Keni Stevens
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[edit] History
British born soul singer Keni Stevens is the son of a U.S. serviceman and began his career working in a record shop selling deleted catalogues of classic soul and lovers rock /rock steady/reggae music. Keni first move into music came in the mid 70’s when he joined as lead singer for the group “Raw Energy”. “Raw Energy” members included Alan Cooke (now a British actor starring in “London Bridge”) and Peter Hinds (who went on to play keyboards for 80’s Brit funk band ‘Light of the World’) on keyboards. “Raw Energy” were signed to Conflict Records but disbanded after 18 months of playing gigs up and down the country.
Keni was taken on as A&R man for Conflict Records and being responsible for releasing lovers rock/ rock steady/ reggae classics by artists such as Gregory Isaacs in the UK. Keni also worked as a session singer with artists including Eddy Grant before signing to the Elite label as a solo artist in 1985.
[edit] 'Blue Moods' period
Keni released initially two singles on Elite Records “Night Moves” and “All Day All Night” in 1985 which were well received by the soul crowd and getting picked up by specialist UK radio. This led to much interest in Keni Stevens, who was initially mistaken for being a new US artist. A few majors showed interest at the time, and Polygram Records offered Keni a 2.5 million pound record deal. Keni tells that he declined the offer as he felt he would be restricted by the major and would have to compromise his sound and style to fit the record label, as well as losing his self production.
Keni sticking with Elite Records started recording his debut album “Blue Moods”. Keni described the sessions as being long stretches in the studio and even doing a full 30 hour recording sessions some days. The initial thoughts of the record label were that the album sounded too mellow for the UK market as at the time UK soul was a more upbeat affair with acts like Loose Ends and Junior breaking the UK charts. Keni states at the time he was determined to release the album with or without the label’s backing. To test the water “Too much too Soon” and “Cannot Live Without Your Love” were released as 12inch singles (Too much too soon” on Elite Records and “Cannot Live Without Your Love” on the newly formed Jam Today label ran by Andy Sojka (the man responsible for producing and releasing Level 42's initial singles). To the label’s surprise Keni was proven right, and so paved the way for the release of the classic “Blue Moods” album on the Jam Today label in 1987.
The songs on the “Blue Moods” album were a very passionate affair and soon found its way on top of most DJ playlists. “Cannot live without your love” was featured on many top soul compilations at the time i.e. “Upfront 6” (out on Serious Records), and “Spend the Night” on “Slow Jams 3” (out on Street Sounds).
The “Blue Moods” albums sold over 150,000 copies in the UK alone and over a million worldwide. Which was not bad start for a UK Indie Soul album at the time. The album established Keni Stevens on the soul scene in the UK and the loyal European soul market. Keni also appeared on a few television shows to promote the album such as the now infamous UK 80’s show “Solid Soul”.
Keni Stevens did go on to release two other albums “You” and “Living on the Edge” on the Debut Records label before disappearing in soul history.
"I am often asked if I write songs for anyone in particular. The reaction to my answer tells me whether or not the questioner understands my work. The answer is no. My songs are about adult relationships and situations.
I don't expect you to change anything in your life or relationship because of these songs, I can only hope they might shed some light on some of the things that often go unsaid in relationships. Therefore enjoy the songs and take from them anything you might find applicable to your own situation.
That's what this recording is about and after all, if you've reading this you've probably paid for it!!!"
Taken from Keni Stevens 'You' album inner sleeve.
[edit] Present & Future
Keni seems to be positive and in good spirits about the current revival of quality soul music from the neo-soul from the US to the new breed of UK soul talent. Keni like other musicians has found that new ways of working and promoting his work via the Internet and the Myspace revolution.
Keni has also just recently setup his own label and recording studio “Jam Today”, the original name for the studio/label he recorded his debut “Blue Moods” album. Keni states he and Andy Sojka (original Elite/Jam Today Records Label owner) were good friends, until his untimely death in 2000. Keni is also keen carry on Jam Today’s history and to work and collaborate and develop new artists, and share his knowledge of the music business. Keni is currently working on new tracks which may develop into an album in the future. He is also working with new UK talent Teish O' Day, Chanel Zane Fusco, Suza, 2Planets and Dragon Fly which Keni is very enthusiastic about working with
[edit] Discography
Singles
- 1985 - Night Moves (Elite)
- 1986 - All Day All Night (Elite)
- 1986 - Too Much Too Soon (Elite)
- 1987 - Cannot Live Without Your Love (Jam Today)
- 1988 - Hurt This Way (Debut)
- 1988 - 24-7-365 (Debut)
- 1989 - Sailing (Debut)
Albums
- 1987 - Blue Moods (Jam Today)
- 1988 - You (Debut)
- 1989 - Living on the Edge (Debut)
