# Mandoki Soulmates

Mandoki Soulmates is a musical project founded by German-Hungarian musician and producer Leslie Mandoki. The project is often described as a supergroup, combining the talents of many international musicians to create a sound primarily consisting of progressive rock and jazz-rock fusion genres.

## History

Since its inception in 1992, the Mandoki Soulmates have collaborated on twelve joint albums and produced numerous live DVDs and Blu-rays, performing for audiences in New York, Shanghai, Sao Paulo, Miami, and European cities such as London and Paris. The band includes musicians who collectively have won 35 Grammy Award-winning and sold over 350 million records. The German publication Süddeutsche Zeitung referred to Leslie Mandoki as "The one who plays with the heroes!"

## Musicians

Many 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. German musicians such as Peter Maffay, Klaus Doldinger and Till Brönner have also played with the Soulmates on albums and in concert. A complete listing is below.

## Band leader Leslie Mandoki: early life and influences

Leslie Mandoki, known as a producer for artists like No Angels, Lionel Richie, Phil Collins, Jennifer Rush, and projects such as Disney's Tarzan & Mulan, began his musical career at age 20 as a member of the band "JAM," performing at Budapest's Bem Rakpart rock club in the early 1970s. This venue was the center of the Hungarian capital's 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 shaped by British progressive rock bands such as Jethro Tull, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Genesis, Yes, and Supertramp. These bands include poetic themes and socio-politically charged lyrics in their composition. Mandoki also drew inspiration from the New York jazz-rock fusion scene, particularly influenced by Miles Davis's album "Bitches Brew" and groups like the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Return to Forever, and the Brecker Brothers. Mandoki recalls his goal with JAM was to blend British progressive rock with American jazz-rock.

## Years behind the Iron Curtain

During the era of the Iron Curtain, Leslie Mandoki and his band faced challenges due to censorship and performance bans in Budapest. Mandoki became a symbol of student opposition in communist Hungary, leading to the denial of a passport. In 1975, he left his homeland, traversing the nearly five-mile-long Karawanken Tunnel between then-communist Slovenia and Austria on foot, with 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, 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 advice from his father — "Live your dream and don't dream your life!" — in 1992 Mandoki formed the "People" band (later called Mandoki Soulmates). Musicians 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, Randy Brecker and Michael Brecker. They received the "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 many musicians, including 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 worked with the group, as well as German musicians such as Peter Maffay, Klaus Doldinger, and Till Brönner.

## Complete artists listing 1992–present

* Leslie Mandoki – vocals, drums, percussion
* Laszlo Bencker – keyboardist, 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 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 musical performances. The collaboration with MusiCares aligned with Mandoki Soulmates' mission to support musicians in need.

## Performance and recording philosophy

Mandoki encourages his musical collaborators to express themselves authentically both in the studio and on stage. Jack Bruce compared Mandoki to Duke Ellington for his ability to foresee each musician's role when composing for the Soulmates. Mike Stern commented on his work, emphasizing Mandoki's focus on creative freedom. Al Di Meola calls him a "Hungarian Quincy Jones" and labels him as the guiding force. Ian Anderson portrays Mandoki as contributor the ensemble's collaboration.
Nick Van Eede, founder of Cutting Crew, has also commented on Mandoki's ability to work with artists. Chaka Khan notes Mandoki's work on inspiring collaboration and synergy. Randy Brecker credits Mandoki as the bandleader and emphasizes the friendships cultivated within the band. Greg Lake, of Emerson, Lake & Palmer said they are "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 emphasizes their status as a dynamic ensemble fueled by creativity, rather than as a celebrity-driven group. The Soulmates' music is driven by the members beliefs that music should be a conduit for freedom, a way to advocate for artistic integrity, and as a platform for social commentary through the use of lyrics.

## Recent projects

Released on May 10, 2024, the band's latest album, "A Memory of Our Future," focuses on a commitment to addressing socio-political issues. Embracing a return to analog production techniques, from the initial note to the final vinyl disc, the process behind "A Memory of Our Future" has been characterized by energy and excitement, especially driven by the "old school" process of analog recording. There is also a Dolby Atmos surround-sound version available.