Sola Rosa

After teasing us with warmth, Thursday ended up being a pretty dreadful, cold spring day. But I managed to find the ultimate way to warm up: head down to The Standard to dance, boogie and dance some more to the amazing soul/funk/hip-hop blended band Sola Rosa. With their infectious grooves, my friend and I were pulled towards the front of dance floor during their second song. Where we remained until the end.

The night had begun with DJ Black Jack on the decks as we walked in. After my friend surprisingly realised that gum and cider were indeed an awful mix, we and headed up the stairs to take a seat. As we settled in, Omegaman took over the decks and stage. With bongos and two very soulful voices over his funky tracks, they were pretty cool. Reminding me of Alice Russell, and a hint of Joss Stone, the singer had a great presence.

I liked Omegaman, but as the group continued through their set I felt like a bit of natural groove was lost as they sang along to the tracks. My attention was fading. There was one vocal breakdown in ‘Free Falling’ where the vocalist could have slowed right down, drawn in the crowd and really owned it, but the beat rushed her, and it was lost. But they did keep us all happy and got a few people up dancing to their Latin-infused cover/mash-ups of ‘Work it Out’, ‘No Diggity’ and ‘Let’s Get Loud’.

Not having known much of Sola Rosa’s music or their story before the gig, I was very keen to check them out. I had heard only praise, so didn’t think it could go too badly at all. In fact, I am now an avid campaigner of their work myself. The band reigns from New Zealand and are on our shores (for the first time in two years) to promote their latest album Low and Behold, High and Beyond (2012). They have also recently performed as part of the Bigsound showcase in Brisbane, being one of only a handful of Kiwi acts.

They have a sound that is something different. With a line-up including record decks, electric guitar, bass, midi-keys and that magical computer control for the drum beats, Sola Rosa manage to get the balance so right between what is live and what is queued.

After beginning with an instrumental number, the band then welcomed on Cherie Mathieson and they dove straight into their single ‘Spinning Top’. What energy. What musicality. And what a voice. With cheek, she called out “Come a little closer, Sydney, I won’t bite! Unless you want me to…”

For quite a few songs, Spikey Tee came away from the decks and let loose his own funky-full voice. I loved watching them both as they danced and backed each other, but also stood out with equal valor. And the use of Spikey Tee’s radio mic was just awesome. Great texture.

With each song settling in on its groove right away, we were easily taken through soul, funk and even reggae. The beats were produced by the bands founder, Andrew Spraggon, yet they managed to still have a great live feel. I forgot for most of the set that the drums weren’t live…it all worked so seamlessly. And i couldn’t stop from dancing. They had spontaneity: a great testament to their onstage musical connection.

After their rock-salsa number ‘All You Need’, the band returned to the stage for their encore ‘Real Life’. Two of my favourites.

I usually like to listen up on a band before watching their headline act, but on this occasion, it was nowhere near a worry. Each song was electric and busting with contagious energy. And all the members of Sola Rosa were enticingly charismatic. Especially that hair flick of the guitarist and when he and Spikey Tee jumped off the stage and danced amongst the doting crowd, lapping up their attention.

So to sum up: I shall be waiting for their return to see this band again. I shall be purchasing Sola Rosa‘s new album Low and Behold, High and Beyond (2012). And so should you.

Check out photos from the gig here. - The Orange Press

After teasing us with warmth, Thursday ended up being a pretty dreadful, cold spring day. But I managed to find the ultimate way to warm up: head down to The Standard to dance, boogie and dance some more to the amazing soul/funk/hip-hop blended band Sola Rosa. With their infectious grooves, my friend and I were pulled towards the front of dance floor during their second song. Where we remained until the end.

The night had begun with DJ Black Jack on the decks as we walked in. After my friend surprisingly realised that gum and cider were indeed an awful mix, we and headed up the stairs to take a seat. As we settled in, Omegaman took over the decks and stage. With bongos and two very soulful voices over his funky tracks, they were pretty cool. Reminding me of Alice Russell, and a hint of Joss Stone, the singer had a great presence.

I liked Omegaman, but as the group continued through their set I felt like a bit of natural groove was lost as they sang along to the tracks. My attention was fading. There was one vocal breakdown in ‘Free Falling’ where the vocalist could have slowed right down, drawn in the crowd and really owned it, but the beat rushed her, and it was lost. But they did keep us all happy and got a few people up dancing to their Latin-infused cover/mash-ups of ‘Work it Out’, ‘No Diggity’ and ‘Let’s Get Loud’.

Not having known much of Sola Rosa’s music or their story before the gig, I was very keen to check them out. I had heard only praise, so didn’t think it could go too badly at all. In fact, I am now an avid campaigner of their work myself. The band reigns from New Zealand and are on our shores (for the first time in two years) to promote their latest album Low and Behold, High and Beyond (2012). They have also recently performed as part of the Bigsound showcase in Brisbane, being one of only a handful of Kiwi acts.

They have a sound that is something different. With a line-up including record decks, electric guitar, bass, midi-keys and that magical computer control for the drum beats, Sola Rosa manage to get the balance so right between what is live and what is queued.

After beginning with an instrumental number, the band then welcomed on Cherie Mathieson and they dove straight into their single ‘Spinning Top’. What energy. What musicality. And what a voice. With cheek, she called out “Come a little closer, Sydney, I won’t bite! Unless you want me to…”

For quite a few songs, Spikey Tee came away from the decks and let loose his own funky-full voice. I loved watching them both as they danced and backed each other, but also stood out with equal valor. And the use of Spikey Tee’s radio mic was just awesome. Great texture.

