Joyful refers to at least two different artists 1. A Soul/Gospel group 2. A modern Dancehall artist (1) New Orleans’ own JOYFUL! has been delivering their own brand of Gospel and Soul to enthusiastic audiences all over the world for more than 3 decades. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, they were privileged to visit some 1000 different cities in more than ten European Countries, fifty festivals and a multitude of clubs. The group was formed in 1980 by duo Alfred and Loretta Caston
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Joyful refers to at least two different artists 1. A Soul/Gospel group 2. A modern Dancehall artist (1) New Orleans’ own JOYFUL! has been delivering their own brand of Gospel and Soul to enthusiastic audiences all over the world for more than 3 decades. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, they were privileged to visit some 1000 different cities in more than ten European Countries, fifty festivals and a multitude of clubs. The group was formed in 1980 by duo Alfred and Loretta Caston, along with father and son team, Jessie and Reginald Veal (former bassist for Wynton Marsalis’ group). Today, the group consists of Alfred Caston, Albert Mickel and Jan Randolph. At home in New Orleans, JOYFUL! started out performing at The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, one of the world’s largest music festivals. It was there, in fact, that they got their first European gig as the festival is a hot spot for promoters the world over. JOYFUL! has authored 7 independent label recordings; several European labels as well as on their own Rampart Street Music label. Their biggest chart songs, to-date, were two classic re-makes. If I Had A Hammer” and “People Get Ready.” Since that time, the group has charted other tunes like “Makin’ It Thru A Storm” and “Don’t Leave Me.”. Their latest releases, “9th Ward Revival” and “Caught In The Middle” are selling well in Europe. In the early nineties, JOYFUL! became a favorite on the Hollywood scene as they often performed at R&B Live, one of California’s most prestigious clubs for the stars and worked with the likes of STACY LATISAW, EARTH, WITH & FIRE, and DOUG E. FRESH, just to name a few. They have played great club venues from New York City to Athens Greece, famous Cathedrals and theatres in Italy, Spain, Poland and Switzerland as well as small churches and venues in the tiny towns of the Czech Republic, Sicily and Sardegna. The group features a four vocal set-up with a four-piece rhythm section. Soul is the main ingredient for this world traveled seven-piece band, which is delivered in huge proportions. Having recently re-opened their offices, after re-building from the damages due to Hurricane Katrina, JOYFUL! is now ready to expand their audiences by presenting themselves to the North American festival market while they continue their efforts in the European market.
