Weekend Soul

18/08/2024

On this rather cool Sunday morning it’s again time for Weekend Soul from 11 AM to 1 PM (CET). Toni Varela had the honour to speak with US-vocalist and songwriter Cecily Alexa Bumbray. Some weeks ago, she released her new album “Awakening Pt. II,” on which she explores different aspects of love. Her mellow and sultry soprano, her honest lyrics and her sensibility have delighted many reviewers, and she has won several awards for her music. In the interview she will tell us more about her new album project and her career. We will also talk about politics, because, initially, before she decided to become an artist, she wanted to pursue a career in public service, essentially in the development cooperation sector. Around a quarter to twelve we will be listening to this conversation. And for the rest, we have plenty of new sounds from artists like Marcos Valle, Tamil Rogeon, Thee Sacred Souls, or Tank and the Bangas. And there will be of course time for some soul and funk classics from the 70s and 80s. Tune in to Radio RaBe and enjoy this mid-day in a mellow mood. 🙂

Cecily is a young vocalist and songwriter whose sweet soprano and honest lyrics have garnered attention and loyal fans not only in her native Washington DC, but and up and down the East Coast..

18/08/2024

This Sunday from 11 AM (CET) we will be listening to new music from Washington DC-based vocalist and songwriter Cecily Alexa Bumbray. Toni Varela had a chat with her recently, and we will be broadcasting this interview today just before noon. So, if you want to know more about this talented artist with this mellow and sultry soprano, tune in on Radio RaBe and check out this video. 😊

"I Am Love" by CecilyWritten by Cecily Bumbray and Jacob UngerleiderDirected & Edited by Mignotae Kebede & Mansa JohnsonDirector of Photography: Mansa Johnso...

21/07/2024

Jazz-Funk from Larry & Fonce Mizell, along with new sound from a jazz-funk-project from the UK will be the highlights of today’s Weekend Soul-show from 11 AM (CET) on Radio RaBe. I had the pleasure to talk to Tom O’Grady, pianist, producer, and band-leader of Resolution 88. He will tell us more about his latest release “Vortex,” but also about the moment when he discovered the classic sound of the Mizell brothers, and finally even met and played with Larry Mizell live on stage. We will play two tracks from this great new album. And what else can you expect? Well, we will of course use this opportunity to play some of the greatest songs from the Mizell brothers. But we also have some other exciting new sounds in our playlist today: We will be listening to a brand-new single from Brazilian rapper Laíz, to the new album “Love Heart Cheat Code” from Hiatus Kaiyote, and also to the latest, not yet released single from US-singer-songwriter Jarrod Lawson. Tune in this mid-day and enjoy the music! 😊

23/06/2024

This Sunday from 11 AM (CET) Weekend Soul has two hours of great music to offer for all listeners of the station Radio RaBe. Tune in and discover brand-new sounds from Acantha Lang, Ezra Collective, Jimetta Rose Music, Kelli Sae, Lalah Hathaway, Resolution 88, or Thee Sacred Souls. We will also put on the turntables a great track from the new project “The Modern Jazz & Folk Ensemble” from British saxophonist Sean Khan. Our album-highlight this time is “Find Your Flame” from UK’s afrobeat, jazz and funk nine-piece group Nubiyan Twist, with the guest appearance of guitarist Nile Rodgers. Our real gem from the rare groove spectrum is dedicated to a gorgeous song from Eramus Hall, a fabulous eighties soul & funk band from Detroit. And we will also listen to a yet unreleased disco masterpiece from the late seventies, a collaboration between Brazilian bossa nova-legend Marcos Valle and the pivotal soul producer and composer Leon Ware (see press picture below). And finally, we will make a short musical preview of the 58th Montreux Jazz Festival which will open its doors at the shores of Lake Geneva on July 5th. Pump up the volume of your radio and enjoy the music! 😃

26/05/2024

Weekend Soul will be on air in less than an hour. Between 11 AM and 13 PM (CET) on Radio RaBe we will highlight the new album “Fealress Movement” from saxophonist Kamasi Washington. And we will be listening to new releases from Ambient Jazz Ensemble, Bryony Jarman-Pinto, Nubiyan Twist, and Resolution 88. We further will have a listen to two R&B tracks from the nineties and some old-school stuff from the likes of Jeannie Reynolds, Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson, or Mike Longo. Tune in and enjoy the show. 😃

11/05/2024

Nubiyan Twist played last Thursday at MoodsClub in Zurich. It has been one of the first concerts of their European Tour. It was more than worth it to see them live. What a powerful and groovy performance! 😃

