THE BAND
Soul Change is a collaboration of veteran musicians formed to revive the fusion of all genres into a jazz improvisational style that promotes unity at a spiritual level. There is a message in the music.
Kent (Big Poppa) Barnes
// drums
Born January 1, 1954, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Norman Kent Barnes is an American drummer, percussionist, session musician, composer, vocalist, and producer. In his 50+ years as a music artist, Barnes has performed in an array of Midwest music festivals and venues. His talents have been featured with some of Omaha, Nebraska's talented bands, such as Surco, The Donavan Johnson Band, The Night Shakers, Sons of Thunder, The Love Connection, George Walker Music Band, No Name Blues Band, Cool Tones, Pocket Change, and Soul Change. Barnes is also the creative driving force behind the instrumental music of Ancient Fusion. This music blends world beat, world fusion, Latin, jazz, and rock with various other styles, including funk, R&B, classical, hip-hop, and folk. Ancient Fusion’s music moves you with unique melodies, rhythmic styles, cool grooves, and funky beats.
Carl (Dr. Blue) Jackson
// basses
Carl Jackson was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and was exposed to music at an early age. As a teen, he associated with many local funk bands and picked up the bass at 15. Self-taught, Carl performed with local rock, funk, and blues bands before falling in love with jazz. He spent two years with the rock band Bernies Dream, five years with the R&B band Hush, 25 years with the funk/R&B band Front Ro, and ten years with the blues band Drew Jude and the Cool Tones. After several years of sitting in with local jazz greats, he and some former bandmates formed the Pocket Change Trio, which would evolve into Soul Change. Carl plays four, five, and six-string electric and acoustic basses.
William (Dollar Bill) Spraling
// keyboards
William Spraling is a native of Omaha, Nebraska, blessed to play the piano at the age of 3. He continued through 60+ years to accomplish a unique style of piano/keyboard playing. After beginning his music career with Intensify at the Omaha Boys Club, William went on to perform with Black Gold, Fire and Force, Free Style, Hush, Da Funk, The No Name Blues, and Drew Jude and The Cool Tones. William currently performs with Hard Candy, Front Ro, and God's Deliverance Singers, as well as Soul Change.
Merritt (Smitty Mo) Smith
// saxophones
Merritt Smith grew up in Philadelphia,PA listening to the sounds of Motown and the very talented vocal groups and musicians who eventually became the dominant forces of Philadelphia’s Jazz and R&B scene of the 60’s and 70's. Merritt began studying saxophone in May 1975 under the tutelage of Preston Love Sr. Upon honorable discharge from the U. S Air Force, in August 1978, Merritt enrolled At the University Of Nebraska, Omaha, and began pursuing a Music degree in the College of Fine Arts. In 1980, he enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard 43rd Army Band. He graduated in August 1982 from the College of Continuing Studies at the University Of Nebraska at Omaha. Merritt joined the Soul Change Band in 2023. Merritt often performs with local blues and jazz musicians and also plays piano.
Baron (Killer B) Dancer
// guitars
For 30 years, Barry has played along side various groups and choirs. Barry has traveled between states performing a variety of genres.
Barry's influences include Jubu Smith, Niles Rogers and Earl Klugh for the guitar. For the bass guitar Barry has been influenced by Nathan East. Barry believes music should be simple yet memorable. Barry presently plays guitar for Soul Change band. There is nothing like the presence of a live band. Music is love and music is life.
Marcelles (The Breeze) Walker
// saxophones
Marcelles Walker is from Omaha, Nebraska, and plays tenor and soprano saxophones. He has studied with Bob Mover in NYC and the North Omaha Music Association (NOMA). Marcelles also performs with Omaha bands Omaha Beat Brigade and Rthymn Collective.