Soul Ballet

by Steve Huey
Masterminded by producer, arranger, programmer, and multi-instrumentalist Rick "R.K." Kelly, Soul Ballet mixes cool, smooth contemporary jazz with pulsating electronic beats and a surprisingly dark, moody atmosphere. Kelly is occasionally joined by a live rhythm section, as well as a series of guest vocalists (whose ranks have included Stefani, Annika, and Billy Valentine), but for the most part, it's his show. Soul Ballet's albums include the eponymous debut from 1996, 1998's Trip the Night Fantastic, and 2000's Vibe Cinema.