AYANNA HOBSON
has received Billboard Magazine's,
"AWARD OF ACHIEVEMENT". She has performed in Europe and in every major City in the USA. Consistantly incredible R&B,BLUES,SOUL,and JAZZ Musical performances are due to Ayanna's outstanding 4.5 octave Vocal range.
"Ayanna's Overwhelming Talent Is A Tribute To My Music, She Is A Worldclass Entertainer, That Is More Than Entitled To Be In The Spotlights Throughout The World"
'Edward (LITTLE BUSTER) Forehad'
'BLUES BY THE BAY FESTIVAL 2006'
EURIKA CA.
"Ayanna Hobson's Performance Was The Best Of The Festival...It Was Amazing."
Cliff Berkowitz - VP Operations KHUM 104.7 - 104.3 FM
"AYANNA & THE SOULMATES CD 'Looking For A Home Too', Is The Most Soulful Music Ever To Come Out Of Phoenix",
'Bob Corritore KJZZ 91.5 FM, Mesa AZ.'
"AYANNA Is One Of The Best Singers I`ve Heard In Some Years", 'Kjell Andreassen, Radio Holstebro 97.4, Denmark.'
"The Great Success Of An Afternoon Of Fine Music, Is Due To The Caliber Of Performance Provided By AYANNA & THE SOULMATES",
'Wydale Holmes, Fine Arts Coordinator City Of TEMPE AZ.'
"The Songs, Music and Lyrics of AYANNA & THE SOULMATES CD 'LOOKING FOR A HOME TOO' all tell a story, and AYANNA'S Vocals Are Just As Dynamic As One Of My Favorite Entertainers KOKO TAYLOR".
'Bill Wagner KZUM 89.3 FM. LINCOLN NE.'
"AYANNA Is Amazing! Not Since I First Saw JAMES BROWN, B.B. KING and LITTLE BUSTER In The 1970's Have I Been So Taken By An Artist. Her Talent, Delivery And Charisma Is Second To None, Making Her A Force To Be Reckoned With, It's Time For ARETHA To Pass The Crown!!".
'TRS Music Promotion, PHOENIX AZ.'
"AYANNA & THE SOULMATES Perform incredible Old-School Rhythm & Blues Music, About Love And Heartbreak".
'Dianna Bagby, DAILY POST,ATLANTA GA.'
"AYANNA & THE SOULMATES, Great American Music, Performed by Artists Who Have Found Their Groove".
'GAMBIT WEEKLY, NEW ORLEANS LA .'
"AYANNA & THE SOULMATES Created An Evening Of Spectacular Blues, Soul, R&B, and Jazz Music".
'DENVER POST, DENVER CO.'
"The Music And Performance Of AYANNA & THE SOULMATES Is A Celebration For Your Soul, Ayanna's 4.5 Octave Vocals Are Outstanding".
'KANSAS CITY STAR KANSAS CITY MO.'
"AYANNA HOBSON & THE SOULMATES are the stuff hot, sticky evening blues. I made my way through the gauntlet that is the Strut, and found my efforts paid back in fold. Ayanna Hobson is pure dynamism in motion. She delivers her vocals with the confidence and pleasure that are the foundation of all strong performances. She treats her audience members with the affection she might show a friend she’s not seen for a number of years, but is enthralled that friend is now back in her company. Ayanna’s stage presence exudes affection for not her musical gift, but true affection for the members of her audience.
The Soulmates are the tightest band I’ve heard, but trust me that’s an advantage in the straight up blues they deliver while backing up Ayanna Hobson. I would describe the band’s sound as unaffected, no frills electric blues. They have mastered that controlled looseness The Rolling Stones perfected and rode all the way to the top of the music world. Some of the syncopated musical phrases the band pulled off impressed the &*# out of me. The best part was they did it like breathing, and not with that “hey everybody, watch this” affectation some bands do to death. All in all, I found the band’s performance powerful and kicking, but tasteful in the extreme.