With each song settling in on its groove right away, we were easily taken through soul, funk and even reggae. The beats were produced by the bands founder, Andrew Spraggon, yet they managed to still have a great live feel. I forgot for most of the set that the drums weren’t live…it all worked so seamlessly. And i couldn’t stop from dancing. They had spontaneity: a great testament to their onstage musical connection.

After their rock-salsa number ‘All You Need’, the band returned to the stage for their encore ‘Real Life’. Two of my favourites.

I usually like to listen up on a band before watching their headline act, but on this occasion, it was nowhere near a worry. Each song was electric and busting with contagious energy. And all the members of Sola Rosa were enticingly charismatic. Especially that hair flick of the guitarist and when he and Spikey Tee jumped off the stage and danced amongst the doting crowd, lapping up their attention.

So to sum up: I shall be waiting for their return to see this band again. I shall be purchasing Sola Rosa‘s new album Low and Behold, High and Beyond (2012). And so should you.

Check out photos from the gig here. - The Orange Press

Long one of NZ’s most respected producers, Sola Rosa (Andrew Spraggon) has just dropped this, by my count, his fifth album, and his third with a band in tow. Currently comprised of frontman Spikey Tee (Jah Wobble, Mr Scruff, Bomb The Bass and solo work), drummer Julien Dyne (Ladi6, Opensouls and solo work), and top notch session players and long time Sola Rosa collaborators, guitarist Ben White, and bassist Matt Short, it’s a heavyweight outfit, skills for days. It’s a bit of a change from their last album, the Latin/Mariachi infused Get It Together, taking in more of a Dubwise Neo-Soul vibe, pulling in talented vocalists Olivier Daysoul, L.A. Mitchell, Miles Bonny, and Ned Worboys, alongside Spikey.

Sustaining an income in the early days through licensing tracks to compilations (Cafe Del Mar, High Fidelity Dub Sessions, Loop, Stereo Deluxe, Putamayo and more), it wasn’t until the last album that they started to get the respect they so obviously deserve, regularly touring Europe and the US, to sell out crowds, as well as regular Australasian tours-in fact they’re probably one of the most regular visitors to Australia from across the ditch. Hardworking doesn’t quite cover it. Unlike a lot of their Kiwi bredren, they obviously understand that the only way to grow a fanbase is to get in front of local crowds on the regular, even if you’re a chart-topper back home.

The album? The usual bloody goodness. As per usual the Spikey Tee tunes are deadly, much like his contributions to the last two albums. It’s a fruitful collaboration, starting with ‘Badman’ off of Moves On (2005), and continuing with my personal favourite from Get It Together, ‘Love Alone,’ alongside the killer ‘These Words, These Sounds, These Powers.’ No wonder he is now a fully fledged member of the band. On this album, ‘Rise (The Machine)’ is typical Spikey, carving up the tune with rugged and raw lyrical flows. The tune itself is dope, bass heavy Dancehall stylings, wicked riddim. ‘In My Dreams’ is completely different, an unexpected slice of the smoothest soul this side of Bobby Womack, showing a side of his vocals hitherto unknown. It’s ridiculously smooth, lush backing vox, chopped horn stabs, a tight backbeat, strings, jazzy guitars, the whole nine yards. Killer. ‘I’m Not That Guy’ sees Spikey channelling his inner bluesman, sounding for all the world like he’s just got back from the Delta! Distorted vox, crunchy beat and some tasty keyboard licks all add up to a nice slice of Delta Blues by way of Auckland and London.

Elsewhere there’s yet more smooth soulful numbers, the lead single ‘Spinning Top,’ with L.A. Mitchell, is all class, as are the other tunes with her ‘Real Life’ and ‘Loveless.’ They’re all awesome, but of the three I reckon ‘Real Life’ is the pick, I really like her tone on it, a touch more raw than the other two, and that chorus is tight. Oh and it’s got a really tasty beat, love the finger snaps. It’s a touch 80's R’n'B, and all the better for it. Oliver Daysoul pops up on a couple of tunes, the St Louis native doing a typically excellent job. On the album opener ‘Promise’ he channels the soul heroes of yesteryear, laying down a tight vocal performance, setting the scene for the album nicely. Love the beat on that one too. ‘Wiggle’ is all wonky funk, all drunken horns and stacatto rhythms, with Oliver having fun getting his wail on, sounding akin to something George Clinton or Bootsy Collins might have knocked up. Top tune. The tune with Ned Worboys, ‘Never Enough,’ is yet more smooth soul, it’s good, but suffers slightly by comparison to the other excellent tunes found here, as does Miles Bonny’s contribution ‘Misunderstood.’ The instrumental number, ‘Lions Den’ is actually one of my favourite tunes on the album. With an infectious groove, heavy bass, nice horn figures, booming dubbed out skanks, and cool vocal snippets, it’s dynamite. One or two more intrumentals could have helped to break up the flow of the album, and give it a bit more variation.

So overall the album is a massive success, immaculately produced and imagined. Andrew Spraggon and his band of brothers have done it again, another on point album, which should see their already surging profile grow ever more exponentially. In the evolution of the sound, some of the Sola Rosa signatures remain, some have fallen by the wayside, on the whole for the best. If there’s a criticism to be made, the preponderance of soul based tunes at times gets a touch samey, but taken on their own, they’re all great tunes. Maybe one or two more instros, or a track with a rap, something like that could have made it a bit more dynamic, but as it stands, it merely means a great album is just short of legendary status! It’s an accomplished, well executed slice of South Pacifican Downbeat Soul, well worth a look. - The Orange Press

Long one of NZ’s most respected producers, Sola Rosa (Andrew Spraggon) has just dropped this, by my count, his fifth album, and his third with a band in tow. Currently comprised of frontman Spikey Tee (Jah Wobble, Mr Scruff, Bomb The Bass and solo work), drummer Julien Dyne (Ladi6, Opensouls and solo work), and top notch session players and long time Sola Rosa collaborators, guitarist Ben White, and bassist Matt Short, it’s a heavyweight outfit, skills for days. It’s a bit of a change from their last album, the Latin/Mariachi infused Get It Together, taking in more of a Dubwise Neo-Soul vibe, pulling in talented vocalists Olivier Daysoul, L.A. Mitchell, Miles Bonny, and Ned Worboys, alongside Spikey.

