Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates is a band put together by Mahalia in around 2005. Originally featuring a floating line up of Sydney soul/blues/rock musicians including brothers Clayton and Lachlan Doley, Jonathon Pease, Stu Hunter and a selection of special guest vocalists wherever possible. In 2007, the Soul Mates released their first self-titled EP, followed in 2008 by "Volume 1", their first full length album, a soul revue style album featuring some old favourites with a few original tracks.
With a permanent line up, they have really defined the sound that Mahalia has always been looking for. In 2010, Mahalia and Ben collaborated with several songwriters to begin writing songs for the new record. The much anticipated follow-up to the last Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates release - "Volume 1", is simply titled "Volume 2". A 5 track EP, made up of all original material - co written by Mahalia + husband Ben Rodgers, with some real international heavyweights, such as "Big Jim" Wright (Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey), Novel (Joss Stone,Alicia Keys) and Chuck Harmony (Rihanna, Mary.J.Blige), as well as some local favourites Daniel Merriweather, Phrase and Jade MacRae. The EP is honest, organic and the band is incredible. Tracked live to tape just like the old school soul/rock albums that the band all love, the EP has great energy. From the opening track - "Don't Hold Back", an fun, lively number reminiscent of The Rolling Stones, to the Al Green flavoured "Counting On You", or the beautiful ballad "Little Light" a song written about Mahalia + Ben's baby girl, Ruby - This EP is contemporary but classic, heartfelt, soulful music at its finest.
The band is at their finest live. Don't expect a quiet, polite, restrained gig, or a gimmicky soul show with costumes and scripted banter (that seems to be all the rage these days). This band covers the full range of the soul music spectrum, the show is dynamic, organic, raw and exciting. Great players, great singing and so much feeling!
