Angela Johnson & Opolopo | “Best of Both Worlds”

Singer Angela Johnson & Swedish DJ/Producer Opolopo to Release New Album “Best of Both Worlds”

“Reel People Music expands the fizzing dynamic between highly accomplished label associates Opolopo (AKA Peter Major) and Angela Johnson with the release of their brand new album Best of Both Worlds. The nine-track record is a sublime meeting of soulful musical minds, building on the pair’s previous ‘track-by-track’ collaboration, as well as influences ranging from Quincy Jones and The Gap Band to Ohio Players and The Isley Brothers, with purpose, poise and punch. Opolopo’s vibrant live-sounding studio craft meets Johnson’s rich and deliciously textured vocals – nuff said!

The just released single ”The Ones You Love” with its struttin’ nu-disco mix of bass guitar and piano, as well as live house drums to spacy swirls of synth and quick-fire guitar plucks. Johnson is ever attuned to tempo and melody, adding depth and momentum in equal, captivating measure.

“Angie and I didn’t have any agenda when making this record other than just living in the feeling. The vibe between us was easy, as always, so the grooves and songs flowed organically,” Major explains. “The quality and range of Angie’s vocals blow me away. They add so much soul and feel-good energy to the tracks we create. More than that they pull everything together and take you on a journey. Best of Both Worlds is funky, driving, danceable… but it also has honesty and depth.”

“We didn’t want to make anything obvious,” Johnson adds. “This album looks to connect with the themes that concern and inspire people around the world right now. Peter challenged me. His musical ideas are really wide-ranging, which was a breath of fresh air in terms of pushing me to perform in different ways – from soul beats to uptempo to my gospel roots. We’re from different parts of the musical spectrum but fit together perfectly. It really is the best of both worlds, hence the album title.”

Based in Stockholm, Sweden, DJ-producer Opolopo continues to fruitfully explore the frontiers of funkiness after some two decades of productions right across the soulful dancefloor spectrum for labels such as Local Talk, Z Records and Defected. His remix discography includes Gregory Porter, Jungle, Leroy Burgess and Mother’s Favorite Child. New York native Angela Johnson was a member of acid jazz group Cooly’s Hot Box before enjoying solo success via a string of acclaimed R&B albums including They Don’t Know, It’s Personal and Naturally Me. During the Noughties, Johnson featured on Reel People singles Can’t Stop, In The Sun and You Used To Hold Me So Tight. Most recently, she has collaborated with Opolopo on hit Reel People Music singles Stay This Way, Good Lover and Sunshine.

Reel People Music is a label borne out of the success of acclaimed collective Reel People but representing so much more. Launched in late 2009, the imprint has built a fiercely loyal international fanbase through its passion for artist development, musicianship, song-craft and soulful groove.

Produced in Sweden and the US last year, Best Of Both Worlds marks the latest shining output from a renowned record label and talented studio partnership with so much soulfully to say. It’s a joy to listen.”

George Kalimba