The Diplomats of Solid Sound

Since the release of their first 7-inch single, "Bullfrog Boogaloo," in 2001, the Diplomats of Solid Sound have been mining America's vast deposits of soul music to create a sound all their own -- a spare-but-spicy groove sired equally by progenitors such as Booker T., James Brown and The Funk Brothers.Now, after three full-length releases as an instrumental outfit, the Diplomats of Solid Sound have expanded the family with a trio of sultry sirens who liked to be called the Diplomettes for a new set of soul stunners they like to call "The Diplomats of Solid Sound, Featuring The Diplomettes." The album will be available on CD and for download from Record Kicks on March 29, 2008.This supercharged new set of prime cuts is a dance party in a jewel box, guaranteed to groove its way into your head and your ass -- and get both moving fast! Its sound is both new and old. Timeless. Soul.Full-length DOSS releases "Instrumental Action Soul" (2001, Prescription Records), "Let's Cool One"(2003, Estrus Records) and "Destination … Get Down!" (2005, Estrus) captured the band in its natural habitat, a dimly lit bar where people appreciate a good smoke, a vodka gimlet and a funky little combo that knows how to get the cats and kittens out of their seats and onto the dance floor. The sound got the boys a gig backing R&B legend Andrew Williams, with whom they cut "Aphrodisiac". It was released by Pravda Records and Spanish label Vampisoul in May, 2006.The Diplomettes bring the sound of The Ikettes, the Raylettes, maybe a little funky Marva Whitney. Now imagine the girls kicking up the perfect soul storm in front of the DOSS' trademark heavy funk artillery. The band polished this new act on a tour of Italy in Summer 2007, then went into Iowa's City's Minstrel Studio to lay down their new soul ravers. It was produced by the band with help from Justin Kennedy and John Svec, and mixed in the UK by Adam Gibbons (a.k.a. Lack of Afro).The group has share stages with Sharon Jones, Robert Walter, Wilco, The New Mastersounds and The James Taylor Quartet and toured in Italy, France, and Spain.DOSS tracks have been played on the John Peel Show and The Craig Charles Funk And Soul Show on The BBC, and have served as soundtrack music for many televsion progams, including "Reaper" (WB Network), "Breaking Bonaduce" (VH1), "Made" (MTV), "My Super Sweet 16" (MTV), "The Osbournes" (MTV), "Parental Control" (MTV), "Punk'D" (MTV), "Room Raiders" (MTV), "Cathouse" (HBO), and "Sons Of Hollywood" (A&E).The Diplomats of Solid Sound are: Nate Basinger - organ Doug Roberson - guitar Jim Viner - drums Eddie McKinley - sax David Basinger - sax Kathy Ruestow - vocals Sarah Cram - vocals Abbie Sawyer - vocals