'THE 21ST CENTURY STEVIE WONDER'
Paul Morley, The Guardian
TONY MOMRELLE is one of the most exciting and significant soul musicians on the modern British stage.
In a music career spanning 20+ years, he has performed with some of the greatest artists in the world: Incognito, Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion, Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Sade, Gary Barlow, Andrea Bocelli, Gwen Stefani, Robert Palmer and many more. In Autumn 2016 he supported the legendary Earth, Wind & Fire on their sold-out UK tour.
Momrelle was lead male vocalist of the famous British Acid-jazz band Incognito for more than sixteen years before launching his solo career. His acclaimed debut album KEEP PUSHING was released in 2015.
Channelling Hathaway, Wonder and countless other sounds, styles and ideas through his authentic, thoroughly contemporary interpretation of what British soul music actually means today, Tony created an infectious mingling of eighties-inspired synths, jazzy keys, classic piano and soaring soul vocals, with guest appearances from Talib Kweli, Chantae Cann and Tony Remy.
Notable media appearances in included an intimate duet with Jools Holland live on the much-loved BBC One show ‘Later with Jools Holland’, as well as distinguished collaborations with the Guy Barker Orchestra and Big Band for BBC Radio 2 – including a performance at the London Coliseum alongside Gregory Porter & Friends for ‘Friday Night Is Music Night’.
His second studio album BEST IS YET TO COME was released in April 2019, with the single RISING UP described by SoulTracks as “an instant classic”.
From the heartwarming optimism of the title track, to the disco funk of YOU GOT IT and the smooth soul sound on WE SEARCHED FOR HEAVEN, Momrelle presents a vibrant and diverse canvas of songs that bring out the very best of his talent, with something for everyone to enjoy. There are however vital elements running through each track that unify all: the sheer quality of songwriting and the unique, powerful tenor vocal that only Tony Momrelle himself can deliver.
Tony’s latest release, LOCKDOWN ACOUSTIC SESSIONS EP, recorded remotely during the pandemic, from locations across Europe, is proof that music can and should be made in every circumstance.
The feel-good, upbeat ESCAPE was released as a single in early 2021, accompanied by a music video that brought together footage of dozens of Momrelle fans across the globe. This was followed by a long-awaited Donny Hathaway cover SOMEDAY WE’LL ALL BE FREE, a soulful remake of the 70s classic originally written by Edward Howard.
YOU GOT ALL THE LOVIN’ is a brand new original soul/blues track, written alongside Sade songwriter, BEN TRAVERS.
Momrelle says: ‘This EP is an encouragement to everyone to look forward to brighter times and remember that every dark night comes to an end eventually. The last twelve months have tested us all, but music is something that unites everyone, and I’m glad to be able to give people a reason to smile.’
The Band line-up
Alessio Wildes Barelli - drums
Chicco Allota - keys
David D’Andrade - guitar
Julian Crampton - bass
