Artist description As 1990s R&B fused with Hip-Hop, a new generation of artists emerged who returned to the roots of funky, '70s-style soul. Taking their inspiration from the likes of Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, and Aretha Franklin, Maktub rarely use hard-hitting rap beats, preferring classic soul vocals and live instrumentation. Maktub was raised on Hip-Hop as well, so Hip-Hop slang does creep into their music, as do the sampling styles that were popularized by the rap producers of the lastdecade mixed with influences from ranging from drum and bass to acid jazz. Maktub’s musical vision is bringing a fresh, invigorating blend of musical traditions together to spearhead the new wave of new-soul-groove emanating from the Northwest. Cheryl Waters, KCMU music director had this to say in a review for the local NPR affiliate: If you're a soul music fan the way I am, then you, no doubt, constantly bemoan the fact that much of your favorite music is made by artists who are no longer living, are essentially retired or have moved on to other pursuits (such as sheparding a flock of Christians). You listen to the same Al Green and Marvin Gaye albums over and over and over, lamenting over the lack of new music to sooth your hungry, and perhaps troubled, soul. Sure, that new trip hop sound is good, really good in fact -- you can't deny that those kids in Massive Attack and Portishead have got something special going on. And that Sade has the voice of an angel. But what I love, really love is that groove-oriented soul music from the 70's. And thats why Seattle band Maktub makes me smile from ear to ear and down into the deep recesses of my heart and soul.The music, which includes a hammond B-3 organ and no guitar, is an infectious blend of 70's soul, contemporary electronica, jungle beats and a little trip hop. The songs are like little sticks of dynamite. Each one detonates on impact, exploding your emotions into fragments. This is due, in no small part, to the intense vocals of Reggie Watts who sings with such passion and intensity that you feel emotionally spent after just listening to the songs (I can only imagine how he must feel.). Suffice it to say, if you're a lover of soul music, or even if you just like it a little, you'll want to check out the debut release from Maktub.

Music Style Soul

Similar Artists Maxwell, Massive Attack, Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Portishead

Artist History Maktub started out in early 1996 bringing together a group of influential musicians from various parts of Seattle’s underground club scene. Reggie Watts, lead vocalist and keyboard player, came from the Seattle group Micron 7 and has also played or recorded with Wayne Horwitz, Eyvind Kang, Lori Carson, and the Hi-Fi Killers. Kevin Goldman, a transplant to Seattle from Phoenix, had recorded with Dragonfly. Alex Veley had recently recorded with one of the leading Northwest hip-hop groups, Source of Labor, R&B sensation Felicia Loud, and along with drummer Davis Martin had recently played in the now legendary Spice band. Martin also recorded with the Sharpshooters, and along with Veley, Watts and Goldman, recorded and played live with super-producer Steve Fisk and Shawn Smith’s Pigeonhed. Since then, Maktub has become a headlining act in all of the Northwest’s major clubs and has opened for Spearhead, The Dave Matthews Band, M’shell N’dgaocello, and has, along with other members of the Jasiri family, been a part of the super-successful KAYA weekly club night of improvised live groove, MCs freestyling and DJs spinning at Seattle's 700 Club.

Group Members Maktub's sound incorporates various elements of jazz, dub and electronic music into rock and soul grooves. Kevin Goldman’s Bass playing style is at times reminiscent of Larry Graham’s fuzz bass but never sacrifices a smooth, bottomy sound and often takes on a “rock-guitar” role in the band. His bass lines are sparse and meaty, influenced by Sade and the low-end dub of Liton Kweisi Johnson or Black UHURU. Davis Martin has developed his own style, incorporating the textures of drum machines and loops and is influenced by drum and bass and hip-hop. Together they provide a rock-bottom foundation to the Maktub groove. They have been compared to B.R.O.THER? and HUB of the Roots, but incorporate a wider variety of influences without sacrificing a unified sound. Alex Veley’s approach to playing the Horhner C clavinet (a keyboard with guitar-like strings) mimics the classic guitar stylings of early psychedelic rock and soul, as do the spacey sounds of Reggie Watts’ soaring electronically effected vocals. Veley exhibits rare technique by playing several keyboards at once, including a Hammond B3, a Fender Rhoades electric piano and the clavinet. His playing has strong influences of hip-hop, jazz and rhythm & blues. Watts adds his own futuristic playing on the synthesizer, and also serves as the group’s dynamic lead singer. Together they bring a unique visual and aural intensity to the band’s live shows. Each member of the band comes from a different musical pedigree, but their willingness to experiment has led to a sound that unifies Maktub’s multi-racial, cross-generational audience. Maktub is about SOUL, and the energy that flows through all living things.

Instruments Drums, Bass, Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards

Albums Subtle Ways, Khronos

Press Reviews ["Subtle Ways"] is fresh and original (Billboard Magazine) "phenomenal live shows and stellar new album" (The Stranger, Seattle)

Location Seattle, Washington - USA

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