tag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:/blogs/news?p=2News2023-12-19T05:16:02-08:00Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagefalsetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/73212792023-12-19T05:16:02-08:002023-12-19T05:16:02-08:00CFM Vol.3 featured on Sonic Soul Reviews! Germany <h1><strong>NON STOP DANCING mit U-NAM & THE CALIFORNIA FUNK MACHINE VOL. 3 – DISCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS VOL: 4</strong></h1><div class="entry-meta" style='-webkit-text-size-adjust:auto;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:transparent;border-width:0px;color:rgb(119, 119, 119);font-family:"Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, "Nimbus Sans L", sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:auto;padding:0px;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;'>
<span>Publiziert am</span> <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.sonicsoulreviews.com/2023/12/18/non-stop-dancing-mit-u-nam-the-california-funk-machine-vol-3-discoholics-anonymous-vol-4/" title="19:27" rel="bookmark"><span>18. Dezember 2023</span></a> <span>von</span> <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.sonicsoulreviews.com/author/jms/" title="Zeige alle Beiträge von js"><span>js</span></a>
</div><div class="entry-content" style='-webkit-text-size-adjust:auto;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:transparent;border-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(51, 51, 51);clear:both;color:rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Georgia, "Bitstream Charter", serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:auto;padding:12px 0px 0px;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;'>
<p><img src="http://www.sonicsoulreviews.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/U-Nam-CFM--300x300.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="300" /> <img src="http://www.sonicsoulreviews.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Discoholics-Anonynmous-4-300x300.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="300" width="300" /><br>Was bleibt? Bevor sich des Pudels Kern zu erkennen gibt, werden weitere Tage und Nächte ins Land gehen, deren Ausgestaltung sich aktuell auf die eingeübten Ritualen diverser Jahresend-Festivitäten beschränkt. Immer locker bleiben. Geht selbstredend besonders gut von der Hand, wenn der Rhythmus stimmt. Wissen wir nicht erst seitdem der James Last den Altvorderen mittels seines Non-Stop-Dancing Frohsinns ordentlich Zunder gegeben hat. Auf ähnlichen Schienen läßt der <strong>U-NAM</strong> regelmäßig seine Gitarre gleiten – <strong>THE CALIFORNIA FUNK MACHINE</strong> nennt der Franzose sein Konzept, auf dem er bestens aufgelegte Musiker wohl selektierte Soul/Disco/Funk KLassiker zum Besten geben lässt. Natürlich im hochglänzenden U-NAM Sound, natürlich in jedem Takt auf den Punkt, natürlich mit der vor-installierten Tanz-Garantier. Der dritte Teil dreht gerade gut geölt seine Runden. Zum Feste nur das Beste – nach diesenm Motto stellen die <strong>DISCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS</strong> die vierte Folge ihrer Mix-Edits auf die Tanzfläche. Zum Einstieg lässt uns der Dice_NZ seine „Keep Forgettin'“ Bearbeitung hören – und hat uns damit gleich am Haken. Und ab geht’s dafür!</p>
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<p>Visit the website:</p>
<p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.sonicsoulreviews.com/2023/12/18/non-stop-dancing-mit-u-nam-the-california-funk-machine-vol-3-discoholics-anonymous-vol-4/?fbclid=IwAR0ygJPyUJ3qWIqPBN0IXcl6AwV-6Tz7dJHcZxcsEH5Y50OBX57340qFEsQ_aem_Ad8aL5jk6gYpuG_C7IRAJVEsroG-06DxpLKETDIcCAa0xL_DJzoyMrA0aLkyK_-gobA" data-link-type="url">https://www.sonicsoulreviews.com/2023/12/18/non-stop-dancing-mit-u-nam-the-california-funk-machine-vol-3-discoholics-anonymous-vol-4/</a></p>
</div>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/73144052023-12-04T13:09:43-08:002023-12-04T13:09:43-08:00CFM Vol.3 featured on SoulandJazzandFunk.com - CALIFORNIA FUNK… ENCORE!<img src="https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/U-Nam-CFM3-ArtworkCover.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="350" width="350" /><div class="entry-content" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust:auto;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;box-sizing:border-box;caret-color:rgb(0, 0, 0);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);counter-reset:footnotes 0;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:auto;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;">
<p>Los Angeles-based soul and jazz guitar man U-NAM (Emmanuel Abiteboul) is a busy old bee! He juggles all kinds of projects – one of which is his THE CALIFORNIA FUNK MACHINE – a soul/funk collective that features an ever-evolving raft of top musicians. The outfit have two albums to their name – imaginatively titled ‘California Funk Machine Volume 1’ and ‘California Funk Machine Volume 2’ and now, just in time for the Christmas party season, U-Nam and the gang are unleashing a third album – and guess what? Yep, it’s ‘California Funk Machine Volume 3’</p>
