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The Soul Collective is the creation of James Ryan who has been composing and arranging since cutting his chops in the big bands and ska bands around Melbourne since the mid 90's. Growing up in the 70's (arguably the best time in history for pop/rock) James' music is deeply and indelibly inspired by the diverse sounds of that era. A horn player by trade, graduating in Trumpet performance at Uni back in '03, James' music is inspired by great jazz artists past and present as well as his time spent in the dingy but popular little pubs in the Melbourne inner suburbs playing with ska bands such as Shanty town and Looney Tunes. James' music covers a broad spectrum of styles from soul, funk, jazz, blues, reggae/ska and pop/rock.