U-nam

U-nam biography

International Recording Artist & Chart Topper Soul/Jazz Guitarist U-Nam "The man known as U-Nam, is destined to become one of the most controversial musicians. In the few recordings that I have heard, there is a conviction towards making himself felt by the general public, and the critics alike. It's great to have a new voice on the guitar scene; one that is loaded with energy and excitement."---Ten time Grammy Award recipient, NAE Jazz Master and guitar legend---George Benson Born and raised in Paris / , U-Nam began playing the guitar at age 12, and studied for three years at the Paris-based CIM – the ?rst European school for jazz – between 1986 and 1989. At age 19 he turned professional, becoming a ?xture at Paris studio sessions. Well known throughout Europe and the US as a musical trendsetter and innovative player in Instrumental Music, Soul, and R&B, Emmanuel “U-Nam” Abiteboul has more than earned his reputation as a virtuosic guitarist and producer. Since his move to the US from Paris, in 2007, Guitarist U-Nam has had the opportunity to perform, record and produce several of the top artists in the Smooth Jazz, R&B, and Soul genres. He has traveled throughout the US at events and Festivals including the Catalina JazzTrax Festival, Jazz on the Green, the JazzTrax Big Bear Festival, the Dave Koz and Friends Cruise et al. His performances extend outside of the US, he will be performing in February 2010 at the Dubai Jazz Festival. Originally a renowned producer, U-Nam has worked with a number of International Artists including Barry White, Kool & the Gang, Honeyz, Louis Fonsi, and MC-Solaar, earning him several Gold and Multi-Platinum records. In 2007, he established himself as a prominent solo artist with the release his sophomore album, “Back from the 80s” which included the #1 hit “Street Life”. “Street Life” stayed in the Top Three on the US Billboard Charts for three months and the Top Ten charts for an entire year. In 2008, U-Nam signed with the prestigious guitar manufacturer, Ibanez. In their 2009 product catalog, he was honored with a double page feature alongside legendary guitarists George Benson, Pat Metheny, and John Sco?eld. U-Nam has three album releases as a solo artist. “The Past Builds the Future” (2005) was #2 on SolarRadio UK (the largest soul radio station in the UK). The album had signi?cant radio airplay in Europe and made it into the Top 47 on the US charts. “Back from the 80s” (2007) was the number one album of the year on Jazz FM, Steve Quirk’s Fusion Flavours, as well as a #1 on the US Billboard Charts. His latest release “Unanimity” (2009) has reached the Top 30 on the US Billboard charts with his hit single “Shine On”. In recent months, U-Nam has been hosting a successful jazz series entitled the “One-Soul Jazz Series” at the Cellar in Long Beach, California. The series has included popular Smooth Jazz Musicians such as Gregg Karukas, Michael Paulo, Tom Braxton, Kim Waters, Gail Johnson, and Greg Adams. He was also considered for the 2009 Grammy’s in three categories including Best Improvised Solo and Best Pop Instrumental Song.