If I may indulge in a cliché to sum up my feelings about Ayanna Hobson and The Soulmates, I like my blues like I like my whisky — Straight".
By: Jay Mouton
'THE CHATTANOOGAN'
CHATTANOOGA TN.- June 15th, 2005
AYANNA & THE SOULMATES
"Looking For A Home Too"
By: Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro,
MARY 4 MUSIC ©
NOVEMBER, 2004
I can't quite put my finger on it, but there is obviously a reason I felt so compelled to review this CD. Usually I shy away from the R&B style of the blues and stay more focused on the real mainstream blues. Yet, during the several listens that I give a CD before making the final decision, each listen of "LOOKING FOR A HOME TOO", caused me to listen closer the next time. Ultimately, I was able to put the "style preference" behind me and when I did, what I heard was nothing short of shear excellence.
On AYANNA & THE SOULMATES CD "LOOKING FOR A HOME TOO", all of the songs' music and lyrics are written by BUSTER "LITTLE BUSTER" FOREHAND, and the title of the CD is directly taken from a previously released CD by LITTLE BUSTER called 'LOOKING FOR A HOME" - but the similarities stop there.
Everything about this band, which consists of AYANNA HOBSON on vocals; CHRIS HIATT on guitar; RICH ALFANO on bass; JOHNNY FLORES on drums; special guests JOHN CAZAN on organ and guitar; KATHERINE QUINIF on background vocals; and DEAN MURPHY on guitar, is original Throughout the CD, AYANNA'S vocals are one of it's highlights. Her voice is so strong, commanding and articulate that you can't help but think she could carry the song without a microphone. It didn't surprise me one bit when I read in her bio that she has an operatic 4.5 Octave vocal range and that she performed in many musical theater productions.
"MY DARLING", is one of the CD's bluesier tracks. CHRIS HIATT gets in his share of blues licks on this one. His playing throughout the CD impressed me enough to wish I could here him flat out play nothing but the blues. This track also features JOHNNY FLORES on a very nice drum solo. "TOUGHER THAN TOUGH" may be the best track on the CD. The whole band is peaking and the vocals and background vocal are superb. The song has a bit of a gospel sound to it as it progressively gets faster and faster after each verse. This was a hot one. The whole CD is hot.
The production department deserves a nod here also. The mixing is perfect. Each instrument can be heard well enough to realize that respective musicians excellent talent, which "LOOKING FOR A HOME TOO" is abundant with. That's it, it took me till the end of the review to realize what the compelling force of the CD was - TALENT!
AYANNA & THE SOULMATES
'Looking For A Home Too'
By: Bigdaddy
'WALLA WALL BLUES SOCIETY',
2004
"If you are looking for some slow sensual Blues for a stay at home and cuddle kind of Night this might be what you are looking for".
AYANNA & THE SOULMATES
'Looking For A Home Too'
By: Mike Ashley
'LIFE & SOUL PROMOTIONS', U.K.
2004
"This is driving forceful old style Soul R’n’B led by the powerful soulful Voice of Ayanna in the tradition of the great Southern Soul Names. Pleading soulfully portrayed stories of Love and desertion.'Thinking About You' is strong whilst retaining a slightly different take, a Reggae Rhythm, yet it is still indisputably American Heritage Music. I know it should be expected of Blues music but I found some of it a bit too Guitar laden for my ears. For example 'What Can I Do' (also done by Little Buster) is almost a classic Northern Soul sound yet it is unlikely to get played for this reason - great track though. The killer cut for me is the deep soul 'That’s What I Want To Do' a 6 minutes plus of controlled strength. Title track 'Looking For A Home' is mellower and also extremely nice. Live feel to the whole thing and I would guess that if you hear this ‘out’ it would sound exactly the same and you would go home satiated with Ayanna’s presence and most of all Voice. Unfortunately you don't hear voices like this too often in todays material but it should be captured and bottled..