<p>Like their first two volumes this third iteration is a collection of soul and funk covers – some more well known than others. Amongst the better known outings are versions of Kool and the Gang’s ‘Celebration’ (powerful vocal from Tony Tatum here), George Benson’s ‘Turn Your Love Around’ and Kenny Thomas/the Gap Band’s ‘Outstanding’. You can enjoy two versions of that one, by the way; the original and a “guitar version” on which, U-Nam, the ring master, shows off his licks.</p>
<p>Amongst the lesser known items are Chic’s ‘City Lights’ and the Manhattan Transfer’s ‘Spice Of Life’… what a great tune that one is – just perfect for this ensemble. But maybe the biggest “cuckoo” in this volume’s nest is a song called ‘Its Good To Be The King’. Dedicated music anoraks might know that the song originated back in 1981 and was inspired by the Mel Brooks’ spoof movie, ‘History of the World’ . ‘It’s Good To Be The King’ is essentially a rap – my preview copy doesn’t reveal the name of the rapper here but he does a great old school job on a track that was originally written by Pete Wingfield in the manner of the Sugarhill Gang et al. Its inclusion adds an element of surprise to what is a collection of eleven joyous party anthems. It’s released December 8<sup>th</sup> via Skytown Records. </p>
<p>Bill Buckley - <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/news/california-funk-encore/" data-link-type="url">Soulandjazzandfunk.com</a><span> </span></p>
</div><div class="col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-xs-12 blog-meta text-uppercase margin-top-20 padding-top-25 padding-bottom-25 border-top-mid-gray alt-font post-details-tags-main no-padding-lr paperio-meta-border-color" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust:auto;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;border-color:rgb(57, 62, 70);border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(255, 255, 255);float:left;font-family:Montserrat, sans-serif;font-size:11px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-top:20px;min-height:1px;orphans:auto;padding:25px 0px !important;position:relative;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:uppercase;white-space:normal;widows:auto;width:850px;word-spacing:0px;"> </div>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/73026742023-11-12T11:30:43-08:002023-11-12T11:30:43-08:00U-Nam's brand new side project "U-Nam + The Sweet Bandits" debut single "Wild Cards + Smoking Guns" - Out Now!<p>[Los Angeles, CA, 10/01/23] </p><p><strong>U-Nam</strong>, the internationally acclaimed musician and guitar virtuoso, celebrated for his collaborations with legends such as <strong>Barry White, Kool & the Gang, George Duke, and Marcus Miller,</strong> is embarking on a musical odyssey that transcends genres.</p><p>The maestro is set to defy musical boundaries and captivate audiences anew with his latest project band, introducing <strong>"U-Nam + The Sweet Bandits".</strong> Their debut single, <i><strong>"Wild Cards + Smoking Guns",</strong></i> is not just a song; it's a captivating story of love and loss, artfully crafted by <strong>U-Nam</strong>, who also arranged, produced, and played all the instruments, including the evocative banjo. The hauntingly beautiful vocals are provided by <strong>Christine Corless</strong>, a seasoned vocalist and artist based in Nashville.</p><p> </p><p>Hailing from <strong>Paris, France, U-Nam</strong>'s journey took a significant turn when he relocated to the <strong>USA</strong> in 2008. His arrival marked a renaissance in the world of Smooth Jazz, as he not only took center stage but also established himself as a producer, re-mixer, and the visionary behind <strong>Skytown Records</strong>, his niche label that reshaped the genre.</p><p> </p><p>From the outset of his career as a sought-after session player, <strong>U-Nam</strong> ascended the ranks rapidly, amassing Gold and Multi-Platinum records for his contributions to iconic acts like <strong>Barry White</strong> and <strong>Kool & the Gang</strong>. In 2005, he embarked on a solo career with the critically acclaimed <i><strong>"The Past Builds the Future".</strong></i> However, it was upon his move to <strong>Los Angeles</strong> that he reached new heights with the release of <i><strong>"Back From the 80’s".</strong></i> The album, featuring the chart-topping hit <i><strong>"Street Life", </strong></i>dominated the <strong>US Billboard</strong> Charts for months, leaving an indelible mark.</p><p> </p><p><strong>U-Nam</strong>'s journey continued with <i><strong>"Unamimity"</strong></i> (featuring the <strong>US Billboard</strong> Top 30 hit <i><strong>"Shine On"</strong></i>) in 2009 and the sensational <i><strong>"C'est Le Funk"</strong></i> in 2014. A pinnacle moment came with his tribute to <strong>George Benson</strong>, <i><strong>"Weekend In LA – A Tribute To George Benson",</strong></i> which not only reached <strong>#1</strong> on <strong>iTunes Japan</strong> for Jazz but also received <strong>Grammy</strong>consideration with 10 entries spanning 6 categories.</p><p> </p><p>For over two decades, <strong>U-Nam</strong> has been captivating audiences worldwide with his electrifying live performances, touring the <strong>US</strong> and headlining major Jazz and R&B festivals. His remarkable journey as a solo artist and performer has solidified his status as a music luminary."