Sound Of Souls

What sets Sound Of Souls apart from other bands is the high level of musicianship, performance skills and songwriting. Sound Of Souls creates original music that is raw, funky and powerful, but at the same time heartfelt and emotional. The band uses music as a way to express each member's true soul or inner nature, with the hope that the listener can relate on a spiritual level.

- Carlos Santana called upon Billy Johnson on three different occasions to man the traps for tours and albums. He did his first tour with Santana in 1990 and '91, and then rejoined the band in the summer of '94 for about two-and-a-half years. Johnson performed on Santana's Milagro album in 1992, and the Brothers record featuring Carlos and Jorge Santana. He plays the opening cut on Santana's smash, Supernatural, the spirited romp "(Da Le) Taleo." He has played on four albums with Frankie Beverly and Maze, including Joy and Pain, Live In New Orleans, We Are One, and Back To Basics. He has also been performing with contemporary jazz guitarist Joyce Cooling since late in '96 (and played one track on her second CD, Keeping Cool), and has been playing with the Bay Area pop band Pablo Cruise when time permits. Some of the other names Johnson has performed with are Patti Austin, Patti LaBelle, MC Hammer, Robin Ford and Donny Hathaway.

- Rob Watson is a gifted bassist who has had the pleasure of working with artists such as James Brown, Joe Sample, Dionne Warwick, Tupac, Oleta Adams, Michael Brecker and Robin Ford. Robert has also recorded for Motown Records, M.C.A., Polygram, Capitol, GRP, Shrapnel Records, Virgin Records and others. “It’s always been the joy of my life to watch others be touched by the music no matter what style it is.”

- Simon Russell is a vocalist/ keyboardist/ songwriter/ producer with a mix of influences like Donny Hathaway, Ray Charles, James Brown and Smokey Robinson... a style that pays homage to the greats, but results in a contemporary sound that's uniquely Simon's. Simon has performed with Pete Escovedo, Zakiya Hooker as well as members of James Brown, The Whispers, John Lee Hooker, George Duke and BB King.

- Marzuki Grinage is a vocalist/guitarist/songwriter/ producer whose own brand of soul music echoes the influences of artists such as Stevie Wonder, Santana, Prince and Marvin Gaye. Marzuki has performed and or recorded with members of Santana, Sly And The Family Stone, Graham Central Station, The Gap Band, Toni Tony Tone!, The Wailers, John Lee Hooker, and Con Funkshun.

- Sound Of Souls is currently available for bookings.
Please contact (510) 866-3046 or send an email.