Sustaining an income in the early days through licensing tracks to compilations (Cafe Del Mar, High Fidelity Dub Sessions, Loop, Stereo Deluxe, Putamayo and more), it wasn’t until the last album that they started to get the respect they so obviously deserve, regularly touring Europe and the US, to sell out crowds, as well as regular Australasian tours-in fact they’re probably one of the most regular visitors to Australia from across the ditch. Hardworking doesn’t quite cover it. Unlike a lot of their Kiwi bredren, they obviously understand that the only way to grow a fanbase is to get in front of local crowds on the regular, even if you’re a chart-topper back home.

The album? The usual bloody goodness. As per usual the Spikey Tee tunes are deadly, much like his contributions to the last two albums. It’s a fruitful collaboration, starting with ‘Badman’ off of Moves On (2005), and continuing with my personal favourite from Get It Together, ‘Love Alone,’ alongside the killer ‘These Words, These Sounds, These Powers.’ No wonder he is now a fully fledged member of the band. On this album, ‘Rise (The Machine)’ is typical Spikey, carving up the tune with rugged and raw lyrical flows. The tune itself is dope, bass heavy Dancehall stylings, wicked riddim. ‘In My Dreams’ is completely different, an unexpected slice of the smoothest soul this side of Bobby Womack, showing a side of his vocals hitherto unknown. It’s ridiculously smooth, lush backing vox, chopped horn stabs, a tight backbeat, strings, jazzy guitars, the whole nine yards. Killer. ‘I’m Not That Guy’ sees Spikey channelling his inner bluesman, sounding for all the world like he’s just got back from the Delta! Distorted vox, crunchy beat and some tasty keyboard licks all add up to a nice slice of Delta Blues by way of Auckland and London.

Elsewhere there’s yet more smooth soulful numbers, the lead single ‘Spinning Top,’ with L.A. Mitchell, is all class, as are the other tunes with her ‘Real Life’ and ‘Loveless.’ They’re all awesome, but of the three I reckon ‘Real Life’ is the pick, I really like her tone on it, a touch more raw than the other two, and that chorus is tight. Oh and it’s got a really tasty beat, love the finger snaps. It’s a touch 80's R’n'B, and all the better for it. Oliver Daysoul pops up on a couple of tunes, the St Louis native doing a typically excellent job. On the album opener ‘Promise’ he channels the soul heroes of yesteryear, laying down a tight vocal performance, setting the scene for the album nicely. Love the beat on that one too. ‘Wiggle’ is all wonky funk, all drunken horns and stacatto rhythms, with Oliver having fun getting his wail on, sounding akin to something George Clinton or Bootsy Collins might have knocked up. Top tune. The tune with Ned Worboys, ‘Never Enough,’ is yet more smooth soul, it’s good, but suffers slightly by comparison to the other excellent tunes found here, as does Miles Bonny’s contribution ‘Misunderstood.’ The instrumental number, ‘Lions Den’ is actually one of my favourite tunes on the album. With an infectious groove, heavy bass, nice horn figures, booming dubbed out skanks, and cool vocal snippets, it’s dynamite. One or two more intrumentals could have helped to break up the flow of the album, and give it a bit more variation.

So overall the album is a massive success, immaculately produced and imagined. Andrew Spraggon and his band of brothers have done it again, another on point album, which should see their already surging profile grow ever more exponentially. In the evolution of the sound, some of the Sola Rosa signatures remain, some have fallen by the wayside, on the whole for the best. If there’s a criticism to be made, the preponderance of soul based tunes at times gets a touch samey, but taken on their own, they’re all great tunes. Maybe one or two more instros, or a track with a rap, something like that could have made it a bit more dynamic, but as it stands, it merely means a great album is just short of legendary status! It’s an accomplished, well executed slice of South Pacifican Downbeat Soul, well worth a look. - The Orange Press

LIVE REVIEW: Sola Rosa @ Gaelic, Sydney 03/12/10
December 18, 2010
tags: Gaelic, Iva Lamkum, live review, Sola Rosa, Spikey Tee, sydney, The Versionariesby Doubtful Sounds
.

written by Chris Familton

Dub and electronica have been big exports for New Zealand in the past 15 years, mainly through the efforts of Fat Freddy’s Drop, Salmonella Dub, and Black Seeds to name just a few. Sola Rosa have been operating for a decade now and with 6 albums under his belt a trip to play live in Sydney was well overdue.

Local Bondi crew The Versionaries did a great job getting the crowd warmed up with their dub, lovers rock and drum n bass styles. Singer Georgie Fisher showed what a killer voice she possesses with its swinging melodic style that has just enough grit behind to match the dub heavy riddims. The inclusion of guitar didn’t always work, especially the heavier Santana rock elements but it shows they aren’t prepared to stick to the standard electronic dub formula.

Sola Rosa attracted a good sized crowd for a band that has had limited release and airplay in these parts. They eased the punters into their world with a easy groove that bordered on acid jazz before they began to slowly wind up the tempo and the celebratory vibe of their music. Sola Rosa were originally a downbeat electronic outfit, primarily the solo work of Andrew Spraggon. In 2010 they are a much more varied proposition, incorporating funk, soul, hip hop, latin and dub influences. There was also a strong lounge music flavour to much of what they play with some tasty jazz guitar and exceptional bass playing.

