*WHAT!!!! In The World. When music legends George Whitty and Ellis Hall decided to turn their mutual admiration into an official partnership, they committed fully to recording a contemporary twist on classic R&B. Their collaboration birthed a unique brand, cleverly named WHAT!!!! — You see, rather than simply calling themselves Whitty Hall, Ellis Hall added “Artistic Team” to create WHAT and a bunch of exclamations to convey the energy they give off as a duo. And with a title like In the World, their upcoming album promises a dynamic fusion of social commentary and musical innovation.
Whitty and Hall are no strangers to the spotlight. Whitty, a multi-Grammy-winning keyboardist and producer, and Hall, the “Ambassador of Soul” and former Tower of Power lead vocalist, bring decades of experience to this project. Their combined talents are showcased in their new album’s 10 eclectic tracks, which offer listeners a journey through the ups and downs of modern life. Fans of both artists, as well as newcomers, are bound to exclaim, “WHAT!!!! In the World?” after hearing the album.
The duo’s creative mission statement is clear: “WHAT!!!! puts the fun in funk!” This mantra is evident in the music, starting with the lead single, “Die Living.” The song’s title came to Whitty one day and inspired the creation of a gospel-blues-infused track with a down-home, “front porch” vibe.
The single embodies the philosophy of living life to the fullest, drawing inspiration from a casual comment made by Willie Nelson when asked if he’d ever consider retiring. “Die Living” is a soul anthem, urging listeners to wring every last drop of life from their time on Earth, regardless of age.
Hall’s powerful voice carries the message in the chorus: “Cause I want to die living/Help me sail into the sun/And I want to die believing/Life has just begun!” The song presents a series of conversations with different figures—a wise brother, an old man, and even joyful children—each imparting advice on how to live a fulfilling life. Hall and Whitty worked together to craft the lyrics, blending their life experiences into the song’s themes. According to Whitty, “Ellis is a great lyricist with a feel for the right words that just tumble out of him.”
WHAT!!!! and the album In the World finds its roots in another standout track, “Hug Me.” This six-minute anthem, recorded in 2023, is a tribute to the people of Ukraine and their resilience in the face of Russia’s invasion. The track is a reimagining of Slava Varkachuk’s Ukrainian hit “Obiymy (Embrace),” featuring the haunting vocals of Ukrainian singer Maryana Golovko.
The accompanying music video mixes footage of the artists in separate studios with heart-wrenching images of Ukrainian children affected by the war. The song was quickly adopted by the fundraising platform United 24 and has since garnered thousands of views on YouTube.
Whitty and Hall’s partnership came together naturally. Whitty had admired Hall since seeing him perform with Tower of Power in the mid-1980s, while Hall’s longtime project manager Alec Berfield had been encouraging a collaboration for years. When Whitty sent Hall the initial tracks for “Hug Me,” it was clear the timing was perfect. Hall contributed vocal harmonies and English lyrics, transforming the track into a powerful anthem. Whitty’s vision of a stripped-down start evolving into a “powerhouse symphony” vibe came to life with Hall’s contributions.
The duo’s chemistry is undeniable. Speaking about their working relationship, Hall describes Whitty as “a true brother from another mother,” while Whitty says collaborating with Hall feels like “Christmas Day” every time new tracks arrive. Their joy in creating music together is palpable, and this camaraderie is at the heart of In the World.
The album, set for release in January 2025, features a variety of tracks that showcase the duo’s versatility. In addition to “Die Living” and “Hug Me,” the album includes the up-tempo blues/soul/funk track “Own Up,” the emotional pop/soul ballad “Miami,” and the poignant “Why Should I Care,” a song Hall wrote in response to the Jonestown tragedy and a Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Hall performed this song at African American summits in South Africa and Zimbabwe, and it was one of Nelson Mandela’s favorite pieces. The new version brings fresh energy to this timeless ballad.
Another notable track on the album is “Some Days Were Meant for Rain,” originally recorded by Hall during his time with Tower of Power. WHAT!!!! also pays tribute to the classic soul era with a fiery live-in-studio rendition of the Sam & Dave hit “I Thank You.”
The band supporting WHAT!!!! includes top-tier musicians like guitarist David Ford, bassist Armand Sabal-Lecco (known for his work with Paul Simon), and drummer Aaron Haggerty (who has toured with artists like Al McKay and Kool & The Gang). Together, they create a powerful, cohesive sound that complements Whitty and Hall’s vision.
George Whitty’s musical career spans three decades, playing live with legends such as Herbie Hancock, the Brecker Brothers, and Chaka Khan. As a producer and session musician, his work includes contributions to Santana’s Supernatural and Celine Dion’s Falling Into You, among many others. His four Grammy wins further solidified his place in the industry.
Hall, despite losing his sight at age 18, has led an extraordinary career. From fronting the Ellis Hall Group to writing over 4,000 songs across genres, Hall has worked with musical giants like Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, and George Benson. He has also contributed to film soundtracks for The Lion King 2, Shrek 2, and Bruce Almighty, to name a few.
With In the World, George Whitty and Ellis Hall have created a musical experience that is both fun and deeply meaningful. Their collaboration promises to captivate audiences and leave them eagerly anticipating what’s next from WHAT!!!!. The lead single “Die Living” will be released in October 2024, setting the stage for what is sure to be an unforgettable album.
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