Eyes' - a totally superb piece of soulful jazzy uptempo music with a gorgeous melody and subtle bassline that glides along quite effortlessly, a magical tune that'll have you hooked from beginning to end. Other notable tracks to mention are the funky disco sound of 'Zaab' and 'The Light' feat Ursula Rucker.

One week to live magazine (UK)
RAW ARTISTIC SOUL - You Got Rhythm Too - GOCD 004

Solar-powered grooving from Cologne's Phil Kullmann, inviting you to ditch the sunlounger, get bar-side and revel in beach party pleasure. A silver-tongued, snake-hipped devil of an album, it's a picture postcard holiday romance involving plenty of polite flirting before the passion reels in the lusty-eyed. Opening the doors to the kitsch-free disco, Miami Theme‚ is funk-full of tasty guitar flicks that mimic the revolutions of a glitterball clicking round. Super-slick bass and horns make for a lithe sunshine anthem, a great start including a crazy horn/synth scuttle midway through. Zaab‚ repeats the trick, giving 70s shape-throwing a spit and polish with a chatty/quirky shooby-dooby‚ backing vocal, more bulging guitars bumping out chords at all angles and a classy bassline underscoring everything. The opening two salvos are strong enough to stand alone without a vocal, and In Their Eyes‚ completes the album's bookends, skilful guitar business at the core of the grooving. From making eyes across the dancefloor to getting up close and personal, Bayahibe‚ sweeps the album of its feet. Electric flamenco guitars and handclap percussion provide a calm constancy and warm chords bring up the rear. Accordions provide the all important away on holiday flavour, like an old timer busking for lovers locked in a tango romance. Keep on Shining‚, featuring the feathered tones of John Gibbons, is a soft soother, ultra rich with twittering flutes keeping matters upmarket. More house on the rocks with a perfect sunset view sees Ursula Rucker playing soul sage on the Latin bounce The Light. Abanico‚ follows with flamenco flautists signalling another cool breeze as romance-seeking violins soar from in the distance. Securing a potential love interest has never sounded this groovy.

music-news.com
RAW ARTISTIC SOUL - You Got Rhythm Too - GOCD 004

The most surprising thing about the quality latin influenced house produced by Raw Artistic Soul’s Phil Kullmann is that it comes from that hotbed of house Cologne in Germany. For a country renowned for it’s trance and techno this soulful offering from Ralf GUM’s GOGO music label is a real joy. There are comparisons to the Nuyorican soul of Kenny Dope and Louie Vega including the album title which is taken from their 'you can do it (baby)’ track. Phil Kullman generates a true worldwide sound and his productions have been staple content in the record boxes of such luminaries as Roger Sanchez, Dimitri from Paris and DJ Deep. The album kicks in with the funk fest that is 'Miami Theme’. The first few bars sound like they come straight out of a 70s TV cop show. Layers of brass backed with a lush house beat sets the tone for the album and gets your booty shaking from the start. The vocal tracks really stand out on this long player, 'Keep on Shining’ and 'In There Eyes’ with London born John Gibbons and most notably the first single release 'The Light’ featuring spoken word poet Ursula Rucker. My personal favourite is the chilled out vibe of 'Bayahibe’ which is a perfect sunset track, Spanish rhythms and influences with an accordion straight from a Paris backstreet. An excellent album, from an ever improving artist and label. Highly recommended. by Rich Denton

fly.co.uk
RAW ARTISTIC SOUL - You Got Rhythm Too - GOCD 004

When you first hear the music, you immediately assume it’s a collective of musicians — all drawing inspiration from wide-ranging types of music pulled together on one eclectic project. At least that’s what I thought. But I was wrong because Raw Artistic Soul is Phil Kullmann. Based out of Cologne, Germany, Phil is steadily garnering a reputation for his production of fine, soulful music, fusing his Afro-Cuban influences with organic house beats. He sources the finest vocalists to work with, and has produced two albums worthy of the critical acclaim they have generated. The debut album in 2005 was What About Love, featuring the likes of Rafael Cortes, Blain Paulos and Edisney Portales Vega. The critics rightly raved about the 14-track fest, which came out on Ralf GUM’s GOGO Music. Two years on, I was delighted when his latest offering landed on my doorstep. The second effort, always a daunting task, betters his first offering. You Got Rhythm Too, a 9-track extravaganza, has more of an organic feel. Stand out track for me is ‘PaLaLoma’, a six-minute song drenched in salsa and just teasing you to tap your feet. It would fit easily in a house, salsa, and many other genres set: testament to Phil’s wide-ranging influences which make this album more than just a slab of ‘house’. ‘Zaab’ is a disco-fuelled dance-floor killer. The irresistible beat and the catchy hum-along vocal make it perfect for peak time clubbers. It’s little wonder this is so infectious when Phil told me his first ever musical purchase was Jamiroquai’s Emergency on Planet Earth — I can almost picture JK grooving to this one. When I asked Phil who he enjoyed working with, he found it very hard to say. “Wunmi was great, working with her is really cool. ‘The Light’ with Ursula Rucker, also a great tune. She’s fantastic! “and then there’s John Gibbons, oh man — this guy is the bomb. In January I produced his whole Folksoul album! Watch out for John Gibbons — Discovering. Raw Artistic Soul, and Phil in particular, are worth checking out if you’re into organic, soulful music. You won’t be disappointed. by Leon Moran