Spikey Tee and the super sassy Iva Lamkum shared vocal duties with Lamkum bringing the RnB funk with a playful sense of humour and a mature and rich voice. Tee sounded great on tracks like Badman and Love Alone, mixing up ragga and soul styles. One of Sola Rosa’s greatest assets was to keep up the groove throughout the set with very few lulls – something that the combination of vocalists played a big part in. The only downside to that was the haze factor with songs blending a little much at times. Some heavier beats and more sparse and minimal moments would have added greater depth to their range of sound.

Sola Rosa must have been heartened by the good turnout and hopefully that will spur them on to get back here soon to spread their music to a deservedly wider audience.

this review first appeared in Drum Media

- Doubtful Souns, Drum Media Australia

LIVE REVIEW: Sola Rosa @ Gaelic, Sydney 03/12/10
December 18, 2010
tags: Gaelic, Iva Lamkum, live review, Sola Rosa, Spikey Tee, sydney, The Versionariesby Doubtful Sounds
.

written by Chris Familton

Dub and electronica have been big exports for New Zealand in the past 15 years, mainly through the efforts of Fat Freddy’s Drop, Salmonella Dub, and Black Seeds to name just a few. Sola Rosa have been operating for a decade now and with 6 albums under his belt a trip to play live in Sydney was well overdue.

Local Bondi crew The Versionaries did a great job getting the crowd warmed up with their dub, lovers rock and drum n bass styles. Singer Georgie Fisher showed what a killer voice she possesses with its swinging melodic style that has just enough grit behind to match the dub heavy riddims. The inclusion of guitar didn’t always work, especially the heavier Santana rock elements but it shows they aren’t prepared to stick to the standard electronic dub formula.

Sola Rosa attracted a good sized crowd for a band that has had limited release and airplay in these parts. They eased the punters into their world with a easy groove that bordered on acid jazz before they began to slowly wind up the tempo and the celebratory vibe of their music. Sola Rosa were originally a downbeat electronic outfit, primarily the solo work of Andrew Spraggon. In 2010 they are a much more varied proposition, incorporating funk, soul, hip hop, latin and dub influences. There was also a strong lounge music flavour to much of what they play with some tasty jazz guitar and exceptional bass playing.

Spikey Tee and the super sassy Iva Lamkum shared vocal duties with Lamkum bringing the RnB funk with a playful sense of humour and a mature and rich voice. Tee sounded great on tracks like Badman and Love Alone, mixing up ragga and soul styles. One of Sola Rosa’s greatest assets was to keep up the groove throughout the set with very few lulls – something that the combination of vocalists played a big part in. The only downside to that was the haze factor with songs blending a little much at times. Some heavier beats and more sparse and minimal moments would have added greater depth to their range of sound.

Sola Rosa must have been heartened by the good turnout and hopefully that will spur them on to get back here soon to spread their music to a deservedly wider audience.

this review first appeared in Drum Media

- Doubtful Souns, Drum Media Australia

Sola Rosa
Get It Together - The Remixes
[Way Up/Rosa Recordings]

Over the last decade Andrew Spraggon has taken Sola Rosa from one-man bedroom recording nom-de-plume to fully-fledged, all-guns-blazing live band lineup, delivering a clutch of excellent studio albums along the way.

None are finer than last year's Get It Together: a body blow of significant proportions & a vastly under-rated album. Get It Together is all killer & no filler, boasting one of the biggest local tunes of the year (nay, decade!?) in Turnaround (featuring the bluesy, soulful vocals of Iva Lamkum), lovingly enshrined in the warmest, fattest production this side of the Black Stump.

So, I must admit it was with some trepidation I cracked the seal on Spraggon's latest venture, Get It Together - The Remixes.

Remix collections are notoriously hit & miss affairs, with some veering into the outer limits of what's enjoyably listenable simply for the sake of having the latest, coolest DJs involved; while others are blanded out beyond muzak in a half-hearted effort to please most-of-the-people-most-of-the-time.

This isn't like either of those. At all.

Sure, there's a host of globally recognised names involved: DJ Vadim, The Nextmen, Biggabush, TM Juke, Beatfanatic, Yes King, J-Star; alongside the lesser known likes of Thomas Blondet, Moo, Mr Boinkin & our own/adopted Jason Eli - but this is top drawer gear, mate! Each of the producers involved bring something fresh to the tunes they've tweaked, without losing the heavy-lidded, borderline Tex-Mex flavours Sola Rosa so consistently cook up.

The vocalists from the original Get It Together album all line up here again (longtime collaborator Spikey Tee, German songstress Bajka, US emcee Serocee & Wellington's waaay-more-than-promising Iva Lamkum), while the CD closes with a genuine highlight & new take on the instrumental track Del Ray, featuring a seamlessly flowing rap delivered in his native tongue, by the Chilean rapper Four-D, who sent his "mash-up" version to Spraggon over the internet, completely out of the blue!

Put simply: these remixes could play alongside most of Sola Rosa's back catalogue without sounding out of place at all. Being that Spraggon took the best part of a year sifting through remixes to select & program this collection we shouldn't be at all surprised. After all, the man's inescapable attention to detail as seen us all rewarded with a fine swag of musical riches for more than 10 years.

Here's to another ten - Viva la Sola Rosa!

NYNTEE'S RATING: seven & a half Cuba Libre's out of then
IN A NUTSHELL: Sola Rosa slide in sideways with a selection of top drawer. heavy-lidded remix treats

Check out the Radio Ponsonby Record Review with Nyntee, on Murry Sweetpants' Breakfast Show on Radio Ponsonby, every Wednesday around 8.25am. Tune in! 107.7FM in Auckland & streaming live. - In the Pocket

Sola Rosa
Get It Together - The Remixes
[Way Up/Rosa Recordings]

Over the last decade Andrew Spraggon has taken Sola Rosa from one-man bedroom recording nom-de-plume to fully-fledged, all-guns-blazing live band lineup, delivering a clutch of excellent studio albums along the way.

