"State of Soul" brings the whole vibe of these great talents together on one thrilling CD.

In the course of a very successful career, Joe Locke has garnered numerous accolades for his playing, arranging and writing talents. His recordings attract top reviews, and he consistently appears on both critics and reader polls in the major publications around the world. Over many years he has been a "firstcall" for the leading names in the business. (Kenny Barron, Grover Washington Jr., Dianne Reeves, Cecil Taylor, Ron Carter, Mingus Big Band to name a few).

Anyone who has witnessed the Joe Locke Storytelling Band performing live, or has listened to their debut recording "Storytelling" (Sirocco Jazz SJL1012) will know just how exciting and beautifully crafted their music is. Inspired by the sounds these amazing artists grewup with, Jazz, Soul and R&B, “State of Soul” brings all of these facets into play as the group leans heavily into some of the juiciest and jazziest tracks you are likely to hear in a long, long time. From the opening "It's Too Late", the wonderful Carol King song, through to the final track, Stevie Winwood’s blazing blues "Stranger to Himself" there is a non stop flow of brilliant ideas.

"State of Soul" is a collection of living, breathing musical statements delivered straight from the heart.

PERSONNEL:
Joe Locke: Vibes/marimba/piano
Mark Ledford: Vocals
Paul Bollenback: Guitars
Henry Hey: Piano/keyboards/B3
Tim Garland: Saxes/bass clarinet
Mike Pope: Bass
Billy Kilson: Drums

TRACKLIST:
1. It's Too Late
2. Come Down In Time
3. Land of The Living
4. Dimming of The Day
5. Hello to The Wind
6. Sometimes It Rains
7. New Pompei
8. For All We Know
9. Stranger To Himself