LMT Connection - universal soul - U1CD-6005-2

Internet: www.lmtconnection.com
Europe-Booking by Miracle Dread Productions: hubertmoser@aon.at

In this day and age it is unique to find a band that has a presence and sound that command your attention.

Back in 1984 Mark Rogers, an up-and-coming jazz drummer attended a club gig in Niagara Falls featuring a soul band from Detroit. Upon hearing the final tune of the night, a slinky instrumental funk groove, he walked up to guitar player Leroy Emmanuel and boldly told him that they should play together. Emmanuel, the experienced Motown alumni with credentials working with some of the top entertainers in the world somehow felt this barely out of high school drummer was for real.

A year later Emmanuel returned to Niagara Falls from Detroit, recalled the young drummer's request to jam, tracked him down and they got together to play. Immediately the magic was there. Tight Detroit funk mixed with a fresh, hard hittin' drumming energy. Emmanuel hired Rogers to go on the road with a 10 piece Motown Revue and for the next 4 years they traveled around North America refining their blend of energetic groove.

In 1989 the Motown Revue came to an end and Emmanuel and Rogers started a trio. A number of different bass players were tried out but to no avail. As fortune would have it Ottawa native bassist John Irvine relocated to Niagara Falls looking for work. He heard LMT was looking for a permanent bass player and came out to a gig. John had been enjoying success touring in hard rock bands for a number of years without any experience in the funky soul LMT had become known for. He was hired for a trial gig to see what would happen. That night the signature LMT sound was born. Without even the luxury of a rehearsal, Irvine added an unbelievable energy and rawness to the tightly developed jazz funk groove Rogers and Emmanuel had mastered over their five years together.

The rest is history. Since 1989 these three musicians have performed over 3500 gigs and released 2 albums. Their first, released in 1992, is "Sometime Later", an all-original album of classic, sophisticated R&B. Then in 1999 they followed with "Outta Control", a dynamic CD capturing the energy of their live show. They have shared the stage with such diverse artists as Motown's Temptations, world-renowned B3 jazz organist Joey Defrancesco, and legendary guitar hero Alex Lifeson of Rush. Their new CD "Universal Soul" is an all-original CD combining the elements of classic Soul songwriting with an incredible live-off-the-floor studio performance. LMT is also joined by percussionist Emile Latimer (Richie Havens, Nina Simone) keyboardist Brent Setterington (Jacksoul), and 2 songs featuring the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

This new CD contains all the elements that make up LMT's unique sound, an incredible blend of Funk, Jazz, Latin, Blues and R&B - Universal Soul… you get the picture.

Critics rave:

"LMT Connection is an organic unit that feeds upon its audience as much as its co-dependent groove-freak fans rely upon the band to be transported to magical musical places… music that elevates the spirit. By the end of the show, if not way before, you simply surrender to their intoxicatingly exciting and satisfying musical brew. Unless you're not human!"

"The LMT Connection is a plug-in to those moments, to that place where live performances reach their height and create memories that last a generation or more. Adventurous, yet familar, friendly but driven, the LMT Connection can make any venue a jumpin' joint and unforgettable pleasure!

LMT Connection is:

Leroy Emmanuel, Lead Vocalist and guitarist

Leroy Emmanuel has been a dedicated musician and entertainer for most of his life. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Detroit, Michigan, he began his professional career at the age of twelve and has since toured all over the United States. Leroy endorses Rivera amplifiers.

Recording Highlights:

Has Performed With:

Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Edwin Star, John Lee Hooker, T-Bone Walker, Al Green, Sonny Boy Williamson,  Funk Brothers, Bohnnon, Dionne Warwick, James Brown Band, The Counts

Has Written Songs For:

Jay-Z, The Counts, Bohannon

In Concert With:

Funkadelics, Sly and the Family Stone, Commodores, Kool and the Gang, Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, Natalie Cole, Grover Washington, Rufus, Jackson Five, Peaches and Herb, The Dells, Chick Corea, Rufus Thomas, Ben Vareen, Ike and Tina Turner, Ruby and the Romantics, Roberta Flack, Temptations, Booker T and the MGs, Hot Chocolate, Albert King, Martha and the Vandellas, War

Some Venues Leroy Has Played:

Apollo Theatre, Harlem NYC, Radio City Music Hall, Kennedy Center Washington DC, Madison Square Gardens

"Hard Hittin" Mark Rogers

Mark fell in love with drums when he was eight years old and by the age of eighteen was recognized by the Canadian Jazz Festival as the top drummer in Canada for his age group. He's never looked back, having enjoyed a busy professional career of touring, and recording ever since. Upon becoming a full-time professional musician Mark toured with a Motown Revue backing many top R&B groups in the hottest clubs in the country.

In 1989 he formed his current group, LMT Connection with Leroy Emmanuel and John Irvine. They have performed over 3000 shows and continue to pack venues over 250 nights a year Mark has performed on over 60 albums, dozens of commercials and many TV and film projects. 2002 featured Mark on Sony recording artist Edwin's latest CD and on the Grammy-nominated album by Walter Ostanek. 2003 finds Mark on Epic Recording artist Kazzers debut CD "Go for Broke". He has also worked in the past with such notables as Juno award recipients Jacksoul and critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Ron Sexsmith. Mark endorses Sabian cymbals and Ahead drumsticks.

"Big Bad" John Irvine

One of the most exciting bass players out of Canada is Ottawa native John Irvine. Having played professionally since the age of twelve, his credits include working for Capitol and RCA Records with such diverse artists as Ronnie Hawkins and Liberty Silver. John is an exciting showman and his approach to bass is simply amazing. John proudly endorses Hartke bass systems and Brubaker basses.