None are finer than last year's Get It Together: a body blow of significant proportions & a vastly under-rated album. Get It Together is all killer & no filler, boasting one of the biggest local tunes of the year (nay, decade!?) in Turnaround (featuring the bluesy, soulful vocals of Iva Lamkum), lovingly enshrined in the warmest, fattest production this side of the Black Stump.

So, I must admit it was with some trepidation I cracked the seal on Spraggon's latest venture, Get It Together - The Remixes.

Remix collections are notoriously hit & miss affairs, with some veering into the outer limits of what's enjoyably listenable simply for the sake of having the latest, coolest DJs involved; while others are blanded out beyond muzak in a half-hearted effort to please most-of-the-people-most-of-the-time.

This isn't like either of those. At all.

Sure, there's a host of globally recognised names involved: DJ Vadim, The Nextmen, Biggabush, TM Juke, Beatfanatic, Yes King, J-Star; alongside the lesser known likes of Thomas Blondet, Moo, Mr Boinkin & our own/adopted Jason Eli - but this is top drawer gear, mate! Each of the producers involved bring something fresh to the tunes they've tweaked, without losing the heavy-lidded, borderline Tex-Mex flavours Sola Rosa so consistently cook up.

The vocalists from the original Get It Together album all line up here again (longtime collaborator Spikey Tee, German songstress Bajka, US emcee Serocee & Wellington's waaay-more-than-promising Iva Lamkum), while the CD closes with a genuine highlight & new take on the instrumental track Del Ray, featuring a seamlessly flowing rap delivered in his native tongue, by the Chilean rapper Four-D, who sent his "mash-up" version to Spraggon over the internet, completely out of the blue!

Put simply: these remixes could play alongside most of Sola Rosa's back catalogue without sounding out of place at all. Being that Spraggon took the best part of a year sifting through remixes to select & program this collection we shouldn't be at all surprised. After all, the man's inescapable attention to detail as seen us all rewarded with a fine swag of musical riches for more than 10 years.

Here's to another ten - Viva la Sola Rosa!

NYNTEE'S RATING: seven & a half Cuba Libre's out of then
IN A NUTSHELL: Sola Rosa slide in sideways with a selection of top drawer. heavy-lidded remix treats

Check out the Radio Ponsonby Record Review with Nyntee, on Murry Sweetpants' Breakfast Show on Radio Ponsonby, every Wednesday around 8.25am. Tune in! 107.7FM in Auckland & streaming live. - In the Pocket

SOLA ROSA: Get It Together
By Robecca Leyden
Aucklander Andrew Spraggon, in the guise of Sola Rosa, has been bringing his unique dub/funk/soul style of music to keen ears for a good 10 years now. Sola Rosa are well known for their smooth melodies and funky cuts and the five-piece’s latest enhances his creative rep. Release number five, the follow up to 2005’s ‘Moves On’, this album combines fresh instrumental tracks with others featuring vocalists from around the world. I absolutely love Del Ray which has this straight-out-of-Latin-America feel to it. The beats are smooth, and the re-working and cuts are impressive. Turn Around, the second single from the album, features the sophisticated and soulful vocals of starbound Wellington singer/songwriter Iva Lamkum and is accompanied by an amazing video directed by Tim Van Dammen. The album has great production (thanks to Spraggon’s home studio set up) and an impressively smooth flow, with great collaborations, and some really, really good match ups. It’s a shame ‘Get It Together’ hit stands at the end of summer rather than the beginning, because this would be perfect company for those sizzling days at the beach. • - NZ Musician

SOLA ROSA: Get It Together
By Robecca Leyden
Aucklander Andrew Spraggon, in the guise of Sola Rosa, has been bringing his unique dub/funk/soul style of music to keen ears for a good 10 years now. Sola Rosa are well known for their smooth melodies and funky cuts and the five-piece’s latest enhances his creative rep. Release number five, the follow up to 2005’s ‘Moves On’, this album combines fresh instrumental tracks with others featuring vocalists from around the world. I absolutely love Del Ray which has this straight-out-of-Latin-America feel to it. The beats are smooth, and the re-working and cuts are impressive. Turn Around, the second single from the album, features the sophisticated and soulful vocals of starbound Wellington singer/songwriter Iva Lamkum and is accompanied by an amazing video directed by Tim Van Dammen. The album has great production (thanks to Spraggon’s home studio set up) and an impressively smooth flow, with great collaborations, and some really, really good match ups. It’s a shame ‘Get It Together’ hit stands at the end of summer rather than the beginning, because this would be perfect company for those sizzling days at the beach. • - NZ Musician

So it is now official: there is no such thing as “genres”. They were just generic classifications used to put music into arbitrary categories with stuff that sounded similar. Well these are now all outdated. The proof comes in the form of Sola Rosa’s diverse new offering ‘Get It Together’, which was recently released as the follow up to the 2005 masterpiece ‘Moves On’.

Sola Rosa has grown and developed over the years since beginning as essentially a one-man project, started by New Zealand DJ/Producer Andrew Spraggon in 1999. He has overseen the expansion to a fully-fledged band capable of powerhouse performances, both live and in the studio. There is a strong Latino personality and feel to the album, but it encompasses a wide and varied range of genres, which all seem to compliment each other perfectly.


