The Soul Squad

Introducing the Rising Sun Records Studio Musicians,

Jardine Jaja Powell — Bass
Joseph W. Leavy Jr. —Vocals and Keyboards
Zaindre Yarborough — Guitar
Vincent “Big Bad” LaBauve — Guitar And Vocals

Ronald Dickson — Bass
Jeffrey Lynn Colbert — Guitar And Vocals
Raymond “Ray Bay” Bailey — Guitar
Duane Laskey —Keyboards
Murray “The Horn” Middleman — Woodwinds
David T. Walker — Guitar

 

At Rising Sun Records, we take inspiration from the legendary Funk Brothers of Motown fame to introduce our own cadre of exceptional studio musicians.

With a nod to the groundbreaking legacy of the Funk Brothers, Rising Sun Records proudly presents a collective of talented artists dedicated to creating the soulful, infectious rhythms that define our sound.

Get to know the individuals who make up the heart and soul of the Rising Sun cadre, as they continue the tradition of musical excellence established by the iconic Funk Brothers.

This introduction celebrates the influence of The Soul Squad, while highlighting the unique contributions of each of these talented musicians associated with Rising Sun Records.

Joseph William Leavy Jr.

Joe Leavy Music

Joe & Rising Sun

Joseph W. Leavy Jr., widely acclaimed as the incomparable Big Willie Biscuit, has been a steadfast pillar of support for Rising Sun Records since its humble beginnings. From the first groundbreaking project, Shampén & The Chill/ No Bull album, to countless others, his contributions have left an indelible mark on the fabric of the label’s journey.

With a voice that drips with a richness and smoothness that transcends genres, Joe’s vocals have resonated throughout an extensive spectrum of albums released by the label. His melodic mastery enchants listeners, leaving them in awe of his unmatched talent and unforgettable performances.

If I were to compare Joe to the legendary Barry Gordy and his brilliant protégé Smokey Robinson, I would dare say that Joe is our very own Smokey. His immense talent and innate business acumen mark him as one of the esteemed legacy owners of the label — a true testament to his extraordinary influence within the industry.

Joseph W. Leavy Jr. Jr. is not merely a man of boundless artistic capabilities. He possesses an array of talents that extend beyond his vocal prowess. It is this invaluable combination of skills that led him to be entrusted with the critical role of heading the A&R department for the company. With an unerring eye for talent and an impeccable understanding of the industry, Joe guides Rising Sun towards unrivaled success.

In the dynamic world of music, where innovation and adaptation are paramount, Joseph W. Leavy Jr’s.,  remarkable contributions to Rising Sun Records serve as a testament to his invaluable presence. We owe a debt of gratitude to Joe for his unwavering dedication, unequalled talent, and unwavering impact.
Earl. J. Foster Jr.

Zaindre Yarbourough

 

ZanChan & Rising Sun

Allow me to introduce you to the phenomenal Zaindre Yarborough, a true virtuoso of the guitar and an icon in the music industry. Originally hailing from Buffalo, New York, Zaindre has found his second home in Japan, where he has been a prominent figure for over 30 years. As the number one foreign guitarist in Japan, his unrivaled talent and outstanding craftsmanship have made him a highly sought-after artist.

Zaindre’s reputation precedes him, as he is renowned for his incredible guitar skills that have left audiences in awe around the world. With precision and finesse, he captivates listeners with his soulful melodies and breathtaking solos. His involvement in the inaugural release of Rising Sun Records set the bar high for excellence and established him as a cornerstone of the label’s success.

Beyond his remarkable contributions to Rising Sun, Zaindre is an integral part of the illustrious Soul Squad, a collaboration that showcases his versatility and unparalleled musicianship. With his unparalleled sense of groove and a deep understanding of the nuances of each genre, Zaindre injects life into every track he touches.

In addition to his existing body of work, Zaindre has a highly anticipated new album in the works. His unmistakable guitar style will elevate every song, ensuring that his musical influence continues to reverberate throughout the records produced by Rising Sun.

Zaindre Yarborough has earned his place among the finest musicians of our time. With his extraordinary talent and insatiable passion for music, he continues to push boundaries and break barriers. We are privileged to have Zaindre as an integral member of the Rising Sun family, and the world eagerly awaits the magic he brings with each note he plays.

 

 

Vincent LaBauve

 

Vinny & Rising Sun

Allow me to introduce you to the phenomenal Zaindre Yarborough, a true virtuoso of the guitar and an icon in the music industry. Originally hailing from Buffalo, New York, Zaindre has found his second home in Japan, where he has been a prominent figure for over 30 years. As the number one foreign guitarist in Japan, his unrivaled talent and outstanding craftsmanship have made him a highly sought-after artist.

Zaindre’s reputation precedes him, as he is renowned for his incredible guitar skills that have left audiences in awe around the world. With precision and finesse, he captivates listeners with his soulful melodies and breathtaking solos. His involvement in the inaugural release of Rising Sun Records set the bar high for excellence and established him as a cornerstone of the label’s success.

Beyond his remarkable contributions to Rising Sun, Zaindre is an integral part of the illustrious Soul Squad, a collaboration that showcases his versatility and unparalleled musicianship. With his unparalleled sense of groove and a deep understanding of the nuances of each genre, Zaindre injects life into every track he touches.

In addition to his existing body of work, Zaindre has a highly anticipated new album in the works. His unmistakable guitar style will elevate every song, ensuring that his musical influence continues to reverberate throughout the records produced by Rising Sun.

Zaindre Yarborough has earned his place among the finest musicians of our time. With his extraordinary talent and insatiable passion for music, he continues to push boundaries and break barriers. We are privileged to have Zaindre as an integral member of the Rising Sun family, and the world eagerly awaits the magic he brings with each note he plays.