</p><p> </p><p>In 2018, <strong>U-Nam</strong> unveiled <i><strong>"The Essential Collection",</strong></i> and in 2019, he released the cathartic <i><strong>"Future Love",</strong></i> an album that landed at <strong>#20</strong> on the <strong>Billboard Top 25</strong> Jazz Albums Chart, earning top spots on <strong>Amazon</strong> and <strong>iTunes</strong> Jazz charts. </p><p> </p><p>Fast forward to 2023, and <strong>U-Nam</strong>'s creative genius remains undiminished. His latest venture, <i><strong>“Sunshine Of Mine”</strong></i>featuring the hit singles<i><strong> "Juicy Smile", "Make a Wish", </strong></i>and <i><strong>"It's Only Love",</strong></i> all staples on <strong>Sirius XM Watercolors</strong>, reaffirms his prominent position in Smooth Jazz.</p><p> </p><p>Noteworthy Achievements:</p><p>• Numerous Gold & Platinum Albums and Singles as a Producer & Remixer (e.g., Double Platinum Album <strong>Barry White</strong><i><strong>"The Ultimate Collection"</strong></i>).</p><p>• <strong>#1</strong> Funk Best Seller on <strong>Amazon US</strong> with <strong>U-Nam & California Funk Machine</strong> <i><strong>"Volume 1".</strong></i></p><p>• Multiple songs in the <strong>Top 30 Billboard</strong> Smooth Jazz National Airplay.</p><p>• <strong>#1</strong> on <strong>iTunes</strong> Jazz in <strong>Japan</strong> and <strong>US</strong> with <i><strong>"Weekend in L.A - A Tribute to George Benson".</strong></i></p><p>• <i><strong>"Future Love"</strong></i> (2019) reached <strong>#20</strong> on the <strong>Billboard</strong> Top 25 Jazz Albums Chart.</p><p>• <i><strong>"Sunshine of Mine"</strong></i> (2023) debuted at <strong>#1</strong> on Smooth Jazz New Release and <strong>#3</strong> on Smooth Jazz Overall Best Seller on <strong>Amazon US</strong>.</p><p> </p><p><strong>U-Nam</strong>, a mainstay on <strong>Sirius XM</strong>'s <strong>Watercolors</strong> channel for decades, is not just an artist; he's a cherished member of the <strong>Sirius</strong> <strong>XM</strong> family. His latest endeavor, the band <strong>"U-Nam + The Sweet Bandits",</strong> is poised to redefine the music landscape once more. With the fusion of Country Pop and a touch of the Wild West into his signature sound, this project marks a transformative moment in his illustrious career. The artist's unwavering commitment to artistic innovation and his fearless approach to music continue to inspire fans worldwide.</p><p> </p><p>Their debut single, <i><strong>"Wild Cards + Smoking Guns",</strong></i> is not just a song; it's a captivating story that transports listeners to the Wild West, with <strong>U-Nam</strong>'s masterful storytelling and <strong>Christine Corless</strong>'s enchanting vocals. The song combines vivid imagery with a gripping exploration of a toxic relationship, making it a powerful and evocative narrative. </p><p>In addition to the single release, there will also be a visually stunning lyrics video that goes beyond traditional lyrics videos. This video includes captivating graphics and footage that artfully tells the story of the song, providing a visually immersive experience for listeners."</p><p> </p><p><i><strong>“Wild Cards + Smoking Guns"</strong></i> is set to drop on October 6, 2023. This genre-blending masterpiece can be found on all major streaming platforms, including <strong>Spotify</strong>, <strong>Apple Music</strong>, and <strong>Amazon Music</strong>.</p><p>###</p><p> </p><p>About <strong>U-Nam + The Sweet Bandits</strong>:</p><p><strong>"U-Nam + The Sweet Bandits"</strong> is the latest project led by <strong>U-Nam</strong>, the world-renowned musician and guitarist extraordinaire, celebrated for his pioneering work in Contemporary Jazz, R&B, Soul, Funk, and now Country Pop. With an impressive career spanning decades and a string of chart-topping hits, <strong>U-Nam + The Sweet Bandits</strong> bring a fresh, genre-blending perspective to the music scene. Their debut single, <i><strong>"Wild Cards + Smoking Guns",</strong></i> is a storytelling masterpiece that combines Wild West imagery with a gripping exploration of a toxic relationship. For more information, visit <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.thesweetbandits.com/"><span style="color:#0000e9;"><u>www.thesweetbandits.com</u></span></a>.</p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/71585202023-02-22T07:59:28-08:002023-10-16T08:01:56-07:00First (and wonderful) of "Sunshine of Mine" Album on SoulandJazzandFunk website!<section><div class="container-fluid" style="box-sizing:border-box;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-left:15px;padding-right:15px;"><div class="row" style="box-sizing:border-box;margin-left:-15px;margin-right:-15px;"><div class="col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-xs-12 text-center" style="box-sizing:border-box;float:left;min-height:1px;padding-left:15px;padding-right:15px;position:relative;text-align:center !important;width:2395px;">
<h2><strong>YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE….</strong></h2>
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<li style="text-align:center;">FEBRUARY 22, 2023</li>
<li style="text-align:center;">BY <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/author/bill/">BILL BUCKLEY</a>