Giving you the equivalent of a good mix CD or compilation album, except all the music is from the same band. Guest contributors from around the globe also add their influence, including Spikey Tee (Jah Wobble, Bomb the Bass, etc.); German globetrotter, poet and singer Bajka; UK MC Serocee; and emerging Wellingtonian songstress Iva Lamkum, who features on the new single Turn Around (which you can watch just below). Because music is sound (and highly subjective) it’s better for you to sample it for yourself rather listen to a description, so go check out the official band site (links at the bottom).

This is an album balancing both organic and electric elements, that are fused with precision and intensity. Mixing effortlessly between all kinds of funky sounds the album incorporates parts of dub, hip hop, lounge, jazz and whatever else can help set the scene. It even includes a song that sounds like the next James Bond theme. The results of the flexible production is a eclectic mix of brilliant songs. ‘Get It Together’ is about as upbeat and party-friendly as you can get, while always remaining smooth and composed in a laid back jazzy style, it all ends up sounding like a party on a beach in South America, and everyone is invited!

- the very good agency

So it is now official: there is no such thing as “genres”. They were just generic classifications used to put music into arbitrary categories with stuff that sounded similar. Well these are now all outdated. The proof comes in the form of Sola Rosa’s diverse new offering ‘Get It Together’, which was recently released as the follow up to the 2005 masterpiece ‘Moves On’.

Sola Rosa has grown and developed over the years since beginning as essentially a one-man project, started by New Zealand DJ/Producer Andrew Spraggon in 1999. He has overseen the expansion to a fully-fledged band capable of powerhouse performances, both live and in the studio. There is a strong Latino personality and feel to the album, but it encompasses a wide and varied range of genres, which all seem to compliment each other perfectly.


Giving you the equivalent of a good mix CD or compilation album, except all the music is from the same band. Guest contributors from around the globe also add their influence, including Spikey Tee (Jah Wobble, Bomb the Bass, etc.); German globetrotter, poet and singer Bajka; UK MC Serocee; and emerging Wellingtonian songstress Iva Lamkum, who features on the new single Turn Around (which you can watch just below). Because music is sound (and highly subjective) it’s better for you to sample it for yourself rather listen to a description, so go check out the official band site (links at the bottom).

This is an album balancing both organic and electric elements, that are fused with precision and intensity. Mixing effortlessly between all kinds of funky sounds the album incorporates parts of dub, hip hop, lounge, jazz and whatever else can help set the scene. It even includes a song that sounds like the next James Bond theme. The results of the flexible production is a eclectic mix of brilliant songs. ‘Get It Together’ is about as upbeat and party-friendly as you can get, while always remaining smooth and composed in a laid back jazzy style, it all ends up sounding like a party on a beach in South America, and everyone is invited!

- the very good agency

(link to audio of the review below) - 3 news

(link to audio of the review below) - 3 news

It has been nearly a decade since Andrew Spraggon first put a Kiwi stamp on the groove-ridden, multi-layered chill-out and downbeat genre that's still the soundtrack for every second bar and cafe in Wellington.

While Sola Rosa could be criticised as sounding indistinguishable from any North American or European act that appears on a Buddha Bar compilation, the fact Spraggon unapologetically is influenced by music the world over, including Latin American and Spanish (Del Ray, Get it Together, Humanised), shouldn't be dismissed.

It doesn't matter if the music was created in Taumarunui or Timbuktu, if it sounds great. And Get it Together is a reminder that Spraggon has one of the best ears for a killer groove, whether it's soul, funk, reggae, hip-hop, roots, Latin or all cobbled together.

While the originals were strong on their own, the remixes largely shine anew. I especially loved the sizzling blues-guitar turns on Humanised, courtesy of Moo, and the lovely, clipped reggae stylings on Turn Around, featuring the underrated Iva Lamkum.

In fact, Lamkum is revelatory here, on not one but three mixes of the song.

- Stuff.co.nz

It has been nearly a decade since Andrew Spraggon first put a Kiwi stamp on the groove-ridden, multi-layered chill-out and downbeat genre that's still the soundtrack for every second bar and cafe in Wellington.

While Sola Rosa could be criticised as sounding indistinguishable from any North American or European act that appears on a Buddha Bar compilation, the fact Spraggon unapologetically is influenced by music the world over, including Latin American and Spanish (Del Ray, Get it Together, Humanised), shouldn't be dismissed.

It doesn't matter if the music was created in Taumarunui or Timbuktu, if it sounds great. And Get it Together is a reminder that Spraggon has one of the best ears for a killer groove, whether it's soul, funk, reggae, hip-hop, roots, Latin or all cobbled together.

While the originals were strong on their own, the remixes largely shine anew. I especially loved the sizzling blues-guitar turns on Humanised, courtesy of Moo, and the lovely, clipped reggae stylings on Turn Around, featuring the underrated Iva Lamkum.

In fact, Lamkum is revelatory here, on not one but three mixes of the song.

- Stuff.co.nz

Get It Together
Sola Rosa
8 / 10
6th July 09 By Amanda Ratcliffe

After waiting with eager ears for nearly four years, Sola Rosa fans have finally been gifted with yet another delightful album to enjoy over coffee with friends. It may have taken a while, but this album proves worth the wait – and anyway, it’s not like we haven’t had their other brilliant tunes to listen to while this was in the making.

If you’re not familiar with the band, after a bit of research you’ll find that they’ve been around since the late 90’s and in that time have released four albums and two EP’s. Main-man Andrew Spraggon has worked with a range of well respected NZ musicians over the years and now Get It Together is ready to take it’s first steps into the big wide world.

Track one titled The Ace Of Space will drag you in with funky grooves, so smooth that you’ll instantly feel like you’re sitting in the most handsome café in town boasting about how great your life is. Everything appears sexier than the day before as you sway your head from side to side to the beautiful sounds that are Sola Rosa. Maybe this album should come with a warning?

