Mandoki Soulmates

Mandoki Soulmates is a musical project founded by German–Hungarian musician and producer Leslie Mandoki. Considered a supergroup, the project combines the talents of many internationally successful musicians to foster a unique sound, primarily comprising the progressive rock and jazz rock genres.

History
Since their inception in 1992, the Mandoki Soulmates band has evolved into a globally renowned ensemble, a band of bandleaders, with a collective tally of 35 Grammys and over 350 million records sold among them. Over the years, they have collaborated on twelve joint albums and produced numerous live DVDs and Blu-rays, and performed for audiences worldwide, from New York to Shanghai, Sao Paulo to Miami, and major European cities such as London and Paris. Recognizing his instrumental role in shaping the band's success, the German publication Süddeutsche Zeitung aptly dubbed Leslie Mandoki as "The one who plays with the heroes!"

Musicians
Over the years, many notable musicians have played in the Soulmates band, including Chris Thompson (Manfred Mann's Earth Band), John Helliwell (Supertramp), Nick Van Eede (Cutting Crew), Greg Lake (Emerson, Lake & Palmer), Tony Carey (Rainbow), Richard Bona, Cory Henry, Steve Lukather (Toto) and Chaka Khan. Outstanding German musicians such as Peter Maffay, Klaus Doldinger and Till Brönner have also played with the Soulmates on albums and at concerts for many years. A complete listing is below.

Band leader Leslie Mandoki: early life and influences
Leslie Mandoki, recognized for his contributions as a producer for notable artists like No Angels, Lionel Richie, Phil Collins, Jennifer Rush, and projects such as Disney's Tarzan & Mulan, commenced his musical journey at the age of 20 as a member of the band "JAM," performing at Budapest's Bem Rakpart rock club in the early 1970s. This venue served as the epicenter of the Hungarian capital's burgeoning underground scene during those years, which were characterized by intellectual discourse and student resistance against the Soviet-imposed regime's oppressive policies of censorship, surveillance, and travel restrictions. Mandoki's musical style was profoundly shaped by the influential British progressive rock bands of the era, including Jethro Tull, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Genesis, Yes, and Supertramp. These bands were revered for their intellectually stimulating, poetic, and socio-politically charged lyrics, as well as their intricate compositions featuring sophisticated harmonic structures and innovative production techniques. Mandoki also drew inspiration from the vibrant New York jazz-rock fusion scene, particularly influenced by Miles Davis's groundbreaking album "Bitches Brew" and the subsequent emergence of renowned groups like the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Return to Forever, and the Brecker Brothers. Reflecting on his early experiences with JAM, Mandoki recalls his goal was to seamlessly blend the aesthetics of British progressive rock with American jazz-rock.

Years behind the Iron Curtain
During the era of the so-called Iron Curtain, Leslie Mandoki and his band faced significant challenges due to censorship and performance bans in Budapest. As a prominent figure in the musical landscape, Mandoki became a symbol of student opposition in communist Hungary, which led to him being denied a passport. In response, in 1975, he made the bold decision to leave his homeland in pursuit of artistic freedom. Mandoki embarked on a daring escape, traversing the nearly five-mile-long Karawanken Tunnel between then-communist Slovenia and Austria on foot, along with two close friends, musician Laszlo Bencker (who later joined the Mandoki Soulmates band), and artist/animator Gábor Csupó, (later known for The Simpsons and Rugrats). Their journey led them to the central camp for asylum seekers in Zirndorf, Bavaria. When asked about his plans for life in the West by asylum officials, Mandoki expressed his intention to pursue music alongside his idols, including Jack Bruce (Cream), Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), and Al Di Meola (Return to Forever).

Founding of Mandoki Soulmates
Following the poignant advice imparted to him by his father on his deathbed —"Live your dream and don't dream your life!" — in 1992 Mandoki's aspirations bore fruit with the formation of the "People" band (later called Mandoki Soulmates). An illustrious lineup of jazz and rock luminaries collaborated on a joint album, "Out of Key… With the Time." The band's founding members included Ian Anderson, Jack Bruce, Al Di Meola, David Clayton-Thomas (Blood, Sweat & Tears), Bobby Kimball (Toto), Mike Stern, Anthony Jackson, Bill Evans, and Randy and Michael Brecker. Their collective effort yielded the prestigious "Goldene Europa" German television award in 1993 for their debut song "Mother Europe". Subsequently, the band played their first concert at the second annual Sziget/EuroWoodstock Festival in 1994, held in Budapest before an audience of 40,000.

Evolution of the Soulmates
Throughout their journey, the Soulmates have been joined by a plethora of famous musicians. Notable additions to the ensemble include Chris Thompson of Manfred Mann's Earth Band, John Helliwell from Supertramp, Nick Van Eede of Cutting Crew, and Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Additionally, musicians such as Tony Carey from Rainbow, Richard Bona, Cory Henry, Steve Lukather of Toto, and Chaka Khan have lent their talents to the group. Prominent German musicians such as Peter Maffay, Klaus Doldinger, and Till Brönner have been integral collaborators on both albums and live performances for many years.