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<p><span style="color:#000000;">Prolific, French-born, Los Angeles-based soul and jazz guitar man U-NAM (Emmanuel Abiteboul) is lining up a new album for release in early March. It’s called ‘Sunshine Of Mine’ and after the winter we’ve all just endured, we could do with plenty of that good ‘ole sunshine!</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">The long player is a ten tracker, though the title track is offered across two mixes. Eight of the tunes are originals with the covers being versions of Jon Lucien’s 1983 hit ‘Come With Me To Rio’ and Barry White’s ‘It’s Only Love’ which features Kim Chandler on sweet backing vocals. Both covers sit perfectly amongst the originals of which ‘Make A Wish’ has been chosen as the album’s lead single. This is smooth jazz guitar as it’s meant to sound – sweet and lovely, a proper 90s throwback! Mind you, you could say that about almost anything here. Try the tight and funky ‘First Class’, the high octane ‘Hang On To A Star’ or the obvious Latin groove of ‘Baile Do Brasil’.</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">The album’s focus cut, of course, is the title tune. It’s a melodic, easy going piece that was inspired by the love the guitar man has for his six year old son Myles who, U-Nam says is “<i>quite literally, is the sunshine of his life</i>.” The mellower ‘Little Dreamer’ is also inspired by Myles as is the cover art work, above.</span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:#000000;"><i><strong>U-NAM’S Sunshine Of Mine’ I released early March via Skytown Records.</strong></i></span></p>
<p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/news/you-are-my-sunshine-3/" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#000000;"><i><strong>https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/news/you-are-my-sunshine-3/</strong></i></span></a></p>
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</div></div></div></section>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/70367102022-08-12T11:42:42-07:002022-08-12T11:42:42-07:00CFM Volume 2 is #3 on the UK Radios Soul Chart!!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598423/e2d0692d6cc9cf532b608c053cc1a543cc161316/original/uksoulchart-3.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/70284272022-08-01T12:58:53-07:002022-08-01T12:59:11-07:00New review of CFM Volume 2 on SmoothJazz.de.<p>Read the whole review on:</p>
<p><a contents="http://www.smooth-jazz.de/InFokus/CFM/Volume2.htm" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.smooth-jazz.de/InFokus/CFM/Volume2.htm">http://www.smooth-jazz.de/InFokus/CFM/Volume2.htm</a></p>
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<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598423/93f605fa5d3254f411a7f1738835d45a546e1305/original/cfm-vol2-smoothjazz-de.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/70250572022-07-27T14:19:14-07:002022-07-27T14:19:15-07:00Volume 2 has just entered directly at #20 on the Solar Radio Top30 Chart!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598423/21809bbe6488316cd8bcb69fc2f8778a54f4c19d/original/img-8582.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="http://www.solarradio.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.solarradio.com"><strong>http://www.solarradio.com</strong></a></p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/70235272022-07-25T17:27:48-07:002022-07-25T17:27:48-07:00Great review of CFM Volume 2 on SoulandJazzandFunk.com<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598423/edbe1d3238d9e9b5a116aed7f656a6006ed07c8c/original/soul-jazz-funk-logo.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Back in February French-born, Los Angeles-based soul and jazz guitar man U-NAM (Emmanuel Abiteboul) unleashed THE CALIFORNIA FUNK MACHINE, a soul collective that includes players like bassist Freddie Washington, drummer Michael White, keyboardist Wayne Linsey (both ex-Maze) and vocalists Marva King (ex-Stevie Wonder band), Frank Burke (ex-Heatwave) , Tony Tatum and Tom Owens. Those stellar players/artist were augmented by a full brass and string sections. The big, big band delivered a collection of classic 70s and 80s funk, disco and soul classics like ‘Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now’, ‘Boogie Down’ and ‘September’. With fresh new arrangements that managed to retain the class of the originals and new flourishes and licks (notably U-Nam’s jazzy guitar), the faithful old songs had new vigour, energy and impact. </p>
<p>The album was so successful that it was a no-brainer to record a second volume and ‘California Funk Machine Volume 2’ has just been launched. The recipe and repertoire is much the same as volume 1 save that all the selected tunes this time come from the 80s. U-Nam is once again the ring master. As well as arranging both horns and strings, he also produced and arranged the entire album. As well as that he plays lead and rhythm guitars, talk box, vocoder, bass, Moog bass, Rhodes, clavinet, synth guitar, keyboards, drums, and horn programming! Many of the core musicians from Volume I grace the new project with the addition of people like of sometime Crusader keyboardist Bill Steinway, pianist Bob Baldwin and drummer Jorel Flynn. </p>