Iva Lamkum offers soulful vocals with attitude in Turn Around which are accompanied by an array of instruments equally as moving and addictive to the pallet. Andrew McDowell enjoys a solo on his trumpet while Scratch 22 does what he does best - scratches. You’ve got drums, bass and even a trombone; all blended together like a delicious Indian curry – perfect to warm these cold winter evenings.

Del Ray, Humanised and Love Alone are wonderfully fancy tracks that are ultra sophisticated and make it easy to see how the father of Sola Rosa, Andrew Spraggon has come to where he is in the world today. Sounding all rather triumphant it’s hard to remember that these guys are actually from New Zealand, and not some swinging club in downtown Manhattan.

Funnily enough at the end of the sixth tune, Get It Together you’ll be treated to a familiar sound that feels all very Sex And The City with kooky keying by Kevin Field on the piano teamed up with Mirguel Fuentes tapping his bongos lightly. Two instruments that you wouldn’t normally pick to put in the same room, but work amazingly well with Spraggons’ magical touch.

This entire album truly is a charming medley of genres from funk to jazz, hip hop to dub and everything in-between. It’s fresh, unique, and one that I’d be proud to share with my friends or recommend be blasted in any café or boutique in town. A relaxing listen with just enough beat to make you want to swing your hips to the groove. Makes me feel like sipping an expensive coffee.

Amanda Ratcliffe


- Under the Radar

Get It Together
Sola Rosa
8 / 10
6th July 09 By Amanda Ratcliffe

After waiting with eager ears for nearly four years, Sola Rosa fans have finally been gifted with yet another delightful album to enjoy over coffee with friends. It may have taken a while, but this album proves worth the wait – and anyway, it’s not like we haven’t had their other brilliant tunes to listen to while this was in the making.

If you’re not familiar with the band, after a bit of research you’ll find that they’ve been around since the late 90’s and in that time have released four albums and two EP’s. Main-man Andrew Spraggon has worked with a range of well respected NZ musicians over the years and now Get It Together is ready to take it’s first steps into the big wide world.

Track one titled The Ace Of Space will drag you in with funky grooves, so smooth that you’ll instantly feel like you’re sitting in the most handsome café in town boasting about how great your life is. Everything appears sexier than the day before as you sway your head from side to side to the beautiful sounds that are Sola Rosa. Maybe this album should come with a warning?

Iva Lamkum offers soulful vocals with attitude in Turn Around which are accompanied by an array of instruments equally as moving and addictive to the pallet. Andrew McDowell enjoys a solo on his trumpet while Scratch 22 does what he does best - scratches. You’ve got drums, bass and even a trombone; all blended together like a delicious Indian curry – perfect to warm these cold winter evenings.

Del Ray, Humanised and Love Alone are wonderfully fancy tracks that are ultra sophisticated and make it easy to see how the father of Sola Rosa, Andrew Spraggon has come to where he is in the world today. Sounding all rather triumphant it’s hard to remember that these guys are actually from New Zealand, and not some swinging club in downtown Manhattan.

Funnily enough at the end of the sixth tune, Get It Together you’ll be treated to a familiar sound that feels all very Sex And The City with kooky keying by Kevin Field on the piano teamed up with Mirguel Fuentes tapping his bongos lightly. Two instruments that you wouldn’t normally pick to put in the same room, but work amazingly well with Spraggons’ magical touch.

This entire album truly is a charming medley of genres from funk to jazz, hip hop to dub and everything in-between. It’s fresh, unique, and one that I’d be proud to share with my friends or recommend be blasted in any café or boutique in town. A relaxing listen with just enough beat to make you want to swing your hips to the groove. Makes me feel like sipping an expensive coffee.

Amanda Ratcliffe


- Under the Radar

By Renee Kirk
Sale Street was packed for Sola Rosa’s
gig on Saturday night. With spring in
the air and some great music on the
table there was a festive air and no
excuse not to party.
I was excited to see these guys live, but
that joy was tainted slightly by the
responsibilities on my shoulders. Not
only would there be a review at the end
of this, but also photos - with a brand new camera no less! And along with all of that,
the fact I had persuaded/coerced a group of friends to come along. There was really
quite a bit riding on the night.
When we arrived it was a wonderful surprise to see the lovely LA Mitchell on stage.
Having last seen her as part of the Fly My Pretties ensemble it was nice to once
again hear the stunning sounds of her as an individual performer.
Seated at her keyboard Mitchell still managed to create a great vibe and get plenty
from the audience. Even though she’s doesn’t show her latest dance moves,
Mitchell’s passion for and about her music comes across loud and clear. She
seduced the crowd effortlessly with her smooth soul sound, delivering songs that
ooze honesty and sincerity, are empowering and uplifting.
By the time Sola Rosa came on everyone was well and truly ready for them. It was
elbow to elbow on the floor and the best spot was definitely right up the front.... Sale
Street is not the best venue with a full-house, unless you’re a basketball player or
have some spice-girl heels on.
Sola Rosa’s infectious beats hit the crowd with deadly aim right from the start and the
variety of sounds on offer kept everyone on their toes - literally.
Founding member Andrew Spraggon was sort of lurking around, almost in the
background most of the time. However, without his unique vision and mysterious
work behind the Mac, Sola Rosa would cease to be.
From a humble start many years ago as a one-man electronic project, Spraggon has
honed and shaped Sola Rosa into a well-respected live band with Will Scott (drums),
Matt Short (bass), Ben White (guitar) and vocalists Spikey Tee and Iva Lamkum.
This group managed to deliver a diverse mix of funk, soul and reggae in a lively and
original way. The sound is a full of everything from funky wah-wah guitar, rushing
3 News > Home > Print Story > Gig Review: Sola Rosa http://www.3news.co.nz/defaultStrip.aspx?tabid=213&articl...
1 of 2 8/09/09 10:06 PM
bongo beats, and even latin-style trumpets and images of Western border towns
during ‘Del Ray’.
As a live act Sola Rosa are definitely lifted by the vocalists. As well as adding their
voices to the mix, Spikey Tee and Iva Lamkum both have great style and flair in how
they perform.
Spikey Tee’s catchy enthusiasm and energy gave an authentic dose of Jamaican
sunshine, particularly during ‘Badman’. He delivered a real crowd-pleaser with ‘Love
Alone’ and grooved on the stage as the crowd amped up the dance-floor.
Wellington songstress Iva Lamkum, added her sultry vocals to several tracks during
the night and brought a fantastic energy to the table. But she really stole the show
and took the roof off with ‘Turn Around’. It was an all-singing, all-dancing mass for
one of Sola Rosa’s best-known tracks from their latest album ‘Get It Together’.
The night came to a close and I put away the camera, with some relief that I had got
some photos at least. As the crowd started to disperse I found the group I’d dragged
along and was well pleased to be greeted by rapturous smiling faces and
exclamations of how great Sola Rosa were! In fact, they were almost grateful,
despairing at the idea that they could have actually missed the Sola Rosa experience
if not for me.
A very cool and clever latest album which was reflected and built upon in their live
performance. Plenty of musical talent and diversity up there, constantly wowing and
surprising the crowd with the next trick. And without a doubt, plenty of fun and
feel-good energy from all. If you haven’t heard them go, buy their album and if you
didn’t see them, make sure you do next time.
Page URL:http://www.3news.co.nz/defaultStrip.aspx?tabid=213&articleID=120228
3 News > Home > Print Story > Gig Review: Sola Rosa http://www.3news.co.nz/defaultStrip.aspx?tabid=213&articl...
2 of 2 8/09/09 10:06 PM - 3 News

