TOSHI

Can you hear with your eyes closed?Forget everything your mind, your society, or your community have told you about what soul music looks like. Forget it all because it doesnt have a color. There is only a sound. And Toshi has mastered the sound of souleven though he hails from a land 7,000 miles away from the birthplaces of soul music.As a singer and producer, Toshi has become a household name is his native Japan and has sold over ten million records worldwide. Its fitting that Toshis now come full circle to release a soul album follow up to his critically acclaimed album, Nothing But Your Love from Epic Records in July 2000. Time To Share the focus remains on Toshis production and voice with notable appearances by Mos Def, and Angie Stone, who co-wrote and produced 5 tracks on this album. The First radio single from the album Breaking Through produced by Philly soulsters, Ivan Barius & Carvin Haggins, is the perfect introduction to an album rich in Soul R&B and hip hop. The kinship is evidence on, Hold Me Down, on which Angie and Toshi engage in a sweet duet. All differences aside, they are truly a natural pair. Musically, its a mellow, lush groove with similar backing vocals. And Angies incredible vocals bring out the best Toshis as well.After one listen to Toshis emotionally charged album, there will be one obvious question. How? How does a man born and raised in one of the most homogenous countries in the world pick up the vocal styling that originated in the American Deep South? How? How can he master the feeling, the effect, and the essence?You can ask. But be prepared. Toshi will sit back in his chair, run his fingers through his hair and sigh. Hell close his eyes for a minute and think. And then he may try to explain, in his halting Japanese accent. Whenever people ask me that kind of question, its very tough for me to answer because I have no reason. Its very natural.Listen without prejudice. Surrender to the soul. Experience the wonder that is Toshi... width="425" height="350" ....