Masterpiece of Melodies: The Olympians’ Self-Titled Debut in 2016
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An impressive voyage through the soundscapes of profound soul music was birthed in 2016 with the release of ‘The Olympians,’ a self-titled debut album by the musical group The Olympians. The mastermind behind this exemplary body, Toby Pazner, amassed a formidable ensemble of 17 of the most sought-after musicians from the scene. Alongside familiar faces from the debut, the team consisted of an exciting repertoire of collaborators Pazner had befriended during his artistic explorations.
Pazner skillfully navigated the reins, taking on the roles of composer, arranger, and the producer of this intriguing album. This artistic feat created a euphonious ensemble that felicitously echoed the classic soul styles of renowned musical juggernauts like James Brown and Curtis Mayfield, key figures that inspired The Olympians. However, the album ‘The Olympians‘ also introduces a novel blend, transitioning from the traditional soulful silhouette to a more introspective and evolved approach that leans into the golden era of the Wrecking Crew and vintage cinematic soundscapes.
Toby Pazner’s reverence for music was birthed way back in 2008, during the Olympic games in Beijing. His fascination for the games led to the formation of The Olympians, and with them, he endeavored on a self-discovery journey that vowed to retell the significant tales of Ancient Greece through timeless music. A prophetic dream occurred while on a tour in the Greek Islands accelerated his vision. In the dream, a divine figure urged Pazner to build a ‘Temple of Sound’ that sought to offer homage to the sacred traditions of instrumental soul music while simultaneously setting forth a daring new standard for the genre.
Pazner’s vision took a tangible form after he painstakingly constructed his ‘Temple of Sound,’ a fortified sound labyrinth equipped with premier recording equipment, tape machines, and microphones. His affiliation with the Daptone Family earned him the benefit of collaborating with the world’s finest music mavens. The former included the likes of Aaron Johnson, from the music group Antibalas, Dave Guy from Tonight Show Band, alongside Leon Michels, Nicholas Movshon from Lee Fields, and Homer Steinweiss from The Dap-Kings. His collaborators also featured Michael Leonhart, the Musical Director for Steely Dan, and Neal Sugarman from Sugarman 3, and the wizardry prowess of Toby Pazner himself.
A significant highlight of the album, ‘The Olympians,’ is the creatively designed tracks such as ‘Sirens of Jupiter’ and ‘Sagittarius By Moonlight,’ which present an idyllic blend of cascading harps to the driving horn coda. Fans of The Olympians can anticipate an adventurous musical journey that deftly navigates through the lush textures of Gold Star Studios, paired beautifully with the enigmatic corners of cinematic soundscapes. Euphoric listeners become enthralled as they are conveniently teleported to far-away Greece, painted in lavish cinematic arrangements against the tough rhythms that have synonymously defined the Daptone Stable of Musicians.
The self-titled album by The Olympians emanates the aura of divine intervention and is filled with infectious energy that beckons listeners to immerse into its sumptuously crafted grooves. Beyond simply reveling in the musical beauty, fans of The Olympians are bestowed with the privilege of being part of Toby Pazner’s dream becoming a beautiful reality. The album promises a rewarding listening experience, making ‘The Olympians‘ a timeless classic to treasure for many years to come.
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