Jazzthing (Germany)
RAW ARTISTIC SOUL - You Got Rhythm Too - GOCD 004

Phil Kullmann öffnet zum zweiten Mal seinen geschmackvoll sortierten Gemischtwarenladen Raw Artistic Soul. Das Konzept des Debütalbums „What About Love”, eine beeindruckende Stilvielfalt geschickt zu einem ‚One Cultural Groove’ zusammen zu fassen, funktioniert auch diesmal: ein rhythmisches Feuerwerk aus Vocalhouse mit Dub-Effekten, Funk mit Discosound sowie Afro-Beats mit Jazzelementen. Durch seine Zusammenarbeit mit Musikern aus verschiedensten Kulturen konnte der Kölner Produzent und Percussionist Kullmann seinen Sound auf „You Got Rhythm Too“ vervollkommnen, indem er die elektronisch produzierten Songs erneut mit live gespielten Instrumenten (Trompete, Akkordeon, Flamenco-Gitarre) ergänzte. Besonders die Rhythmikabteilung erfährt viel Aufmerksamkeit, sei es beim „Miami Theme” mit Funk-Gitarre und dynamischen Bläsern, bei „Oya O” (feat. Wunmi) oder „The Light”, bereichert durch die typischen Spoken Words-Strophen von Studiogast Ursula Rucker. Als Neuentdeckung entpuppt sich dagegen Soul-Sänger John Gibbons, der sowohl „Keep On Shining” als auch „In Their Eyes” zu Höhepunkten werden lässt. Raw Artistic Soul steht für World Beat mit positiven Vibes. by hd

www.avangado.de
RAW ARTISTIC SOUL - You Got Rhythm Too - GOCD 004

Urlaubsflair umgibt mich und tief im Herzen spüre ich, dass ich das Paradies gefunden habe - zumindest in meiner Fantasie. In Wirklichkeit befinde ich mich im tristen, grauen Alltag - in der Realität. Das, was mich hat träumen lassen, ist die Musik des Albums „You Got Rhythm Too“ von Raw Artistic Soul. Aufwendige und mit viel Liebe zum Detail produzierte Afro-Vibes treffen auf warmen Soul, virtuoses Jazz-Feeling und fette House Beats. Man benötigt kein geschultes Ohr um nachvollziehen zu können, dass in diesem Werk viel Zeit, Energie und vor allem viele Ideen stecken. Brilliante Drum-Programmierungen, sehr soulige Live-Arrangements, geschickt jazzgefärbte Soli, omnipräsent-knackige Percussion-Teppiche und jede Menge (übrigens echte) Streicher, sind das Ergebnis dieser harten Arbeit. Das alles hat Phil Kullmann, seines Zeichens First Call-Percussionist, Remixer und Produzent aus Köln, zusammen mit einer großartig aufspielenden Mannschaft an Musikern, u.a. Flötist Domingo Patricio, Flamenco-Wunder Rafaél Cortes an der Akustik Gitarre u.v.m., auf die Beine gestellt. Die globale WorldMusic-Gemeinde war zu recht ebenso begeistert, wie die Creme de la Creme der weltweiten Deep-House- und Freestyle-gemeinde. Käuflich erwerben kann man das Album ab dem 16.04.2007. Reinhören dürfen wir bereits jetzt und so können wir uns die letzten Tage bis zum Release etwas verkürzen. by Hendrik Bonow

