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Just as the Kiki Dee bouncy pop song declares, "I got the music in me."  Since age eleven when he first started mixing reel-to-reel tapes, Armand Tulumello has been hooked to make music on his own terms.  At the same time, he understands that when fellow independent artists are the forefront of a compilation project, he should respect their space and let them create their unique tapestry.  The Los Angeles DJ/producer known as Astral 22 invested two years to complete his debut IMPERIAL Progressive Soul Collection Vol. I.  Through this long period, he bonded and empathized with the soulful vocalists involved because of their untiring commitment in every step of promoting their own musical cause.

The Soul Tracks audience will recognize a few of the highly prolific independent soul stars on IMPERIAL, including Rogiers, LeNora Jaye, Simone and Rena Scott.  The aforementioned plus the other vocalists clearly communicate a tremendous passion for the music inside of them.   Nearly all the tracks are noteworthy and enjoyable.  With his favorable debut, Astral 22 has convincingly graduated from his reel-to-reel decks to the production chair, mastering a disc of laid-back classic soul intertwined with dance, blues, funk and jazz.

Vocals:  3.5 stars
Lyrics:  3.0 stars
Music:  3.5 stars
Production:  3.5 stars 
SoulTracks Call:  Highly Recommended

By Peggy Oliver