AYANNA & THE SOULMATES
'Looking For A Home Too'
By: David Cole
IN THE BASEMENT MAGAZINE,
January 2005
This really is something of a tribute to Little Buster (Forehand) as these are Buster-associated songs - and on his own label too. Ayanna Hobson is the Vocalist and her Soulmates are Chris Hiatt on Guitar, Rich Alfano on Bass and Johnny Florez on Drums. They are augmented in places by John Cazan (Organ and Guitar), Dean Murphy (Guitar) and Katherine Quinif (background vocals). For this listener, there is rather too much guitar prominence across the whole cd but there’s no denying Ayanna’s strong vocals, so it’s a shame that sometimes one gets the feeling they have to (metaphorically) struggle against the Guitar work to get the top billing they deserve. 'Looking For A Home', one of Buster’s own best, takes pride of place here but coming in only a hairsbreadth behind are the ballad,' That’s What I Want To Do', the jerky slowie,' Ever Since' and 'Thinking About You', which starts out like it should be a straight ballad number but then gets a Reggae beat in places behind the non-aligned vocals. Elsewhere, more slow stuff comes via the bluesy' I’ve Been Watching You' and 'Broken Hearted Girl' takes on a slight beat. 'What Can I Do' is a pleasing chugger to open the whole kaboodle, 'My Darling' carries a steady, driving rhythm and you get to rock along with 'Tougher Than Tough'. If Guitars are as much your thing as a quality Female Voice, you’ll need to pick this one up.
AYANNA & THE SOULMATES
'Looking For A Home Too'
By: Greg "BluesBubba" Irvin,
January 2005
"Blues to the Bone!!, Every track on this disc has it's own personality and feel. No two songs are the same. Whether you like a slow "feel it in your soul" blues song with vocals that leave you begging for more, or an up beat, bass walkin', boogie woogie blues masterpiece ... you'll find it all on this CD. Kudos to Chris Hiatt on guitar for his electrifying licks and of course Ayanna for sharing a piece of herself through her lyrics that makes me feel like I've known her forever. Five stars from the Texas".
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LITTLE BUSTER
has received WC Handy Award
nominations, toured throughout Europe
and Japan, a recording career
spanning 4 decades,'Little Buster'
is at the forefront of today's music.
His affinity with R&B, BLUES, SOUL,
and JAZZ reflects his versatility as
well as his complete command of several
Musical styles. Be prepared for incredible Music ranging from swinging SOUL numbers to a gritty-angry BLUES tunes.
Little Buster has long been considered the Soulman's, Soulman and an original pioneer of the classic
60's Stax and contemporary Southern Soul sound.
Buster's career has has brought him into the
inner circle of the Blues, Soul and Rhythm & Blues explosion.
By utilizing Music, Buster Forehand has overcome
his blindness, has entertained and educated millions
of people all over the world. B.B King has stated several times that, "LITTLE BUSTER is the only Musician that can fill my shoes" and the legendary Songwriter Doc Pomus
once said that, Buster's overwhelming version of "Young Boy Blues" (written by Pomus and originally recorded by Ben E. King) was the best rendition that Doc Pomus had ever heard!
Little Buster Is A Sublimely Talented Soul Singer,
A Tough Blues Guitarist And A Sure Handed Songwriter With A Knack For Making R&B Songs That Evoke The Classic 1960s Sound. Buster Has Played The Long Island Club Circuit For More than 4 Decades, Winning An Insider's Reputation As One Of New York's Great Undiscovered Treasures".
AWARD RECEIPENT OF:
*NEW YORK MUSIC AWARDS, "BEST BLUES ACT",
*THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT RECORD DISTRIBUTORS AWARD "BEST ALBUM INDIE LABEL".
*LONG ISLAND N.Y. MUSIC AWARDS "BEST MALE VOCALS".
"ARTIST OF THE YEAR", and "BEST R&B ACT".
*Runner-Up for the LIVING BLUES MAGAZINE CRITICS AWARD.
are just a few of accolades that Buster has received over the years.
ACCOLADES:
"LITTLE BUSTER Is The Only Musician That Can Fill My Shoes",
'B.B. KING JUKE BLUES MAGAZINE Issue #36'
"LITTLE BUSTER, This Blues Man Is No Small Change",
'SUN CHRONICLE MASS.'
