SOULTRAX
An Outstanding 6-piece of Super-talents
Soultrax plays a vibrant synthesis of “baddest” blues to motown, earthy to R&B exhilaration, soul to sizzlin’ solos. An outstanding 6-piece of super-talents amalgamates lead vocalist and “monster” guitarist Olaf DeShield, a stunning horn section, and B3 organist/BG vocalist Fran Jaré, who sings warm, smoky, sexy vocals at times, making their music as infectious on stage as their CDs and new CD Copycat Coo Coo.
What Fans Are Saying...
Music
Be sure to check out the newest CD, Copy Cat Coo Coo.
Bios
Olaf De Shield
Guitar/Vocal (lead)
Born of Bermudian parents in Toronto, premier vocalist/guitarist, resides in Vancouver, BC. Master of R&B, Blues, a dash of Reggae at times, to “break it up." Toured in concert with JUNIOR WALKER and MARY WELLS. Currently performs locally with Night Train Revue, SOULTRAX, Sibel Thrasher to name a few. Venues include Red Robinson Theater, the River Rock Casino, Boulevard Casino, the Yale. Imaginative, ingenious vocalist, a “monster” guitarist, & sensational stage presence all give rise to render this talent, the lead ‘consummate artist’.
Fran Jaré
Organ/Piano/Vocal (visit website)
Composer/arranger hails originally from Chicago, now based in Vancouver. Her credits include opening quartet for ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM “Showcase Lounge," San Francisco; opening trio for THE SUPREMES “Emerald Room of the Palmer House," Chicago; Harrah’s in Las Vegas, Reno & Tahoe with the Lloyd Lindroth Show band. Featured on B3 organ and piano/vocals at the Vancouver International. Jazz Festival, Granville Island Stage for R&B with SOULTRAX. Jaré also performs her original compositions at the Cellar Jazz Club.
Dave Say
Saxophone
An icon in the music industry 25 years, encompassing multi-faceted styles. Dave “Sax” Say is a featured soloist and sideman and has been in concerts with luminaries MICHAEL BUBLE, SUPREMES, DEE DANIELS, BOBBIE TAYLER, VEGI, HARD RUBBER ORCHESTRA, MICHAEL KAESHAMMER to name a few. A most versatile sax artist emanating a rich tone, with scintillating solos, a dazzling gem for any concert venue.
Miles Foxx Hill
Acoustic & Electric Bass
Quoted “Jaco Pastorius re-born” - anonymous. Miles is not only a world-class acoustic and electric bass artist, but a producer, engineer, composer. Performed live with renowned luminaries: Van Morrison, Michael Bublé, Chad Kroeger of Nickleback, and Brazilian sensation, Ivan Lins. In 2010 he was the mixing engineer for the Olympic opening/closing ceremonies that included performances by k.d.lang, Bryan Adams, Nelly Furtado and Joni Mitchell. He is on over 600 records from jazz, funk, tango, country, and rock ’n roll. Hill continues to create great music for many artists, composes for film and TV, and possesses intuitive engineering know-how to make world class recordings.
Don Powrie
Drums
Derry Byrne
Trumpet
A highly sought after session & live performer comfortable in virtually all genres of music. Recorded on major labels as well as in concert with AEROSMITH, BARENAKED LADIES, COLIN JAMES, BOZ SCAGGS, and DIANA KRALL. From Principal Chair with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra to the great jazz artists of our time such as ERNESTINE ANDERSON, LOUIS BELLSON, IAN MCDOUGALL. Highlights of some Broadway credits include Miss Saigon, Kiss Of The Spider Woman, 42nd Street, The Full Monty and West Side Story.
Buff Allen
Drums
Jazz, studio drummer, composer, educator extraordinaire - his television work comprises: Ed Bickert, Moe Koffmann, Mr. Dressup, Bob McLean show to name a few. 1989 Juno Award for Best Jazz Album. 8 years in Toronto with: Ed Bickert, Johnny Hartman, Lenny Breau, Rob McConnnell, Don Thompson, Hank Jones, Teddy Wilson. 20 years back in Vancouver with artists such as: Diana Krall, Paul Horn, Tommy Banks, Joannne Brackeen, Kennny Wheeler, Chuck Islraels, Mose Allison and many more. All musicians who have had the honour of working with him will not only vouch for his expertise on kit, but his being open and willing to try new concepts for an arrangement, and merely being a considerate gem of a human being for the team. 50 years of professional playing experience. (and still can't get it right.)
Don epitomizes his performance & recording versatility with a wide spectrum of artists: Notably, New York based artist/producer, Todd Rundgren; 1990 ALCAN Jazz Festival award winners, “Creatures of Habbit”; Funk based “H.B. Concept” (European Tour); country artist “Rocky Swanson”. A member of “Skywalk”, and a tribute to their CD, “Great Northern”. Powrie is power, one of the most in demand musicians, live & in the studio, doing many radio & television spots for CBC and internationally.
Allegiance is paid to drummers, Buff Allen and Don Powrie, who perform with Soultrax separately when the other is away or on tour.
Calendar
Upcoming Events
A Tribute:
Benson, Breezin & the B3 Organ
September 21, 2018
Blue Frog Studios
1328 Johnston Road, White Rock, BC, Canada
Doors 6:00 PM • Show 7:00 PM
This show is for ages 19 and up
A rare musical treat!
In 1966, guitarist George Benson’s first CBS record “It’s Uptown It’s George Benson”, featuring organist Lonnie Smith, was released. George had recorded extensively with Lonnie Smith as well as organists Jack McDuff and Jimmy Smith, but by the time Benson’s Grammy award winning album Breezin’ was released, the Hammond B3 organ had given way to the electric piano and synthesizer.
Now fifty years later, Olaf De Shield and Fran Jaré have put together a tribute, retrospective, and reimagining of Benson’s career, spotlighting well known, songs by Benson. It is stated time and again that the lead guitar master of Soultrax, Olaf, a guitarist’s guitarist, is a “monster” at his craft encompassing a wide range of genuine blues, jazz, and infectious rhythms, always delivering exhilarating and momentous solos. Featuring Jaré at the digital B3 organ as well as compositions by some of the great B3 Organ icons, Fran has achieved to her credit a CD release of originals, Copy Cat Coo Coo, last June with an interview on CBC Hot Air. It included concert performances with Soultrax at the Silk Purse, Frankies Jazz Club, Pat’s Pub, Evergreen Cultural Centre and other local venues.
De Shield and Jaré are joined by a red hot band consisting of Dave Say on saxophone, Miles Foxx Hill on bass and Juno Award recipient, Buff Allen on drums.
Definitely a troupe that stands apart from the rest.
Musically tailored to make you wanna come out for more!
For more info or to reserve email:
fran@franjare.com
Recent Events
April 28, 2018
Pat’s Pub. 4:00 to 7:00pm
August 17, 2017
Tribute to George Benson & Jimmy Smith - Pat's Pub - Main St. 3:00 to 7:00
August 11, 2017
Harmony Arts Festival - 2;00 - 2:45
July 7, 2017
Jazz Vespers. St. Andrews-Wesley Church - 4:00 pm.
Tribute to George Benson & Jimmy Smith - Soultrax
Contact
Phone: (604) 987-8420
Email: fran@franjare.com
Brian R. Disterheft, business manager
brian@Disterheft.ca
Please note:
Soultrax performs as a core group, (3 to 4 members) to accommodate smaller venues.
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