<p>The new collection’s first single was a cover of Herbie Hancock’s ‘Rockit’. For the new version U-Nam called on LA based DJ, composer, music producer, remixer, and sound designer DJ Puzzle to craft the same sort of vibe that Hancock created with DJ Grand Mixer DXT. And that should give you the flavour of what the album’s all about – updating (respectfully) the classics! </p>
<p>Amongst the other selected songs are Kool and the Gang’s ‘Be My Lady’, Dayton’s ‘Sound Of Music’, George Duke’s ‘Reach Out’ and a largely instrumental version of Maze’s ‘Can’t Get Over You’ on which U-Nam proves his mastery of the soul/jazz guitar while the song section and treatment show once again that the California Funksters don’t “do” the obvious and predictable! What they do do though is deliver soul and funk in spades! </p>
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<p>For more visit <a contents="https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/news/california-keeps-funkin/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/news/california-keeps-funkin/">https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/news/california-keeps-funkin/</a></p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/70228232022-07-24T20:30:36-07:002022-07-24T20:30:37-07:00California Funk Machine - Volume 2 - #1 New Release Funk on Amazon!!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598423/c5903ac9d1a1cf55467035ca3796990406b6cf86/original/1newreleassfunk.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/70207322022-07-22T20:47:03-07:002022-07-22T20:47:04-07:00Volume 2 is already #1 & #9 on the UK Soul Buzz Radios Top20!!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598423/7dc0bce10b1f69d4871d1334163033096bec8cff/original/img-8539.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598423/9c705e27f6a2a8409b2e2d508e9d9cd3e7c41cb3/original/img-8540.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/70179202022-07-19T10:25:27-07:002022-07-19T10:29:32-07:00U-Nam's new Smooth Jazz single "Make a Wish" on Soul&Jazz&Funk.com<p><span class="font_large">Latest offering from soul-jazz guitar man U-NAM is a lovely 90s- flavoured, groove heavy instrumental ‘Make A Wish’. It’s smooth and sophisticated and is sure to set feet tapping and heads nodding – a proper summery vibe! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Clever old Emmanuel; he handles lead & rhythm guitars, bass, keyboards, horns and programming on the track. On top of that he wrote, produced, arranged, mixed and mastered the whole package. He had a little help from Raymond Gimenes who concocted the string arrangement that is played out by Lyudmila Kadyrbaeva on cello and Maria Grig on violin and viola. Percussion come courtesy of Larry Salzmann and between them they craft an uplifting breeze-chasing groove! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">U-Nam’s ‘Make A Wish’ will b e god to go from early August via Skytown Records.</span></p>
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<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/news/wishful-thinking/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/news/wishful-thinking/">https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/news/wishful-thinking/</a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598423/4a15f0f1bbf0c886cfdf716b7c2c149055c000c6/original/u-nam-makeawish-artworkcover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/69505282022-04-17T19:20:59-07:002022-04-17T19:20:59-07:00"Rockit Man!" - Brand new single review on Soul, Jazz and Funk.com!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598423/36f254150ea53faa345fb21921fff5f275a180ed/original/ucfm-rockit-artworkcover.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Back in February we were delighted to report on THE CALIFORNIA FUNK MACHINE, a soul collective that was marshalled by French-born, Los Angeles-based soul and jazz guitar man U-NAM. Other members of the “machine” included bassist Freddie Washington, drummer Michael White, keyboardist Wayne Linsey (both ex-Maze) and vocalists Marva King (ex-Stevie Wonder band), Frank Burke (ex-Heatwave) , Tony Tatum and Tom Owens… oh, and a full brass and string section! </p>
<p>Their eponymous first album – energized covers of classic 70s and 80s funk, disco and soul classics – was critically acclaimed and sold well and the band is now busy working on a second volume. Ahead of that release, U-Nam and the gang have just released a taster single – an explosive take on Herbie Hancock’s 1983 blockbuster ‘Rockit’. </p>
<p>You may remember that at the time, Rockit’ was a real ground breaker – featuring a distinctive scratch style which came courtesy of DJ Grand Mixer DXT. For this new version U-Nam calls on LA based DJ, composer, music producer, remixer, and sound designer DJ Puzzle to craft the same sort of vibe and to enhance U-Nam’s dextrous and funky guitar work … he says: “May The Funk Be With U”! Amen!</p>