Complete artists listing 1992–present

 * Leslie Mandoki – vocals, drums, percussion
 * Laszlo Bencker – keyboard, grand piano, Hammond organ
 * Chaka Khan – vocals
 * Ian Anderson – vocals, flute
 * Jack Bruce – vocals, bass
 * Bobby Kimball – vocals
 * David Clayton-Thomas – vocals
 * Chris Thompson – vocals
 * Peter Maffay – guitar, vocals
 * Steve Lukather – guitar, vocals
 * Eric Burdon – vocals
 * Nik Kershaw – guitar, vocals
 * Nick Van Eede – guitar, vocals
 * Al Di Meola – guitar
 * Till Brönner – trumpet
 * Mike Stern – guitar
 * Steve Khan – guitar
 * Randy Brecker – trumpet, flugelhorn
 * Michael Brecker – tenor saxophone
 * Bill Evans – tenor, soprano saxophone
 * John Helliwell – tenor, alto saxophone, clarinet
 * Victor Bailey – bass
 * Anthony Jackson – bass
 * Pino Palladino – bass
 * Greg Lake – guitar, vocals
 * Mick Hucknall – vocals
 * Roger Hodgson – guitar, piano, vocals
 * Udo Lindenberg – vocals
 * Lou Gramm – vocals
 * Jimi Jamison – vocals
 * Midge Ure – guitar, vocals
 * Robin Gibb – vocals
 * Paul Carrack – vocals
 * Peter Frampton – guitar, vocals
 * David Garrett – violin
 * Manfred Mann – keyboards
 * Jon Lord – Hammond organ, piano
 * Jesse Siebenberg – lap steel guitar, vocals
 * Steve Bailey – bass, vocals
 * Richard Bona – bass, vocals

Discography
Albums

As Mandoki (resp. Man Doki)

 * 1992: Out of the Key...With the Time
 * 1997: People in Room No.8
 * 1997: People in Room No.8 - The Jazz Cuts

As People

 * 1993: People
 * 1998: So Far'

As Mandoki Soulmates

 * 2002: Soulmates
 * 2003: Soulmates Classics
 * 2003: Soulmates Jazz Cuts
 * 2004: Soulmates Legends of Rock
 * 2009: Aquarelle
 * 2010: Thank You
 * 2013: BudaBest
 * 2019: Living in the Gap
 * 2019: Hungarian Pictures
 * 2021: Utopia for Realists
 * 2024: A Memory of Our Future

Notable performances
Mandoki Soulmates, led by Leslie Mandoki, performed their first live show in the U.S. during Grammy Week 2018. The concert, titled "Wings of Freedom," took place at the Beacon Theater in New York City on January 29, 2018, and served as a benefit concert for the MusiCares foundation. Mandoki, describing it as a dream come true, credited his exposure to American rock music during his youth behind the Iron Curtain for sparking his passion for rock. The band, comprising Grammy Award-winning jazz and rock artists, delivered impressive musical performances characterized by great improvisations, solos, arrangements, and complexity. The collaboration with MusiCares aligned with Mandoki Soulmates' mission to support musicians in need, reflecting their dedication to giving back to their audience and helping those who require assistance.

Performance and recording philosophy
Mandoki encourages his musical "heroes" to express themselves authentically both in the studio and on stage. Jack Bruce likened Mandoki to Duke Ellington for his uncanny knack of foreseeing each musician's role when composing for the Soulmates. Mike Stern praised his leadership, emphasizing Mandoki's clear vision while also fostering an environment of creative freedom for individual expression. Al Di Meola affectionately dubs him a "Hungarian Quincy Jones" and hails him as the guiding force among musical titans. Ian Anderson concurs, portraying Mandoki as the mastermind orchestrating the ensemble's harmonious collaboration.

Nick Van Eede, founder of Cutting Crew, appreciates the absence of egos and the genuine camaraderie shared among the musicians. He lauds Mandoki's unique ability to unite prominent artists, a sentiment echoed by soul icon Chaka Khan, who extols Mandoki's magical ability to inspire collaboration and synergy among performers. Randy Brecker credits Mandoki as the visionary bandleader, indispensable for realizing the collective artistic vision of the group, emphasizing the profound friendships cultivated within the band. The late Greg Lake, of Emerson, Lake & Palmer fame, succinctly sums up the Soulmates' collective impact, hailing them as "one of the best bands you will ever hear."

Social and political significance
Central to the Soulmates’ mission is the revitalization of progressive jazz rock's socio-political relevance through their music. Mandoki rejects the notion of the Soulmates as mere celebrity-driven hitmakers, emphasizing their status as a dynamic ensemble fueled by creativity. For the Soulmates, music is a conduit for freedom, advocating for artistic integrity and social commentary. This vision entails a fusion of form and substance, characterized by a commitment to addressing socio-political issues through intellectually engaging and poetic lyrics. Mandoki and the Soulmates see music as a potent form of artistic expression, capable of challenging societal norms and sparking change.

Recent projects
Released on May 10, 2024, the band's latest album, "A Memory of Our Future," represents a pivotal moment in their artistic journey. Grounded in a commitment to addressing socio-political issues, this album serves as a platform for delivering meaningful messages to the audience. Embracing a return to analog production techniques, from the initial note to the final vinyl disc, the creative process behind "A Memory of Our Future" has been characterized by a palpable sense of energy and excitement, especially driven by the "old school" process of analog recording. There is also a Dolby Atmos surround-sound version available, mixing the traditional with the latest technology.