Deep Groove Encyclopedia - Fertile Ground

Fertile Ground

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Click below for a Fertile Ground sample:

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Fertile Ground is a soul-jazz group dedicated to uplifting the black spirit with conscious material. The members are singer Natasha Boxley, drummer Marcus Asante and multi-instrumentalist James Collins, who is the leader of the band. Highlighed by Boxley's distinctive vocals, Fertile Ground's sound closely resembles the work of pioneering labels Strata East and Tribe, which has made for a rapidly expanding fan base, particularly in Europe. They recorded two albums for an independent label in their hometown of Baltimore before signing with British label Counterpoint. To establish their identity overseas, their singles have been given the remix treatment by some of the scene's most adventurous producers, expanding their audience to sophisticated dancefloors. With rave reviews coming from the likes of tastemakers Gilles Peterson and Russ Dewbury, Fertile Ground is poised for a major breakthrough with their third album, scheduled for release in 2002.

Fertile Ground's Deepest Grooves

Field Songs (Blackout, 1998)
Impassioned debut with the strong tracks "Patches In the Shade" and "Black Sunshine."

Spiritual War (Blackout, 2000)
A step beyond Field Songs, the performances are more confident, the arrangements are more complex, and the writing seems to have improved. Many future classics in "Be Natural," "Peace and Love," "Broken Branches" and "Misguided Warriors." Necessary consciousness for the 21st century.

Perception (Counterpoint, 2001)
Blend of old and new material marks the introduction of the band to European audiences.

"Peace and Love" b/w "Let the Wind Blow" (Counterpoint, 2001)

"Take Me Higher" b/w "Spiritual War" (Counterpoint, 2001)
Features a remix by man of the moment Kaidi Tatham.

Seasons Change (Blackout, 2002)

Find out more about Fertile Ground at their website, www.blackoutstudios.com.