 

 

Ronald Dickson

 

Ron & Rising Sun
Jeffery Colbert

 

Jeff & Rising Sun
Murray Middleman

 

Murray & Rising Sun

Murray Middleman, affectionately known as “The Horn”, is an integral part of the Soul Squad and has contributed to multiple recordings. With over 40 years of experience as a musician, Murray’s skill and dedication to making exceptional music are unparalleled. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to perform alongside legendary artists such as Sammy Davis and John Lennon. Additionally, Murray has collaborated with numerous talented musicians in Los Angeles, further cementing his reputation as a respected musician in the industry. As the founder of Park Avenue West Entertainment, Murray’s company is renowned for providing top-quality musical entertainment services to charitable groups, corporations, and private individuals. In addition to his career as a performer, Murray also offers private lessons for saxophone, flute, and clarinet.

Duane Laskey

 

Duane & Rising Sun

Duane Lasky, an essential member of the Rising Sun Records Soul Squad, is thriving in Los Angeles. With his remarkable talent as a keyboardist, he effortlessly excels across various genres. Duane’s musical proficiency knows no bounds, allowing him to navigate and adapt to any musical territory. Not only is he a skilled keyboardist, but he also showcases his abilities as a talented producer. Duane’s versatility and adaptability make him a valuable asset in any music setting. Let’s come together to appreciate the incredible musical contributions of Duane Lasky, a true asset to the Rising Sun Records Soul Squad.

Jardine Powell

 

Jaja & Rising Sun

Jardine “Jaja” Powell, a highly accomplished bassist, made significant contributions to the music industry throughout his career. He furthered his musical education at the renowned Mannes School of Music and went on to perform alongside some of the greatest legends in the industry, including Ike & Tina Turner and James Brown. Additionally, Jaja was one of the founding members of PDF Productions, a key player in producing the Third Tribe album, “Dedication.”

Notably, Jaja achieved a remarkable feat as one of the few Black American musicians to own their own nightclub, “Osaka Ja,” situated in Osaka, Japan. The venue became renowned in the local music scene, a testament to Jaja’s dedication and passion for his craft.

Renowned for his impressive talents as a bassist, Jaja possessed a unique ability to provide a solid foundation and amplify the sound of any rhythm section. Drawing inspiration from the legendary James Jamerson, he effortlessly injected soul and depth into his playing. In his final recording, showcased on the Rising Sun Recording of “Stay With Me Tonight,” Jaja’s mastery of the bass shines through.

Join us in celebrating the extraordinary musical journey of Jardine “Jaja” Powell, a true soul pioneer and a cherished member of the Soul Squad.

David T. Walker

 

David T. & Rising Sun

David T. Walker is a Legendary Artist/Guitarist/Musician/Producer/Composer known for His distinct and Beautiful Signature Sound/Touch which is often compared to a Harp, Birds or Water with “Soul, In Light & Grace”.

David T. Walker was born on June 25, 1941, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA.
Ruth and Julius are his parents, and He is the eldest child in a family of ten.
His parents migrated to San Pedro, CA when He was two years old.

Ray Bailey

 

RayBay & Rising Sun

Ray “RayBay” Bailey is a highly skilled guitarist who has made significant contributions to various Rising Sun Record projects. He is recognized as a prominent figure in the Blues world and has established his own reputation as a talented Blues artist.

Born in Los Angeles, California, in 1956, Ray hails from a family of musicians. His early exposure to jazz records from his father and receiving piano lessons from his mother, a professional saxophonist, kindled his love for music. At the tender age of seven, he transitioned from the piano to the trumpet. However, it was in 1968, when he chanced upon his sister’s “Jimi Hendrix Smash Hits” album, that his destiny took a dramatic turn. Captivated by Hendrix’s skillful guitar playing, Ray devoted himself to mastering the instrument.

Growing up in Watts, Ray soaked up a diverse range of musical influences that permeated the local clubs, streets, and radio waves. Styles such as Funk, Doo-wop, Rock, Soul, and above all, Blues, became an integral part of his musical upbringing. Drawing inspiration from these rich sources, Ray honed his skills and developed his own unique sound along the way.

Michael "Hands" Wilson

 

Michael" Hands" Wilson & Rising Sun

Introducing the captivating Michael “Hands” Wilson, a multifaceted musical virtuoso whose talents on the keyboards, soulful vocals, and impeccable songwriting prowess set him apart in the world of music. With a name that echoes the dexterity and finesse of his instrumental skills, Michael “Hands” Wilson has mesmerized audiences far and wide with his magnetic stage presence and dynamic performances.

As a keyboardist, Michael effortlessly weaves intricate melodies and harmonies, creating lush musical landscapes that captivate listeners and transport them on an unforgettable sonic journey. His vocal prowess adds another dimension to his artistry, with a voice that is both powerful and tender, emotive and resonant, delivering lyrics that tug at the heartstrings and evoke deep emotions.

Beyond his instrumental and vocal talents, Michael “Hands” Wilson shines as a gifted songwriter, crafting poignant and introspective lyrics that speak to the human experience with honesty and vulnerability. His songs are not just compositions but heartfelt expressions of his innermost thoughts and feelings, connecting on a profound level with all who listen.

In every performance, Michael exudes a passion for music that is infectious, drawing audiences into his world of sound and rhythm, where each note, each lyric, is delivered with soul-stirring sincerity. With a creativity that knows no bounds and a dedication to his craft that is unwavering, Michael “Hands” Wilson is a true artist whose music leaves an indelible mark on all who have the privilege to experience it.