<p><a contents="https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/news/rockit-man/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/news/rockit-man/">https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/news/rockit-man/</a></p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/69399662022-04-04T09:07:07-07:002022-04-04T09:07:07-07:00Up to #6 on the UK Top25 Soul Chart!!!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598423/c07b6a71c0c85e86d51ff8b26c98f6b7e999cf22/original/6uktop25soukchart.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/69341292022-03-28T10:19:21-07:002022-03-28T10:19:21-07:00Wonderful start at #20 in the UK Top30 Soul Chart!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598423/085e7b091735b9220d09c67b3a2d9e5c4403a271/original/uksoulchart-20.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/69279532022-03-21T08:16:25-07:002022-03-21T08:17:25-07:00Great start at #16 on the UK Top25 Soul Chart!<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Great start at #16 on the UK Top25 Soul Chart!</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598423/5395dea56d2bd13876ba4a49e59da0d5e47b786d/original/cfmuksoulchart.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></strong></p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/69105412022-03-01T09:29:58-08:002022-03-01T09:29:58-08:00California Funk Machine featured on Soultracks.com! First Listen: Stomp!<p><a contents="https://www.soultracks.com/first-listen-unam-california-funk-machine-stomp" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.soultracks.com/first-listen-unam-california-funk-machine-stomp">https://www.soultracks.com/first-listen-unam-california-funk-machine-stomp</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>(February 28, 2022) SoulTrackers are certainly familiar with multi-instrumentalist Emmanuel “U-Nam” Abiteboul, who has been lighting up the R&B charts for over a decade. U-Nam has made a reputation as a powerful player who has a love for the funk, dance and soul heydays of the 1970s and 80. </p>
<p>All those loves come together on his new project and band, California Funk Machine. CFM is a collection of top tier artists who have come together to create a fiery hot album of covers of many of the most celebrated get-your-body-moving songs of the 70s and 80s, along with some hidden gems. And though he has brought in some incredible players, U-Nam is all over the project, playing rhythm guitars, talk box, vocoder, moog bass, rhodes, clavinet, synth guitar, keyboards, and drums, as well as taking a vocal or two. </p>
<p>California Funk Machine, Vol. 1 arrives on March 4, but we have a great sneak peek for SoulTrackers. “Stomp!” is an iconic dance single from The Brothers Johnson, written by Rod Temperton and produced by Quincy Jones. And CFM gives is a shiny new look, faithful to the original, but with a few twists that are keeping us listening, even while we dance in our seats. It features former Michael Jackson bass player Alex Al, and vocalist Frank Burke. </p>
<p>Check out this great new take on “Stomp!” below, and get ready for more from California Funk Machine. </p>
<p>By Chris Rizik </p>
<p>U-Nam and California Funk Machine <br>"Stomp!"</p>
<p><a contents="Listen exclusively on Soultracks.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://(February%2028,%202022)%20SoulTrackers%20are%20certainly%20familiar%20with%20multi-instrumentalist%20Emmanuel%20%E2%80%9CU-Nam%E2%80%9D%20Abiteboul,%20who%20has%20been%20lighting%20up%20the%20R&B%20charts%20for%20over%20a%20decade.%20U-Nam%20has%20made%20a%20reputation%20as%20a%20powerful%20player%20who%20has%20a%20love%20for%20the%20funk,%20dance%20and%20soul%20heydays%20of%20the%201970s%20and%2080.%20%20All%20those%20loves%20come%20together%20on%20his%20new%20project%20and%20band,%20California%20Funk%20Machine.%20CFM%20is%20a%20collection%20of%20top%20tier%20artists%20who%20have%20come%20together%20to%20create%20a%20fiery%20hot%20album%20of%20covers%20of%20many%20of%20the%20most%20celebrated%20get-your-body-moving%20songs%20of%20the%2070s%20and%2080s,%20along%20with%20some%20hidden%20gems.%20And%20though%20he%20has%20brought%20in%20some%20incredible%20players,%20U-Nam%20is%20all%20over%20the%20project,%20playing%20rhythm%20guitars,%20talk%20box,%20vocoder,%20%20moog%20bass,%20rhodes,%20clavinet,%20synth%20guitar,%20keyboards,%20and%20drums,%20as%20well%20as%20taking%20a%20vocal%20or%20two.%20%20California%20Funk%20Machine,%20Vol.%201%20arrives%20on%20March%204,%20but%20we%20have%20a%20great%20sneak%20peek%20for%20SoulTrackers.%20%E2%80%9CStomp!%E2%80%9D%20is%20an%20iconic%20dance%20single%20from%20The%20Brothers%20Johnson,%20written%20by%20Rod%20Temperton%20and%20produced%20by%20Quincy%20Jones.%20And%20CFM%20gives%20is%20a%20shiny%20new%20look,%20faithful%20to%20the%20original,%20but%20with%20a%20few%20twists%20that%20are%20keeping%20us%20listening,%20even%20while%20we%20dance%20in%20our%20seats.%20It%20features%20former%20Michael%20Jackson%20bass%20player%20Alex%20Al,%20and%20vocalist%20Frank%20Burke.%20%20Check%20out%20this%20great%20new%20take%20on%20%E2%80%9CStomp!%E2%80%9D%20below,%20and%20get%20ready%20for%20more%20from%20California%20Funk%20Machine.%20%20By%20Chris%20Rizik%20%20U-Nam%20and%20California%20Funk%20Machine%20%22Stomp!%22">Listen exclusively on Soultracks.com</a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598423/04b7690411ab4e66341f9a4ff2f9df0dc4e74be4/original/cfnsoultracks.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/69072712022-02-25T10:14:28-08:002022-02-25T10:14:28-08:00Another great review on Smooth-Jazz.de!<p><strong><a contents="http://www.smooth-jazz.de/InFokus/CFM/Volume1.htm" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.smooth-jazz.de/InFokus/CFM/Volume1.htm">http://www.smooth-jazz.de/InFokus/CFM/Volume1.htm</a></strong></p>
