Multi-talented and eclectic musician Arp Frique ventures into an unprecedented space in his latest effort. Teaming with The Perpetual Singers, together they craft this astonishingly mind-blowing 7-track project entitled The Gospel of Jesamy. From the title, one might be thinking the obvious but in reality, it's more than meets the eyes and ears. Arp Frique and his team combine a host of sounds ranging from modern P-Funk with retro elements, Gospel, soul, electronic dance sounds, and a dash of Disco oomph. Before we even get to the music, we should dissect the individuals behind this forward-thinking project; we have Brandon Delagraentiss, ‘son of a preacher man’ from Houston, Texas, whose American-style Amsterdam choir, The Gospel Experience supplies some big vocals and who himself shares lead vocal parts with the legendary LA-born singer Rocq-E Harrell. As usual, Arp Frique has his longtime Arp-collaborators Marissa Nyamekye, Marilonah Copra, and many others to help bring the funk circus of Arp Frique & The Perpetual Singers to life.
The project starts with the bass-driven “Elena,” a riveting track that builds on a layered vocal arrangement and a rich composition comprising electric guitar solos, disco-inspired synths, and a retro-Gospel-inspired chorus. The following tracks, “Hold The Line” and “Holy Ghost” featuring Brandon Delagraentiss raise the ante with a combination of disco-soul arrangements, themes centering on praise and worship, adulation, and appreciation of Jesus. No stone is left unturned as Arp Frique and his team of musicians go the extra mile in crafting earworm and soul-lifting compositions while the vocal performances stay true to the Gospel roots and are bold and hypnotic all at once. Likewise on “Save Your Soul,” a bouncy piano-laden piece that harks back to the 80s with a modern Gospel-funk vibe. Other engaging tracks include the laidback funky slap guitars-laden “Father Father” featuring Muriel Blijd and the anthemic featuring “Look Up Johnny” Dennis Bovell. The title track closes out the project and serves as the perfect ending as we get to hear and feel the full power of The Perpetual Singers as they take listeners on a thrilling ride filled with uplifting melodic runs, soul-filling lyrics bolstered by a dynamic backdrop that takes us back to Church.
11 April 2025 – Budapest, HG – Budapest Ritmo
10 May 2025 – Cacéres, SP – Womad
17 May 2025 – Utrecht, NL – Nar Open Air
6 June 2025 – Antwerp, NL – Jazz Middelheim
7 June 2025 – Nijmegen, NL – Drift Festival
8 June 2025 – Amsterdam, NL – Lentekabinet
26-28 June 2025 – Krk, CR – Velvet Festival
4 July 2025 – Kraggenburg, NL – Wilde Weide Festival
11 July 2025 – Rotterdam, NL – North Sea Jazz
8 August 2025 – Gothenburg, SW – Way Out West Festival
9 August 2025 – Oslo, NO – Oya Festival
10 August 2025 – Helsinki, FI – Flow Festival
15-17 August 2025 – England, UK – We Out Here
