Biography
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Years Active
1996 – present (28 years)
Urbane is a good way to describe Slow Train Soul (formerly Slow Train). This studio duo, featuring Danish superproducer Morten Varano and London vocalist Lady Z (aka Z Star), is super smooth all the way. Their r&b/acid jazz/downtempo sound is beautifully produced, evocative of late nights in big cities. Varano goes for the ultra modern veneer, deftly juxtaposed with Z's haunting flair for bluesy tradition, which dips back to 70s soul and even farther back to Billie Holiday. If you like Massive Attack, Meshell Ndegeocello or Shirley Bassey's work with the Propellerheads, you'll dig their work.
The Slow Train Soul audio adventure is classy, confident and uncompromising. Deep old school funk and jazzy breaks with world music undertones create a very special backdrop but when infused with sharp song writing skills, unforgettable vocal melodies and seamless production the album provides a more accessible sound — nu soul. First single "In the Black of Night" is included as first track off prestigious European Hotel Costes Compilation.
In October 2002 MortenVarano, nominated a Danish Grammy Award in category Best Dance Album of the Year (Puddu Varano/Time to Grow), and Lady Z, electronica alter ego of London based soul jazz singer-songwriter Z Star, began collaborating the jazz-electro act known as Slow Train Soul.
As a recording artist and dance music producer, MortenVarano’s ability to place magic on vinyl is outstanding. With Lady Z, each of the two’s musical roots are used in favor to create their new sound.
In 2002 Lady Z wrote and performed the closing song for the Monologues Celebrity Gala (Royal Albert Hall) and later that year, she joined classical violinist Nigel Kennedy jazz band on their UK/European tour. She also promotes one of London’s most popular New Talent events "Entry Level " (Vibe Bar). Lady Z’s guitar and percussion licks combined with Varano’s classically trained keyboard skills and smooth programming techniques gives the music a dynamic sound. The lyrical storyline takes the listener on a 24hr ride through nocturnal urban realities to blue skied escaping beaches where to reflect and re-energize.
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