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<p>Paris born guitar virtuoso Emmanuel “U-Nam” Abiteboul always had a great affinity for funk. This passion runs through his entire life's work and reaches its peak with the California Funk Machine. Volume I is a collection of selected pieces of funk history that brought it the greatest success and had a decisive impact on it. </p>
<p>Ain't No Stopping Us Now is a song by American R&B duo McFadden & Whitehead and keyboardist Jerry Cohen from 1979. This super smash hit was already covered by the late Wayman Tisdale, Bobby Wells, Peter White and many more. U-Nam does his interpretation in a big way with multiple instrumentations and with the great singer Marva King who is known to us as the vocal accompanist of Phil Collins, Tupac Shakur, Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Cliff, Chaka Khan, and Lionel Richie. </p>
<p>EWF had with September their ultimate top hit in 1978 with more than 2 million digital copies. U-Nam creates a cover which is close to the original and yet has the twist that makes it worth listening to as a novelty. The Brothers Johnson had a huge hit with Stomp! in 1980, perfectly recovered by Quincey Jones on Q's Jook Joint in 1995. Now comes U-Nam with his version bringing the song to explosion. </p>
<p>Back in Stride is a 1985 charts storming song by Frankie Beverly and Maze. U-Nam ensures a high degree of authenticity for his rendition, in that he was able to win Wayne "Ziggy" Lindsey, the band's original keyboardist, and drummer Michael White, who has been with Maze for 21 years, for the recording. Ex-Maze bassist Freddie Washington and Tony Tatum provide the exciting vocal contribution. </p>
<p>Give Me The Night was a tremendous success for guitar legend George Benson, certainly the peak of his career. U-Nam had already adapted this hit for his album Weekend In L.A. (A Tribute To George Benson). On this album, he comes up with two new versions at once, featuring the powerful-voiced singer Tim "TiO" Owens. </p>
<p>Atlantic Star released the single Perfect Love in 1982 as part of their album Brilliance. When you recognize a certain similarity of this rendition to EWF and the Emotion'sBoogie Wonderland than is that no coincidence. Both songs are penned by the same multi-award winning songwriter Allee Willis. </p>
<p>Act Like You Know by Fat Larry's Band came out in 1982 with the album Breakin' Out. With the long cover version recorded on this album, there is plenty of time to enjoy Unam's guitar improvisation as well. Al Jarreau's Boogie Down from the album Jarreau (1983) gets a new rocket stage with full ignition. </p>
<p>Rod Temperton's Motor Mouth released by Herbie Hancock on his album Lite Me Up (1982) squints a bit after George Benson's Give Me The Night, which was released two years before. Unam does the impossible and adds a pinch of Nile Rodgers' guitar riffs. Fantasy, another famous Earth, Wind & Fire hit is served with great pleasure and accuracy. </p>
<p>Unam intends to tour the California Funk Machine as an act. One can only recommend every promoter to book the whole package, because this album is a bomb. </p>
<p>- HBH - Smooth-jazz.de </p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/69036162022-02-21T18:56:56-08:002022-02-21T18:56:56-08:00New great review on Sonicsoulreviews.com in Germany!<p>SUNSHINE ON A STORMY MONDAY with U-NAM & CALIFORNIA FUNK MACHINE "Volume 1"</p>
<p>Non Stop Dancing with Emmanuel Abiteboul and his friends. The guitarist from Paris, who has been regularly providing well-off smooth jazz fans from California as U-Nam for some time, is shooting for his current projecton all soul funk wheels of art. The Funk is On! That's the motto. Appropriately motivated, Wayne Linsey, "Ready" Freddie Washington and Michael White get down to business, to which Tim Owens, Marva King, Tony Tatum and Frank Burke and the microphones get down to business, while the U-Nam itself uses guitars, various other musicians and am Vocoder pulls the strings and gives the funk monkey a lot of sugar. On top and all around, horns & strings let their beautiful sound prevail. Perfectly intoned, high-gloss and prepared in the house style. The program includes classics from the soul-feudal 70s and early 80s - Earth, Wind & Fire, Maze, Herbie Hnacock, Brothers Johnson, George Benson, Fat Larry's Band, McFadden & Whitehead or Atlantic Starr are completely re-dressed, still convince with the qualities of the originals and the freshly styled glitter power filled to the brim. Simply non-stop dancing.</p>