03/05/2024

What a funky performance last Sunday from AdiOasis at Moods Club in Zurich. And the crowd was singing and dancing to her hits. Watch out for her gigs! At the end of July, she will be back in Switzerland for a concert in Lucerne… 🙂
https://www.adioasis.com/

28/04/2024

In today’s show on Radio RaBe from 11 AM to 1 PM (CET) Toni Varela will highlight the album “A Place Between Us” from Swiss Brother-duo Okvsho (see picture below). For their new record, which features Argentinian-Swiss rapper Akira and Haiti-born and Berlin based vocalist Trvania, keyboardist Christoph and drummer Georg founded a new label and created a space where artists converge, exchange ideas and spark collaborations. Relying mainly on jazz influences from South Africa and the UK, Zurich-based multi-instrumentalists make listeners travel though a broad variety of moods, from dreamscape ambience and dance-inducing baile to reggaeton-tinged rhythms. With Okvsho, Zurich is breaking in on the international modern jazz scene. In conversation, Georg and Christoph will tell us more about the genesis of their newest project and about the enigma of their curious band name. It is our first interview in Swiss German so far this year. And what else can you except today? We have new music from akua naru, Hiatus Kaiyote, José James, Nick Marks or Nubiyan Twist. But we will be playing some tasty classics too: Bobby Womack, Kellee Patterson and Johnny Hammond will delight many old-school fans for sure. Join us this midday and enjoy! 😃

13/04/2024

Some impressions from this year's Cully Jazz Festival on the shores of Lake Geneva. 😃

31/03/2024

A quite jazzy session is waiting for you on Radio RaBe this Easter Sunday from 11 AM (CET). We will be on air again for two hours. Our special guest this time is jazz drummer Boris Massot (see picture below) from Geneva. Last month he released his wonderful debut album “Mood Chronicles.” For this project he collaborated with some fellow artists from the local scene like Allan Folliard, but also with some big names from the UK jazz scene, more precisely with pianist Charlie Stacey and bass player Tom Driessler. Earlier this week, Toni Varela had a chat with Boris. In this exclusive interview he will tell us more about his years in London and about how he discovered his passion for the drums and for jazz music in general. What else can you except on this Easter weekend? Obviously, we will play some old-school classics from the seventies and eighties. We have songs from Billy Paul, Carmen McRae, Dianne Reeves Music or Roy Ayers. But there is also space for news from Switzerland, UK, and the US. We have added to our playlist brand-new sounds from Dee C Lee, Cecily Alexa Bumbray, The New Mastersounds, Nubiyan Twist or Okvsho. So, tune in and enjoy this Easter Sunday in a groovy mood. ☺️

27/03/2024

Great song, and wonderful video too. We love it. 😊

29/02/2024

We have a big announcement to make: Trumpeter Keyon Harrold will be our special guest in our next show this Sunday from 11 AM (CET) on Radio RaBe. In January, he released his third studio album “Foreverland.” We will be talking about his latest project, about Miles Davis and so much more. So, if you wish to know more, than make sure not to miss our next show! 😊

Listen to Keyon Harrold’s “Beautiful Day” featuring PJ Morton. From the forthcoming album 'Foreverland’, out January 19th. Vinyl out April 5th.Get signed vi...

29/02/2024

In a few days Weekend Soul will be on air again on Radio RaBe. In the meantime, check out the playlist of our last program. Our special guest last time was Sy Smith. Some weeks ago, she released her fifth studio album “Until We Meet Again.” If you are member, then click on the link below and type your access code to listen to whole interview again. 😊

04/02/2024

Welcome everybody to another Weekend Soul session: On today’s show at 11 AM (CET) on Radio RaBe, soul singer and actress Sy Smith will be our special guest. Last week she released her fifth studio album “Until We Meet Again.” The record, which features trumpeter Chris Botti and drummer Sheila E. as special appearances, was produced by Zo!, Tall Black Guy and Phonte, frontman and co-founder of The Foreign Exchange. Sy’s smooth soprano voice resembles the legendary late Minnie Riperton. And as she told us earlier this week, Minnie is one of her idols, as well as Deniece Williams or Patrice Rushen. Grown out of the thrilling L.A. underground music scene in the 2000’s, Sy Smith has shared stages with nonetheless than Chaka Khan, Macy Gray or Whitney Houston. We had a wonderful talk with her. In our interview she will tell us more about her career and about the famous artist who inspired her in her early childhood to become a singer and musician. And what else do we have today? Well, Toni Varela has added to his playlist new music from AdiOasis, Ashley Henry, Cotonete, Keyon Harrold, Hiatus Kaiyote and Khruangbin. And from the Swiss music scene, we will play new singles from MISS C-LINE and Okvsho. We think these are indeed good reasons for you to tune in this midday… 😉

Provided to YouTube by EMPIRE DistributionSlide · Sy SmithSlide℗ 2023 The Foreign Exchange MusicReleased on: 2023-10-13Producer: Lorenzo FergusonProducer: Ta...

