discography
THE ALBUMS...
More Soul Than Sense
Ola Onabule © 1995, Rugged Ram Records
The first album, recorded in 1994, includes the much lauded single: "You'd Better Believe" and gig favourite "Forever Girl". Also includes opening track: "Lonely", from the soundtrack to the film
From Meaning Beyond Definition
Ola Onabule © 1997, Rugged Ram Records
The second album, includes the ballad: "You Summarise" and the jazz funky "It's never over"
Precious Libations For Silent Gods
Ola Onabule © 1999, Rugged Ram Records
Album No. 3. Described by the press as "Funky, hard hitting, & Angry". It includes the V. groovy "If You Knew" and the ballad "The Picture".
Ambitions For Deeper Breadth
Ola Onabule © 2001, Rugged Ram Records
Sumptiously mellow and mature this fourth OLA album re-affirms his love of jazz and classic soul, tunes include, "He Says, One Life, LIke Him, Closer"
In Emergency Break Silence
Ola Onabule © 2004, Rugged Ram Records
Recorded over two weeks in the winter of 2003, this 5th album includes songs considered by many a pressman, pod-caster, blogger & punter to be a modern soul classics. Songs such as "Soul Town" & "Heart of Lead".
From Meaning Beyond Definition
Ola Onabule © 1998 Award Records USA
American version of the UK album of the same name... exactly the same as the British version except for the absence of 2 toons.
THE SINGLES...
You'd Better Believe
Ola Onabule © 1994, B side: Unchain. Ola Onabule & Jason Wright 1993 Rugged Ram Records, UK
The record that preceeded all the others to come afterwards! All instruments recorded in Ola's bedroom studio, including full-on brass section! Those were the days...
You'd Better Believe
Ola Onabule © 1995 Plus remixes AMBER RECORDS, GDR
Version of the single, licensed to the German Amber Records label for Europe-wide release, later to be included on their COOL STRUTTIN compilation.
Trust Is All
Ola Onabule © 1995, B Side: It Helps. Ola Onabule & Wayne Wilson 1993 Rugged Ram Records, UK
The second single of a then half recorded debut album
Bringing Love Back Again
Ola Onabule & Steve Price © 1995 Rugged Ram Records
The third Single from The MORE SOUL THAN SENSE album released to coincide with the release of the album.
Every Kinda People
A. Fraser B Side: Forever Girl © 1994 Ola Onabule WEA, FRANCE
A single released mainly in Europe by WEA to support the TV ad campaign for a major alcoholic beverage that featured Ola's rendition of the song.
ALL I WANT FOR XMAS
Ola Onabule & Kenny Herbert 2003 B Side: Like Him. Ola Onabule, Rugged Ram Records, UK
Laid back, subtle Christmassy!
THE COLLABORATIONS...
Black Men United
Shut Up & Dance, Album © 1995 Pulse Records, UK
Seminal 90s dance act and Ola join forces on this critically acclaimed album.
Backlands
Tony Smith, Album © 2003 Russle Records, UK
Tony Smith is a rock solid jazz fusion funky guitarist! Backlands is the album Ola produced & co-wrote with him.
What's The Real Reaon
Polly Gibbons, Album © 2006 Rugged Ram Records, UK
Produced co-Written and recorded by Ola during 2005 and 2006 this album features the phenomenal voice and words of Polly Gibbons, British Jazz Awards nominee.
THE COMPILATIONS...
BLUES & SOUL ESSENTIALS
© 1994 INTERSTYLE RECORDS, UK
Featured Ola Track: You'd Better Believe
COOL STRUTTIN
© 1995 AMBER/POLYDOR RECORDS, GDR
Featured Ola Track: You'd Better Believe
SOHO JAZZ SOUNDS
© 1997 JAZZ FM RECORDS & SOHO JAZZ FESTIVAL
Featured Ola Track: Don't Ever Think
THE SOUL OF SMOOTH JAZZ
©1999 JAZZ FM RECORDS/BMG, UK
Featured Ola Track: Lie
BLUES AND SOUL URBAN ESSENTIALS 2
© 2000 STONE GROOVE/RUMOUR RECORDS, UK
Featured Ola Track: Heartbreak Ghetto
PLATINUM UK SOUL FLAVAZ
© 2001 PONY CANYON, JAPAN
Featured Ola Track: The Picture
SOUL ESSENTIALS 4
© 2002 BROWN SUGAR RECORDS, JAPAN
Featured Ola Track: Closer
JUST JAZZ 2
© 2004 A&D MEDIA RECORDS
Featured Ola Track: Like Him