Dreemtime

If you've traveled to London, Tokyo, or New Zealand recently, you may have heard the eclectic sounds of Dreemtime rocking the local radio stations. Comprised of souful singer/songwrter Anise and band director Klive D'Farley, Dreemtime is an innovative fusion of funk music and lounge sounds with a touch of modern jazz. Often compared to legendary musical artists like Sade and Frankie Beverly, this new dynamic team is already in a league of its own. "Dreemtime is a " noun and verb," explains Anise. "We're taking you someplace. We allow you to escape and enjoy something that you haven't heard before."
The vitals:
A year ago, D'Farley was in the United Kingdom and desperately in search of a new vocalist. He'd already created Dreemtime and wanted something innovative to offer his fans. A few months later, he left Europe and headed to New York, where a mutual friend introduced him to Anise, a gorgeous, multitalented singer who had been wowing people around the city and at weddings for years. After just a few practices, Dreemtime had its new member. "I compose sequences of melodies while Anise hums a tune and we build from there," says D'Farley. "We are the perfect match."
What you can expect from them:
On February 1, the duo is set to launch its first album, New York Lounge Funk, a collection of songs intended to describe the unique musical pulse of New York City. High-energy beats are melded with languid vocals throughout the album. Of the 10 tracks, Anise's fave is the orchestra arrangement of "Don't Kill the Girls" ---a tune she says still gives her chills. D'Farley picks "Grip" as the best track---it's a song he claims that listeners can really groove to. Dreemtime plans to promote their album in France, Switzerland, and Germany and then bring it across the pond to the United States.
Celebrity Collabs:
Bob "Bassy" Brockman, who has worked with greats like Prince, Mary J. Blige, Sade, Herbie Hancock, and James Brown, mixed and coproduced New York Lounge Funk. Instrumentalist Jesse Murphy of New York City's Brazilian Girls plays the bass and Ramsey Jones, brother of the late Wu-Tang member Ol' Dirty Bastard, is Dreemtime's drummer. - Uptown Magazine/Denna Cambell

Quality jazzy tinged soul from NY using real instruments and featuring the vocals of Anise White. ‘NY Lounge Funk’ and ‘Natural High’ are upper tempo groovers, ‘Fly’ is a mid tempo swayer, ‘Night and Day’ is slightly more jazzy and ‘Time’ is bass driven groover. ‘Grip’ is a nice stepper with a good hook and ‘Feel’ is more up-tempo dancer (ala Incognito) . Good album
- Soul Brother Records

NEW YORK - Music has always blended the past and the present, but rarely does an up-and-coming band revive a historic venue the way Dreemtime lit up New York's Bitter End on October 10. The Bitter End has been a staple in the Greenwich Village scene since 1961, hosting greats like Stan Getz, Les Paul, Bob Dylan with Patti Smith, and now Dreemtime. After a mildly talented opening act, a stiff crowd shifted in their seats until Klive D'Farley and Dreemtime took the stage. Spotlights flashed as the first four chords of "Rising" began to pour from the speakers, until finally the audience spilled from booths into a pulsing crowd. While the album's smooth electric sound may initially seem better for a posh lounge, the band's blend of sheer talent and soulful passion lit up the eight-song set.It's been nearly a year since the band's last live show, but the three unfamiliar performers melded perfectly with the original Dreemers. Guest drummer Miles Kennedy added extra funk as powerhouse vocalist Jessi Colasante took the mic for "Sad, Sad Sun" and the bands newest song "Bagels & Cowboy Hats." The real treat, though, was Anise, who signed on with Dreemtime after the previous vocalist left to tour with Alicia Keys. Echoing slightly of Prince's early days, the distantly sensual singer led the evening from average to unforgettable. Around 1:00 a.m., Dreemtime returned to the stage for an encore of "Brick in a Parachute," which had the fans belting every last "na-na" of the salsa-inspired riff until the lights dimmed and the crowd dispersed back onto Bleeker Street. - Alexandra Samuel-New York Music

With only one previous album to its credit, Dreemtime recently rocked the legendary Bitter End nightclub in New York . Independent soul guru Phil Driver recently showcased tracks from the act's sophomore disc New York Lounge Funk to a worldwide radio audience. All the praise from fans and critics is justified. Dreemtime's mastermind, keyboardist Klive D'Farley, has a keen ear for captivating lead voices. The debut, Dreamy, featured a SoulTracks favorite and popular guest vocalist Maya Azucena. On New York Lounge Funk, D'Farley and top-notch guest musicians provide a special mix of jazz, R&B, and dance all tied together with Anise White's assertive voice.
The title track pays homage to the excitement surrounding the ‘Big Apple.' The ballad "Fly" brings back the trademark Philly Soul sound (think The Three Degrees or Barbara Mason). "Don't Kill The Girls" cross-pollinates urban with touches of folk and pop. All the remaining tracks are soulfully delicious. Now that New York Lounge Funk is out of the gate, Dreemtime should continue building upon their already loyal following.
Vocals: 4.0 stars
Music: 4.0 stars
Lyrics: 3.5 stars
Production: 4.0 stars
SoulTracks Call: Very Highly Recommended - SoulTracks-Peggy Oliver