03/02/2024

It has been a true privilege for me (Toni Varela) to see Ashley Henry live on stage at the CAFE BAR MOKKA in Thun earlier this week in a wonderful intimate set. Great artist, great music!

14/01/2024

On January 7th, Weekend Soul was on air for the first time in 2024. Click on the following link to get a glimpse on the full playlist of all tracks played during the show. And remember, if you want to listen to our past shows again, you must be member of Radio RaBe. You can find all information about membership on our homepage (by clicking on the header “Become member”). Thanks for listening or catching up with previous programs!

Alle Sendungen und alle Songs von Radio RaBe zum Nachschlagen und Nachhören

07/01/2024

This Sunday from 11 AM (CET) on Radio RaBe, Weekend Soul will be on air for the first time in 2024. Our highlight this time is Joy Denalane’s (see press pictures below) sixth studio album “Willpower,” on which the German songstress sings about death, birth, endings, and new beginnings. As on her previous album “Let Yourself Be Loved,” which was a commercial success, she worked with producer Roberto Di Gioia, as well as with her partner Max Herre. The album was recorded in Berlin, Bremen, and Munich. We will play two tracks from it. Aside from that, Weekend Soul will be playing new music from Bj THE CHICAGO KID, Dayme Arocena, Ego Ella May, Nubiyan Twist, Sly5thAve or Sy Smith. And finally, we will also pay tribute to two musicians from the US who left us in December: jazz pianist Les McCann and Neo Soul-star Amp Fiddler.

10/12/2023

This last edition of Weekend Soul in 2023, today from 11 AM (CET) on Radio RaBe, is dedicated to all highlights of the show along the year, from January to November. We will be listening to music from the likes of Acantha Lang, AdiOasis (see press picture below), Billy Valentine, Black Pumas, Ezra Collective, Jalen Ngonda, José James, MELONYX, MISS C-LINE, NNAVY music, Secret Night Gang and Yazmin Lacey. And we will hear again some snippets of the interviews that presenter Toni Varela conducted during this 2023. So, join me this mid-day and enjoy the music!

11/11/2023

Tune in to Radio RaBe this Sunday from 11 AM (CET) for another two-hour session of great jazz, funk, and soul music. We’ve got plenty of news from the likes of Ed Motta, Incognito, Joy Denalane, Keyon Harrold, Mama Terra, or MISS C-LINE. And we will also have a listen to an astonishing new compilation from Brazilian jazz giants Flora Purim & Airto Moreira. It is called “A Celebration of 60 Years Sounds, Dreams & Other Stories” and will be out on BBE Music next week. Presenter Toni Varela has chosen an amazing track from the jazz fusion period of the 1970s. And by the way, our album-highlight this time is the new record “Chonicles of a Diamond” from US-band Black Pumas. We have picked to tracks from it. And finally, we will also play some old-school stuff. This time in Weekend Soul’s playlist: a huge classic from The Crusaders with vocalist Randy Crawford, a gorgeous jazz-funk track from Johnny Hammond and a wonderful song from the one and only Gil Scott-Heron. Do not miss the show, because otherwise you possibly will regret it! 😉

“More Than A Love Song” previews the Black Pumas album ‘Chronicles of a Diamond’ which will be released on October 27th. Pre-order limited edition LP, CD and...

14/10/2023

This Sunday from 11 AM (CET), we will showcase the new album of Swiss musician, rapper, and soul-singer MISS C-LINE. Toni Varela had the opportunity to talk to her earlier this week. On Radio RaBe you can hear the full-length interview. Miss C-Line will give us some insights into the genesis of her latest project with “The Rabidz,” the name of the trio who collaborated with her. For her new album, Miss C-Line also managed to work with saxophonist, vocalist, and producer Casey Benjamin from New York (of Robert Glasper fame), who’s vocoder voice can be heard on the track “Burnout.” Click on the following link to know more about this very talented young artist. And don’t forget to tune in tomorrow for more… 😉

IG: https://instagram.com/missclineofficial?igshid=1e0puzygxf5zzFB: https://www.facebook.com/misscline1/TT: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRxxsgBX/Spotify: https://...

