"Let's keep our eyes and ears on this talented twosome."
- Rob Lester, TALKING BROADWAY
“Solid stuff that’s got this special kind of retro vibe that winds up right in the moment.”
- Chris Spector, Midwest Records
2024 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition winner, April May Webb, is one half of the group named “Best Jazz Group” at New York City Reader’s Jazz Awards. The BILLBOARD charting artist Sounds of A&R, aka S.O.A.R., is the brainchild of vocalist April May Webb and trumpeter Randall Haywood. Partners in music and life, April and Randall, have come together to create a distinct sound sound rooted in jazz but extending itself to feature elements of Country, R&B, and Gospel.
In 2023, S.O.A.R. was appointed as United States Cultural Ambassadors, a part of the American Music Abroad program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Funded by the U.S. government and administered by the Association of American Voices. As ambassadors, Sounds of A&R toured the countries of Fiji and Tonga, performing and presenting music educational workshops at Performing Arts Centers, Universities, Schools, colleges, and other locations.
In 2021, Sounds of A&R released their third studio album, “Questions Left Unanswered,” an album filled with an amalgam of lively original compositions and cover arrangements of time- tested classics. This new release presents evocative pieces that speak deeply to both artists' paths and the moment's struggles. It peaked at #12 on The National Jazz Week Charts and landed on Jazz Week’s Top 50 Jazz Albums for 2021. In 2022, S.O.A.R. Won “Best Message Video” for their music video “The Skin I’m In” at the 38th Annual Songwriters’ Association Competition. S.O.A.R. Won “Best Music Video” in the 2021 River Film Festival for their music video “Moments When I Was a Kid” from their album “Questions Left Unanswered.”
These two are not only a dynamic duo but also outstanding musicians individually. Randall was the youngest member to join the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra at 15. He also was a featured trumpeter in The Peabody Award-winning PBS program “Marsalis on Music.” April May was the first African American Female to graduate from the Jazz Education program at William Paterson University. Also, in 2021, she placed first runner-up at the Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition.
Sounds of A&R’s success can only directly reflect their love of music & their mission to take the listener on an artistic journey through an array of colors. Pulling inspiration from their deep love for one another, S.O.A.R. expresses that love through beautifully crafted compositions with fresh, innovative arrangements that, pun intended, SOARS.