Our Family
We are a 7 piece band of gifted musicians and vocalists who absolutely love to share our passion with the world.
John Saltwell
BASS PLAYER / SONGWRITER / PRODUCER
I am the bass player, songwriter and producer of Soulfusionseven. I have been blessed over the years to have worked with some amazing musicians, from the Uber Cool Barry White, and Santana, the Disco Diva’s, Boney M and Touchdown, to many pop artiste’s including Paul Weller Will Young and Simply Red, the coolness of indie bands such as The Perfect Disaster and JJ Crash to name a few I have had many magical moments bestowed upon me giving me the opportunities to have travelled the globe whilst doing my day job, made some lifelong friends, met many inspirational people along the way.
I just play a groove, keep it musically honest and in the end, hopefully create some magic that will inspire those who play along side me and those who are willing to listen...
Tisha Monique
Vocalist
Tisha Monique first brought her sultry vocals to our ears back in late 2002 as a member of the UK girl group THE411, signed to SONY music. The girl's first single, “On My Knees was a huge hit in the UK and beyond reaching #4 in the UK chart's. Their second single "Dumb", reached #3 with both singles charting in the top 40 (World Charts).
Born in Jamaica but having grown up in the UK, Tisha’s musical influences include, R&B, reggae, soul and funk. This is evident as she combines infectious melodies and meaningful lyricisms with the smoothest of vocals that take us down memory lane, right back to the early 90’s. Throughout her early music career Tisha Monique was able to perform alongside and work with many credible artists, as well as perform live on some of the world's most renowned stages. As well as her solo endeavours and reuniting with her girl group this year, she is now very excited to be a part of the Soulfusionseven family as lead Vocalist too.
Andy Kennedy
Keys / Piano
Andy learnt classical piano from the age of seven, and still loves to play that kind of music. He got involved with bands while at secondary school in Northampton in the 1970’s - during that time acquiring a love for soul, funk, jazz and disco music. His musical influences include Chic, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Schubert, Santana, Brian Eno, Brahms, Ravel, J S Bach, Bud Powell and Errol Garner. Andy spent his early years working with guitarist Adrian Utley (who went on to form trip hop band Portishead) and Graham “Coach” York, now occupying the drum seat with Mike Westbrook’s west country based big band. Andy, Adrian and Coach toured the UK backing Motown acts The Elgins and The Marvelettes. Andy was a founding member of St Anthony’s Fire featuring singer Natasha Atlas, a band which did UK gigs in the mid 80’s, notably on a support tour with fellow Northamptonians Bauhaus. He played keys for a number of years with Thabani, a London based afro-soul band featuring Zimbabwean born Thabani Nyoni on vocals. He has a beautiful wife and two grown up children, and loves allotment gardening and cycling. He completed a philosophy and politics degree at the Open University in 2014. His musical philosophy can be summed up in two famous Ellington quotes: “it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing” and “there’s only two kinds of music - the good kind and the other kind”!
Jaro Kulha
Saxophonist
Jaro is a saxophonist with a degree in classical saxophone performance but he loves playing funk, soul and fusion. He had performed with various bands and worked on a number of musical projects. Jaro’s career has found him playing on cruise ships and gigging around UK and Europe. He’s been exposed to many styles and music genres whilst working with artists worldwide.
Richard Hollman
GUITARIST / SONGWRITER / PRODUCER
Richard is a guitar player and a new addition to the SoulFusionSeven songwriting team. He has many years of experience and has played on numerous recording sessions in just about every genre you can think of. He has also gigged extensively over many years and was a founding member of Oxford based band Melting Point.
“I am so pleased to have met with John and the SoulFusionSeven collective. It’s not often you meet kindred spirits and writing with John has been fantastic. I am influenced by all types of music and have played everything from Folk to Free Form Jazz! (via Blues, Pop, Rock and Soul). I like it best, though, when things are funky, jazzy, and groovy - this, to me, is the essence of SoulFusionSeven”.
Mike Scott
Drums / Percussion
I am the drummer for Soulfusionseven. I have worked and played with many great musicians over the years from Jeff Berlin, Dave Davies and Tom E. Morrison to some of the lesser known semi pro bands like Baby Silvertooth, Cosmonauts and Virtigo . Having studied at the prestigious Musicians Institute (Hollywood California) I was lucky enough to be educated by some of the greatest drummers & teachers to grace the planet. Names like Joe Porcaro (Father and teacher of Jeff Porcaro), Ralph Humphrey (Frank Zappa), Ray Luzier (Korn), Chuck Flores (LA session drummer) and Fred Dinkins(Al Green/ Earth Wind and Fire) to name but a few.
I grew up as a soul/Funk/Acid Jazz drummer and though I have studied many styles what I play with soulfusionseven comes straight from the heart – I never have to think about what I am playing it just happens naturally. SF7 is without doubt the happiest that I have been on the drums for quite some time and I am proud to be an integral part of things today and to play with such a talented line up.
Paul Baker
ManAger / Bookings / Promotions
Paul originates from South London and now lives in Stevenage, he’s been a DJ for many years playing various venues across the UK and currently has a drive time show on Soulvibes Radio. He also manages Soulfusionseven and is in charge of the day to day running of the band and production along with John. His eye for detail for the style of music they play is essential as his knowledge is second to none.
Bookings : soulfusion7band@gmail.com