23/09/2023

Watch out! BNH are coming to Bern. 😃

22/09/2023

Last Sunday our highlight was the debut record of soul singer Jalen Ngonda. “Come Around And Love Me” was released on Daptone Records on September 8th. We also played new tracks from Black Pumas, Cherise or Yussef Dayes. Click on the link below and check out our playlist. And if you are Radio RaBe member and couldn’t listen to the show live, then you just have to introduce your access code to use our catch-up service. 😉

Alle Sendungen und alle Songs von Radio RaBe zum Nachschlagen und Nachhören

17/09/2023

From Jalen Ngonda's Daptone Debut Album - Come Around and Love Me. Stream/LP/CD: https://daptone.ffm.to/jalenngonda.HEW Director: Casey LiuAssociate Director...

20/08/2023

This Sunday from 11 AM (CET) on Radio RaBe we have got plenty of jazz, funk, and soul to deliver. Weekend Soul is proud to present new music from ColeWilliams, Gary Beals Music, Kurt Elling, Menagerie or Terrace Martin. We also have added a track from Stevie Wonder’s seminal opus “Songs in The Key of Life” and Esther Phillips’ version of a Gil Scott-Heron classic. From Switzerland we will play a tune from NNAVY’s recent EP “No Promises” and a new single from Zurich-based Okvsho. But our featured guest this time is New Orleans native and London-based soul artist Acantha Lang (see press picture below). In June she released her brilliant debut album “Beautiful Dreams.” In conversation she will tell us more about her new project. For her it is “a dream come true,” as she told presenter Toni Varela in an interview earlier this week. Do not miss the show today. Tune in at eleven and enjoy the music!

19/08/2023

Do you like soul music with deep roots in the Southern blues tradition? Then you might be interested in listening Weekend Soul’s next show. This Sunday from 11 AM (CET) we will feature as special guest New Orleans-native and London-based soul artist Acantha Lang. In June she released her debut album “Beautiful Dreams.” She said to me that this record is a “dream come true.” Toni Varela’s interview with Acantha will be on air just before noon on Radio RaBe. Tune in tomorrow for more songs and statements from Acantha… As an appetizer, please watch this beautiful video of the track “It’s Gonna Be Alright.” 😊

The official music video for my new single 'It’s Gonna Be Alright’Listen to ‘It’s Gonna Be Alright’ here: https://acantha.me/itsgonnabealright.OYDFOLLOW ACAN...

12/08/2023

Wow, Bluey aka Jean-Paul Maunick’s Incognito are announcing a new album! Very much looking forward to that! 😃

New album💿release... yes, it is coming... 🤩save the date 20 October, 2023👈🏾
1st US single from Shanachie Entertainment "Back On The Beach" ⛱ is the album's smoothest cut... 🏄🏾‍♀️catch the wave🌊🩵💙

Kevin Robinson

25/06/2023

Weekend Soul’s Toni Varela has left the studios of Radio RaBe this afternoon at 1 PM after a two-hour session of jazz, funk, and soul music, from the latest releases to the beginning of the seventies. Our highlight this time was “Belongs On A Place Called Earth,” the second studio album of Secret Night Gang from Manchester (see press picture below). The beautifully arranged album manages to combine a soulful sound with classy jazz and funk rhythms. We have played two tracks from this brand-new release. What else did we play? Well, some classics from Carmen McRae, Randy Crawford, and Teena Marie, as well as a funky tune from The Fatback Band from the mid-seventies. And we had another bunch full of news, mainly from Great Britain, but also from Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Italy: Nicola Conte is about to release his new album “Umoja,” Nick Marks has just dropped his third single in a row, the gorgeous “Paradiso,” London-based singer Kyra recently presented her EP “As Things Grow,” Aphrose from Toronto catches our attention with her wonderful new single “Good Love,” and Dora Morelenbaum’s band Bala Desejo recently published their new album “Sim Sim Sim,” a phantastic combination of bossa nova, soul, and rock music. Click here for a quick view of the songs played today: https://archiv.rabe.ch/2023/06/25;time=110000

30/04/2023

30/04/2023

Four weeks ago, Toni Varela played new music on Radio RaBe from artists like AdiOasis, Jarrod Lawson, Kurt Elling, Lonnie Liston smith, Mark de Clive-Lowe & Melanie Charles, or Grammy-Award-winner Samara Joy. Among the classic 70's tunes, we've played great funk songs from The Isley Brothers and Chocolate Mlik. My album highlight was Billy Valentine’s new album with The Universal Truth, an outstanding review of the great Afro-American songbook. Follow the link below to get the full list of the tracks played. 🙂

Alle Sendungen und alle Songs von Radio RaBe zum Nachschlagen und Nachhören