Milestone Soul Albums

A Q&A SESSION WITH KENI STEVENS Written by Dalli Samrai

For all those 80’s soul connoisseurs out there only a handful of British soul artists that stood out, in comparison to their US counterparts. Keni Stevens is one of those British soul artists who could have succeeded where other UK soul artists failed, as his unique voice and production could compete with some of Americans finest at the time. However Keni Stevens came and went without getting the full recognition he deserved even with top UK Soul DJ’s like Robbie Vincent, Andy Peebles and Jeff Young backing him.

There was no mistaking the honey-toned voice at the other end of the phone. The same voice that has enraptured UK Soul fans in the classic soul decade that was the 1980’s. Keni Stevens is one of a kind, an artist who has stood the test of time, who has established a unique place in the pantheon of 80’s soul music.

History

British born singer Keni Stevens is the son of a U.S. serviceman and began his career working in a record shop selling deleted catalogues of classic soul and lovers rock/reggae. Keni first move into music came in the mid 70’s when he joined as lead singer for the group “Raw Energy”. “Raw Energy” members included Alan Cooke (now a British actor starring in “London Bridge”) and Peter Hinds (who went on to play keyboards for 80’s Brit funk band ‘Light of the World’) on keyboards. “Raw Energy” were signed to Conflict Records but disbanded after 18 months of playing gigs up and down the country.

Keni was taken on as A&R man for Conflict Records and being responsible for releasing lovers rock/ rock steady/ reggae classics by artists such as Gregory Isaacs in the UK. Keni also worked as a session singer with artists including Eddy Grant before signing to the Elite label as a solo artist in 1985.

“Blue Moods” period

Keni released initially two singles on Elite Records “Night Moves” and “All Day All Night” in 1985 which were well received by the soul crowd and getting picked up by specialist UK radio. This led to much interest in Keni Stevens, who was initially mistaken for being a new US artist. A few majors showed interest at the time, and Polygram Records offered Keni a 2.5 million pound record deal. Keni tells that he declined the offer as he felt he would be restricted by the major and would have to compromise his sound and style to fit the record label, as well as losing his self production.

Keni sticking with Elite started recording his debut album “Blue Moods”. Keni described the sessions as being long stretches in the studio and even doing a full 30 hour recording sessions some days. The initial thoughts of the record label were that the album sounded to mellow for the UK market as at the time UK soul was a more upbeat affair with acts like Loose Ends and Junior breaking the UK charts. Keni states at the time he was determined to release the album with or without the label’s backing. To test the water “Too much too Soon” and “Cannot Live Without Your Love” were released as 12inch singles (Too much too soon” on white label and “Cannot Live Without Your Love” on the Jam Today label). To the label’s surprise Keni was proven right, and so paved the way for the release of the classic “Blue Moods” album on the Jam Today label in 1987.

The songs on the “Blue Moods” album were a very passionate affair and soon found its way on top of most DJ playlists. “Cannot live without your love” was featured on many top soul compilations at the time i.e. “Upfront 6” (out on Serious Records), and “Spend the Night” on “Slow Jams 3” (out on Street Sounds).

The “Blue Moods” albums sold over 150,000 copies in the UK alone and over a million worldwide. Which was not bad start for a UK Indie Soul album at the time. The album established Keni Stevens on the soul scene in the UK and the loyal European soul market. Keni also appeared on a few television shows to promote the album such as the now infamous UK 80’s show “Solid Soul”.

Keni Stevens did go on to release two other albums “You” and “Living on the Edge” on the Debut Records label before disappearing in soul history.

"I am often asked if I write songs for anyone in particular. The reaction to my answer tells me whether or not the questioner understands my work. The answer is no. My songs are about adult relationships and situations.

I don't expect you to change anything in your life or relationship because of these songs, I can only hope they might shed some light on some of the things that often go unsaid in relationships. Therefore enjoy the songs and take from them anything you might find applicable to your own situation.

That's what this recording is about and after all, if you've reading this you've probably paid for it!!!"

Taken from Keni Stevens 'You' album sleeve.

Keni seems to be positive and in good spirits about the current revival of quality soul music from the neo-soul from the US to the new breed of UK soul talent.  Keni like other musicians has found that new ways of working and promoting his work via the Internet and the Myspace revolution.

Keni has also just recently setup his own label and recording studio “Jam Today”, the original name for the studio/label he recorded his debut “Blue Moods” album. Keni states he and Andy (original Jam Today Studio/Label owner) were good friends, until his untimely death in 2000. Keni is also keen carry on Jam Today’s history and to work and collaborate and develop new artists, and share his knowledge of the music business.  Keni is currently working on new tracks which may develop into an album in the future.  He is also working with new UK talent Teish O' Day, Chanel Zane Fusco, Suza, 2Planets and Dragon Fly which Keni is very enthusiastic about working with.

A1. Blue Moods (G.Ingram, K.Stevens)

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A2. Spend The Night  (K.Stevens)

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B1. Night Moves  (A.Sojka)
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B3. Too Much Too Soon  (K.Stevens, R.Morrison, A.Sojka)
 
B4. Cannot Live Without Your Love (K.Stevens)
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Produced By Keni Stevens Co-Produced By Andy Sojka & Graham Ingram
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Engineered By Chris & Paul Madden Front Cover Photography: Brian McIlvenny
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Sleeve Design: Dick Miller, Keni Stevens, Brian McIlveny
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Recorded & Mixed at The Madhouse Publishing.: Lift Music
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Label Code: KENI LP1 Released : 1987
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5-015388-000110

[MUSICIANS:]

Lead Vocals: Keni Stevens

Drum Programmes: Keni Stevens, Graham Ingram,Chris Madden

Bass Guitar: Graham Ingram, Brian McLeish, Alan Gibson

Keyboards: Graham Ingram, Robert Anderson, Roger Morrison, Gray Hughes, Simon Daniels, Keni Stevens

Guitars: Mike Stevens, Andy Sojka, J.P Maunick (Bluey)

Sax: Mike Stevens

Backing Vocals: Keni Stevens, Roger Morrison, Dave Sinclair, Beverley Skeete, CALN, Rosaline Joyce, Astra

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Blue Moods (Jam Today 1987)

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You (Debut 1988)

Living On The Edge (Debut 1989)

http://myspace.com/jamtoday

 
Graphics: Clive Hutchings
 
B2. Passionate  (G.Ingram, R.Anderson)
 
A3. Shine  (G.Ingram, R.Anderson)