Columbus, Ohio native Greg Owens has worked tirelessly in the Midwest to cultivate a distinctive voice that blends funk, soul, and hip-hop. He created the Harmonic Soul Band to showcase future perspectives and a sense of community and creativity, which has been a hallmark of the ensemble, and their recent release Harmonic Soul: Live From Rehearsal preserves the evidence of that best characteristically and in its rawest manner.
Harmonic Soul: Live From Rehearsal was recorded in preparation for the band’s Juneteenth performance at Mayme Moore Park and provides listeners with an opportunity to see behind the scenes for a band that almost disbanded in 2023. What seemingly started as another practice turned into a live recording full of improvisation, groove, and undeniable energy.
Through eight tracks, including "Everlasting Summer" and "Vacation," the project portrays Owens' ability to create music that invites listeners into an escape and exemplifies resilience. "A lot of the music I write comes from me trying to escape reality, or trying to get to a different reality," explains Owens. That duality, situated in truth but reaching towards possibility, involves introspection and permeates the entire album.
Throughout the album, Owens sings, raps, and plays drums, with long-time collaborators including Donovan Mitchell (keys), Deivi Terreo (bass), Angel Knotts (drums), and Rizo (guitar). Each artist combines their gifts to create a real, living sound where funk beats collide with soulful melodies and hip-hop flows. The result captures their resilience and the healing effects of music.
In addition to Harmonic Soul, Owens is an accomplished producer, Grammy-nominated artist, and long-time drummer for Columbus favorites MojoFlo. In his career, he’s shared the stage with Boyz II Men, PJ Morton, and Pleasure P. He has also produced numerous artists statewide in Ohio, but Harmonic Soul: Live From Rehearsal may be one of the most special projects to date. It is an album that honors not only Owens’s artistry and resilience but also the means and characteristics of complex and enjoyable music culture in his city, too.
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