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<p><a contents="https://www-sonicsoulreviews-com.translate.goog/2022/02/21/sunshine-on-a-stormy-monday-mit-u-nam-california-funk-machine-volume-1/?fbclid=IwAR3TWfjjdfV5aEIm4xBkWOLkMPAYiCaataTJtinCjD4nXkC1v7IVSYtWtn0&amp;_x_tr_sl=auto&amp;_x_tr_tl=en&amp;_x_tr_hl=en&amp;_x_tr_pto=wapp" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www-sonicsoulreviews-com.translate.goog/2022/02/21/sunshine-on-a-stormy-monday-mit-u-nam-california-funk-machine-volume-1/?fbclid=IwAR3TWfjjdfV5aEIm4xBkWOLkMPAYiCaataTJtinCjD4nXkC1v7IVSYtWtn0&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp">https://www-sonicsoulreviews-com.translate.goog/2022/02/21/sunshine-on-a-stormy-monday-mit-u-nam-california-funk-machine-volume-1/?fbclid=IwAR3TWfjjdfV5aEIm4xBkWOLkMPAYiCaataTJtinCjD4nXkC1v7IVSYtWtn0&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp</a></p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/69036152022-02-21T18:50:55-08:002022-02-21T18:52:53-08:00First Amazing Review on Soulandjazzandfunk.com!<p><a contents="https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/news/california-souland-funk/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/news/california-souland-funk/">https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/news/california-souland-funk/</a></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.soulandjazzandfunk.com/news/california-souland-funk/"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598423/4f94da385617d6e4310ece3de271f1ca60361aaf/original/img-7750.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>French-born, Los Angeles-based soul and jazz guitar man U-NAM (Emmanuel Abiteboul to his nearest and dearest) has just launched an exciting new project – THE CALIFORNIA FUNK MACHINE, a soul collective that includes players like bassist Freddie Washington, drummer Michael White, keyboardist Wayne Linsey (both ex-Maze) and vocalists Marva King (ex-Stevie Wonder band), Frank Burke (ex-Heatwave) , Tony Tatum and Tom Owens. The team also includes full brass and string sections! </p>
<p>These like-minded musicians have taken it upon themselves to breath new life into a collection of classic 70s and 80s funk, disco and soul classics like ‘Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now’, ‘Boogie Down’ and ‘September’. </p>
<p>However, these covers aren’t just faithful copies; a simple karaoke exercise if you would. Rather, with U-Nam producing and arranging as well as playing guitar (obviously), talk box, vocoder, Rhodes, clavinet and synth guitar, these faithful old soul and funk warhorses come on with new vigour, energy and impact. I guess a good way to describe what U-Nam’s California Funk Machine achieve is to say that they treat these classics with the respect they deserve but add all sorts of new flourishes and licks – notably lashings of George Benson style guitar – that open up new perspectives to the familiar. </p>
<p>And talking of Mr Benson, one of the focus tracks is a take on his ‘Give Me The Night’ on which U-Nam really takes flight. Vocalist here is Tom Owens. The album offers two mixes of the song with one an extended tweak with an organic rap from Jeff Lacey. See what we mean by respectfully different? There are also two mixes of ‘Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now’. Marva King at the mic here while Tim Owens also fronts the cool version of Fat Larry Band’s ‘Act Like You Know’. </p>
<p>The other covers on the 12 tracker are the Brothers Johnson’s ‘Stomp’ (listen up to a U-Nam bass solo!), Herbie Hancock’s ‘Motor Mouth’, Atlantic Starr’s ‘Prefect Love’(fresh, sweet and lovely), EWF’s ‘Fantasy’ and Maze’s ‘Back In Stride’ – all sure to delight and surprise soul and funk aficionados. </p>
<p>U-Nam is keen to take the California Funk Machine on the road but in the meantime enjoy the recorded music – good to go from the start of March. Good times guaranteed for all!</p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/69020742022-02-19T11:56:45-08:002022-02-19T11:56:45-08:00Look what just arrived! The CDs came out beautiful!!!<p>Look what just arrived! The CDs came out beautiful!!!</p>
<p>Make sure to get your copy now, it's a limited quantity for now!!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/California-Funk-Machine-1-U-Nam/dp/B09SGTY2ST/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1WC3QKY5U5NCY&keywords=u-nam+California+funk&qid=1645294204&sprefix=u-nam+california+fun%2Caps%2C282&sr=8-1"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598423/9246f5d7dd5bd90eb90ef40b24acf2deda5e0b3b/original/tempimagey748rp.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p> </p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/69020282022-02-19T10:10:44-08:002022-02-19T10:10:44-08:00After a few hours, already #1 Funk New Release on Amazon!!!<p>After a few hours, already #1 Funk New Release on Amazon!!!</p>
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<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.amazon.com/California-Funk-Machine-1-U-Nam/dp/B09SGTY2ST/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1WC3QKY5U5NCY&keywords=u-nam+California+funk&qid=1645294204&sprefix=u-nam+california+fun%2Caps%2C282&sr=8-1"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/598423/e1c177d45be560ff541e860085d10df083f5e553/original/img-7733.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Pagetag:californiafunkmachine.com,2005:Post/69011222022-02-18T07:58:04-08:002022-02-18T07:58:04-08:00California Funk Machine - Volume 1 - Available for Pre-Order on Amazon!<p><strong>California Funk Machine - Volume 1 - Available for Pre-Order on Amazon!</strong></p>
<p>https://www.amazon.com/California-Funk-Machine-1-U-Nam/dp/B09SGTY2ST/</p>Billboard Chart-topper Artist U-Nam Official Page