"LITTLE BUSTER Is A Great Soul Singer, Who Style is Between The Classic 60's Stax Sound, And Contemporary Southern Soul".
'BLUE SUEDE NEWS'
"LITTLE BUSTER & THE SOULBROTHERS Have It All",
'BACK BEAT OKLAHOMA BLUES SOCIETY'
"LITTLE BUSTER Is Unreservedly Recommended As A Gem"
'THE SHADOWS'
"LITTLE BUSTER & THE SOULBROTHERS Are A Straight Soul Blues No Frills, Sweet, Joyous Romp"
'NEW MUSIC REPORT GREAT NECK N.Y.'
"BUSTER'S Gritty Vocals And Crisp Guitar Work Are Revelatory"
'LIVING BLUES'
"LITTLE BUSTER Is In The Forefront Of Composer/Performers That Is Keeping The Deep Soul Genre Vital"
'JAZZ & BLUES REPORT'
LITTLE BUSTER & THE SOULBROTHERS
'Live Volume One'
"LITTLE BUSTER'S 'Live Volume 1' is a compilation of two Japanese Gigs: Osaka June 1993 and Tokyo December 1996. Buster Forehand’s powerful gritty vocals and crisp innovative guitar playing are the highlights on these rhythm and blues recordings. Some of the great tracks are 'I’ve Been Watching You', 'Tougher Than Tough', 'Buster's Swing Blues' and the
eleven minute closing tune: the brilliant
'Just Let Me Burn', defiantly worth checking out".
John Bates (The Catalogue Man)
BIG POND AUSTRALIA
LITTLE BUSTER & THE SOULBROTHERS
'Live Volume One'
"Recorded live in Japan in 1993 and 1996, Buster is as good a Blues Guitarist as you’ll get to hear,
and vocally he ain’t bad either! Put it together
and you get a storming Show and these must have
been a blast to attend. Live Albums you either love them or hate them, and usually I fall in the later bracket
but this set is full of exuberance and quality, from the warm Swing Blues through to deep deep soul.
'What Can I Do', as a studio number is tailor made
for the Northern Scene. 'That’s What I Want To Do'
is mellow yet deep, classic live 60’s Southern Soul with
a lazy lilting sax, a controlled building performance that retains your attention through to it’s climax some 9 minutes later, GREAT stuff.
Each track is pretty much a different style showing great versatility to portray all things R’n’B. The straight Blues of 'Just Let Me Burn' is a great showcase of Buster’s guitar playing".
Tracks: 'Buster Swing Blues', 'What Can I Do', 'That’s What I Want To Do', 'I’ve Been Watching You,' All Night Worker Looking For A Home', 'Tougher Than Tough', Just Let Me Burn,
Mike Ashley
LIFE & SOUL PROMOTIONS
UNITED KINGDOM
LITTLE BUSTER & THE SOULBROTHERS
'LIVE Volume One'
"Little Buster is a Soulful Singer and Guitar Player and his arrangements are pure laid back cool! he is an excellent Guitar Player. What really stands out the most is his great Vocal delivery. If you love true Guitar Virtuosity and love a Blue edge to your Soul Music
then this is a CD you better get.
Biggdaddy
WALLA WALLA BLUES SOCIETY
LITTLE BUSTER & THE SOULBROTHERS
'Live Volume One'
A Blues treasure that has been sadly overlooked for much of his Career, this collection culled from concerts in Japan in the mid 90’s will hopefully wake more of the world up to the talents of Little Buster Forehand. B.B. King once said that "Buster was the only one that could fill his shoes". From the stellar displays of his gruff, soulful Vocals in the peppy shuffle of “What Can I Do” and the sultry “I’ve Been Watching You” to the blistering Guitar antics in “Just Let Me Burn,” the Music here lends serious credibility to B.B.’s statement.
Mark E. Waterbury
MUSIC MORSLES MAGAZINE
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