The Dutch veterans are joined by vocalist vAn on the first track of their forthcoming album and it's a match made in musical heaven.
Liquid Spirits was founded in 2006 by the two well-seasoned musicians/composers Wiboud Burkens (keys) and Manuel Hugas (bass). Both have an incredible track record with a who's who in the national and international music scene from the early 90s up till now. Some of the people the've worked with are Candy Dulfer, Benjamin Herman, Jungle By Night, Jameszoo, N’Dambi, Carleen Anderson, Michael Franti, Sandra St. Victor, Lalah Hathaway, Leon Ware & many more.
The American MC/vocalist Phonte (Little Brother/The Foreign Exchange) was featured on two of their own tracks, '4Everyday' on the self titled 2006 album and 'If You Don't Love Me' on the 2009 released Music. Both albums were released on the legendary Kindred Spirits label of DJ/promoter/all-around-musichead KC The Funkaholic.
Wiboud and Manuel are not just in-demand musicians, songwriters & producers but have been teaching at the Conservatory Of Amsterdam for the past 15 years as well. Their versatility knows no boundaries but it's clear that their true love lies in Afro-American music such as soul, funk, jazz & hiphop, which is all audible on their Liquid Spirits releases.
In the years after the 2nd album it appeared both men were busy as sidemen and in the studio with other artists. Then in 2017 they suddenly released the instrumental EP 'Evolution Of The New Spirit', the title track was also featured on the Super Sonic Family Vol.1 compilation by Super Sonic Jazz.
With their newly released single 'Years' it looks like they're back stronger than ever. Newly added member is the vocalist Ivan Peroti aka vAn, who didn't just come out of the blue. His career started in the 90s with r&b group Sat-R-Day. He then wrote for countless artists and toured with people like Sven Hammond and Candy Dulfer, which is also where he met Manuel who has been playing bass in her band for a long time now. Their instant connection is evident and put into words here by Ivan:
“I played many styles of music with a lot of people, but it’s ultimately dope to be able to work with 2 super musical guys sharing the same musical inspirations and pursue the same musical goal together. Naturally, organically, logically - no concessions. Our heart and souls are in this music, we live it – and you feel it.” - Ivan Peroti
vAn's incredibly soulful voice echoes the greats and sonically sits somewhere between a D'Angelo, Bilal or Omar Lye-Fook, but doesn't really sound like any of 'em. His delivery is strong and you can hear the years he's put in the work. One of the most underrated singers Holland has to offer and someone you will definitely hear more from real soon now that he's found this kinship with Wiboud and Manuel. The drums on 'Years' are courtesy of longtime Liquid Spirits-collaborator Eric Hoeke and Noa Lauren does the backing vocals.
We're thrilled with this stellar return and can't wait to hear more in the near future!
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