Hybrid Jazz From Trish Hennessey - With Michael Olatuja!

Listening to "Lagos Pepper Soup" for the fourth time, a feeling about Michael Olatuja gets stronger - he is going to be truly important to music and our world in the days to come. 

A background that defies editing, this FAN will try! Michael was born in London with strong roots in Lagos, Nigeria - where he was raised. His Mother was his shero in his young life - that love remains to this day, though the astute restaurant owner, Comfort Bola, is no longer walking this earth. Her spirit, most assuredly, IS - via her son.

Trained in the Lagos Yoruba Christian Church, Michael was playing bass in his teens. He studied at Sussex University in the U.K. - then came to New York - where the Manhattan School of Music was blessed to have him. Our guest grew to be a much noted "inventive" electric & acoustic bassist. Multiple genres. In-demand. The relationships that he has acquired along his musical journey could result in a Disney movie - and he has ties in THAT regard (we'll explain!)

This beautiful new project has been five years in the making. After two previous efforts, "Lagos Pepper Soup" will be considered a Crown Jewel. Michael calls it "Cinematic Afrobeat." Flavored with lovingly focused Jazz, a string orchestra, a core group of breathtaking musicians, and an all star guest list. 

The themes of what you'll hear: hope, inspiration and new beginnings. Exactly what we need NOW. Who can tell you more about this consummate talent? Terence Blanchard, Kurt Elling, Shakira, Bebe Winans, and Stevie Wonder. To name a FEW! Now YOU will come to know him - and experience the music that has set many of us on FIRE. If 2020 requested a collection of tracks to help heal wounds, Olatuja songs that you'll hear on "Hybrid Jazz" would be the answer to that request. 

A nod to Cannonball Adderly, honor to Chadwick Boseman - and Michael Olatuja. 9/3 :)