The Essence Of The Live Event Volume One by Soulounge – A Funky, Soulful Ride That Stays With You
Let’s get one thing straight: this album is a vibe. Released back in 2003 by the German crew Soulounge, The Essence Of The Live Event Volume One isn’t just another smooth jazz/soul record—it’s a warm hug for your ears with a groove that makes you wanna move. It’s like they took all the good vibes from funk, soul, and jazz, threw ‘em into a blender, and hit puree. And honestly? I’m here for it.
Now, let me break it down for you. This isn’t some studio-perfect, overly polished collection of tracks. Nope. It’s raw, alive, and dripping with personality. You can tell these guys were vibing off each other when they recorded this sucker. The credits alone are proof of how tight-knit this group is—Bela Brauckmann on drums (and producing!), Sven Bünger shredding guitar riffs, Kai Fischer tickling those keys, and Susanne Vogel holding down the basslines like a boss. These folks didn’t just play together; they felt together.
Two tracks stuck out to me so hard that I had to rewind them twice (okay, maybe three times). First up: “Like A Feather.” Man, this song floats. Literally. The electric piano lays down this dreamy foundation while the percussion sneaks in like whispers at midnight. There’s something about the way the melody drifts—it’s light but deep, kinda like staring at clouds and realizing they’re heavier than you thought. By the time the horns kick in, you’re not just listening anymore; you’re floating too. Like…damn. That’s what music should do, right?
Then there’s “Soul Power Jam.” Oh man, this track hits different. From the first note, it grabs you by the collar and says, “Hey, friend. You’re dancing now.” The bassline? Insanely catchy. The guitar licks? Smokin’. But what really seals the deal is the energy—it feels like being at a house party where everyone knows the words and nobody cares if their moves look silly. It’s gritty, unapologetic, and full of heart. Every time I hear it, I picture dim lights, sweaty palms, and people losing themselves in the moment. Pure magic.
But here’s the kicker—the whole album has this lived-in feel, like an old leather jacket you don’t want to take off. Tracks like “Love And Happiness” and “Sometimes It Snows In April” remind you why soul music still matters. They aren’t afraid to slow things down, let the instruments breathe, and give you space to think—or cry, depending on your mood. And hey, who doesn’t need a little emotional rollercoaster once in a while?
So yeah, The Essence Of The Live Event Volume One might’ve come out 20 years ago, but it doesn’t sound dated. If anything, it feels more relevant than ever. Maybe because we could all use a bit more soul in our lives these days. Or maybe because sometimes, you just gotta let loose and let the music carry you away.
Final thought: Listening to this album feels like finding an old mixtape in your car’s glove compartment—a pleasant surprise wrapped in nostalgia. Except instead of wondering who made it, you know exactly who to thank: Soulounge. Props to ‘em for creating something real. Now go listen to it already. Your speakers will thank you.