1beat.de
RAW ARTISTIC SOUL - You Got Rhythm Too - GOCD 004

Raw Artistic Soul ist das Projekt von Produzenten Phil Kullmann, welches das Prädikat „versatile“ verdient wie kaum eine andere Scheibe zur Zeit. Vor 10 Jahren hätte so eine Platte wahrscheinlich nur auf Compost Records eine Chance gehabt, internationale Aufmerksamkeit wecken zu können. Heute kann sich Kullmann in einer sehr autarken Stellung wiegen. Er hat sein eigenes Studio in Köln und mit GOGO Music und seinem Chef Ralf Gum, eine Imprint im Rücken - welches, nach eigener Aussage, „Erwachsene Grooves“ supportet. In der Tat hat Kullmann den Kniff her raus, musikalisch in einer Liga mit Releasen von Farout Records oder ja, MAW mit zu spielen. Der studierte Perkussionist weiß wie man Rhythmen aus Afrobeat, Latin oder Funk in moderne Dancegrooves wie (Deep)-House verschmelzen lassen kann. Seine Drums fusionieren perfekt mit den organischen, teils jazzigen und sehr beseelten Sounds und schaffen eine sehr positive Basis für „NuJazz“ (auch wenn viele dieses Genre nicht anerkennen), wie man ihn nicht oft hört. „You got Rhythm too“ ist das 9-Track starke, zweite Album des Kölners, welches ich jetzt schon zu den „Alben des Jahres“ zählen möchte. Dass er hier eine ganze Armada an tollen Gastmusikern versammelt ist, spiegelt auch die internationale Wertschätzung für seine Werke (und Remixe nicht zu vergessen). Die MAW-erprobte Afrobeat-Vokalistin Wunmi, die immer noch unerreichte Spoken-Word-Königin Ursula Rucker, der (als Next Big Thing gehandelte) Folksouler John Gibbons, der Flamenco-Künstler Rafael Cortes, Langzeit-Keyboarder und Kollege Michael Ehnes sowie einige bekannte und weniger bekannte Musiker (aus dem Dunstkreis des Masterminds) tragen ihren Beitrag dazu bei, das von dieser Platte noch einiges zu hören sein wird. Hoffentlich auch vermehrt in Deutschland - verdient hat es diese Scheibe alle mal. Future-Classic. by Peter Hagen (Jazzriots)

Some RAW ARTISTIC SOUL - You Got Rhythm Too - GOCD 004 DJ feedback

:: "Rarely does any house music make it on to my ipod but this is exceptional. If you only buy one album by a house music artist this year - this should be it!" Grant Nelson (Swing City, UK)

:: "Good stuff!" Aaron Ross (Defected, BBC 1, UK)

:: "Thanks a lot for sending this SUPAWONDERFUL MUSIC! Really like this album its pure music for dancing! Its so nice for me to listen to this kind of projects during this times when you know lots of people lost their soul and turn into the electronic thing without any emotion." Kiko Navarro (Pacha, Spain)

:: "This is a beautiful second album from Raw Artistic Soul - if we thought the first one was fantastic, then you'll very glad to know this one is even better. This album comprises a lot more different sounds to the first one - taking a lot more influence from the sounds of funk at the start and then regressing to the Raw Artistic organic housey sound towards the end - stand out track for me is Palaloma - elements of life beware, this track is what it's all about!!" Leon Moran (Ritmo Radio)

:: "Great album, fantastic songs, breath taking production with great summary soulful overtones really feelin it alot! Pick of the bunch for me are Zaab, The Light and In Their Eyes (love the george benson sounding guitar)! Hot package!" Groove Assassin

:: "I love it!" Chris G / The Henchmen (France)

:: "Really one of the best albums of the year." Marco Fullone (Radio Montecarlo, Italy)

:: "Simply fantastic! All the tracks are so well produced, the vibes are great great great! Very high level!" Léo Cuenca (Radio FG, France)

:: "I've been a long time supporter of Phil's Kullmann's work; representing some of Germany's finest new generation of muiscal talent's who knows he's got soul. He shows depth and heartfelt meaning in all his work. For those who love music of Black origin you'll surely dig his interpretations encomapassing afro, soul, latin and house elements in dance music. Every track is a winner be you into vocal driven songs as displayed on "You Got Ryhtym Too" or the simplicity of track based works - clearly not aimed at deejays but squarely at music lovers and dancers alike who are into rhythms, melodies and harmonies, all of which exist happily alongside one another on a well thought out long player. You'll enjoy for a long time to come. Raw Artistic Soul it indeed is - straight from the heart!" Marcia Carr (London)

:: "Loving this! It's the featured CD on this sunday coming's Nu Cool show chuck! Playing 4 tracks from it." David Dunne (Hed Kandi & Nu Cool Radio Shows)

:: "Nice afro soulful funky stuff." Agent Greg - Freeze Mag (Greece)

:: "The album is totaly amazing ! I love it." Michael Canitrot (Radio FG, France)

:: "This is a nice soul, deep & soulful house album from Raw Artistic Soul. I like it very much!" Ivan F (Deephousesection, Italy)

:: "This album is amazing. High level quality sound. My fav track is The Light with Ursula Rucker. That’s become a classic." Joan Ribas (IbizaGlobalRadio, Spain)

:: "This is simply class! All quality productions. Superb work." Ken N (Belgium)

Miami Theme
Zaab
Keep On Shining
The Light
Oya O
Bayahibe
Abanico
Pa La Loma
In Their Eyes