By Renee Kirk
Sale Street was packed for Sola Rosa’s
gig on Saturday night. With spring in
the air and some great music on the
table there was a festive air and no
excuse not to party.
I was excited to see these guys live, but
that joy was tainted slightly by the
responsibilities on my shoulders. Not
only would there be a review at the end
of this, but also photos - with a brand new camera no less! And along with all of that,
the fact I had persuaded/coerced a group of friends to come along. There was really
quite a bit riding on the night.
When we arrived it was a wonderful surprise to see the lovely LA Mitchell on stage.
Having last seen her as part of the Fly My Pretties ensemble it was nice to once
again hear the stunning sounds of her as an individual performer.
Seated at her keyboard Mitchell still managed to create a great vibe and get plenty
from the audience. Even though she’s doesn’t show her latest dance moves,
Mitchell’s passion for and about her music comes across loud and clear. She
seduced the crowd effortlessly with her smooth soul sound, delivering songs that
ooze honesty and sincerity, are empowering and uplifting.
By the time Sola Rosa came on everyone was well and truly ready for them. It was
elbow to elbow on the floor and the best spot was definitely right up the front.... Sale
Street is not the best venue with a full-house, unless you’re a basketball player or
have some spice-girl heels on.
Sola Rosa’s infectious beats hit the crowd with deadly aim right from the start and the
variety of sounds on offer kept everyone on their toes - literally.
Founding member Andrew Spraggon was sort of lurking around, almost in the
background most of the time. However, without his unique vision and mysterious
work behind the Mac, Sola Rosa would cease to be.
From a humble start many years ago as a one-man electronic project, Spraggon has
honed and shaped Sola Rosa into a well-respected live band with Will Scott (drums),
Matt Short (bass), Ben White (guitar) and vocalists Spikey Tee and Iva Lamkum.
This group managed to deliver a diverse mix of funk, soul and reggae in a lively and
original way. The sound is a full of everything from funky wah-wah guitar, rushing
3 News > Home > Print Story > Gig Review: Sola Rosa http://www.3news.co.nz/defaultStrip.aspx?tabid=213&articl...
1 of 2 8/09/09 10:06 PM
bongo beats, and even latin-style trumpets and images of Western border towns
during ‘Del Ray’.
As a live act Sola Rosa are definitely lifted by the vocalists. As well as adding their
voices to the mix, Spikey Tee and Iva Lamkum both have great style and flair in how
they perform.
Spikey Tee’s catchy enthusiasm and energy gave an authentic dose of Jamaican
sunshine, particularly during ‘Badman’. He delivered a real crowd-pleaser with ‘Love
Alone’ and grooved on the stage as the crowd amped up the dance-floor.
Wellington songstress Iva Lamkum, added her sultry vocals to several tracks during
the night and brought a fantastic energy to the table. But she really stole the show
and took the roof off with ‘Turn Around’. It was an all-singing, all-dancing mass for
one of Sola Rosa’s best-known tracks from their latest album ‘Get It Together’.
The night came to a close and I put away the camera, with some relief that I had got
some photos at least. As the crowd started to disperse I found the group I’d dragged
along and was well pleased to be greeted by rapturous smiling faces and
exclamations of how great Sola Rosa were! In fact, they were almost grateful,
despairing at the idea that they could have actually missed the Sola Rosa experience
if not for me.
A very cool and clever latest album which was reflected and built upon in their live
performance. Plenty of musical talent and diversity up there, constantly wowing and
surprising the crowd with the next trick. And without a doubt, plenty of fun and
feel-good energy from all. If you haven’t heard them go, buy their album and if you
didn’t see them, make sure you do next time.
Page URL:http://www.3news.co.nz/defaultStrip.aspx?tabid=213&articleID=120228
3 News > Home > Print Story > Gig Review: Sola Rosa http://www.3news.co.nz/defaultStrip.aspx?tabid=213&articl...
2 of 2 8/09/09 10:06 PM - 3 News