The Soul Movement is fronted by two uniquely excellent female vocalists throwing down mad harmonies. The movement, led by Kenya Hall, enlists the pipes of Megan Wilson to weave melodies over a lineup of bass (Luke Sturtevant), keys (Tyler Quist), and kit (Bryan Luciano).

Together these five have grasped the often elusive zen of "less can be more" when it comes to a tight, funky groove. The audience was packed with local musicians soaking up the soulful sounds while P-town’s own dance crew polished the floor for The Empire Room Thursday night.

I caught up with the brainchild of “The Movement”, Kenya Hall, at Java Net on Exchange Street to rap about music, life and ‘The Soul Movement’.

This soulstress came out of the womb holding a tune. Hall’s father was a singer and there was always music, namely “ some kinda’ Motown, some kinda’ Luther Vandros, some kinda’ reggae” spinning on the record player at home. Funny enough it wasn’t musicianship that Kenya aspired to early in life; she had hopes of becoming a comedian. Transplanting from Ohio in 2001 she first stepped to the stage in Maine where she has been delivering serious soul in lieu of jokes.

Kenya landed in Hallowell where she was welcomed into a close knit community of musicians. She describes Hallowell as “a great music town” but notes difficulties in accessing Portland and Southern venues from areas further North.

“The thing is, if you’re not from Portland and you don’t live in Portland - people...they’re just not really listening to you ... and if you’re not from Portland you can’t drive down an hour to play for free.”

That frustration (and a growing number of Portland fans) is what prompted her move to P-town where she appreciates the camaraderie and supportive vibe of the Portland scene. Hall shares a flat with Brian and Luke and their band-crib hosts the group’s living room writing sessions.

When faced with the bread and butter question of influences Kenya takes a philosophical stance, “influence is life...I only sound like the way I do cause of the way I live.” In terms of influential people she cites, “local artists and artists we’ve been listening to for years.”

While ‘The Soul Movement’ has been working on original music and focusing on their live performance fans have been jonesing for a debut release. Meanwhile Hall has her hands in recording projects with local producers Andy Clifford (Green Tank Productions) and Frank Hopkins (Sweet Dream Productions). Stop by www.myspace.com/kenyahallmusic to hear live tracks of ‘The Soul Movement’ and Kenya’s other projects.

If you’re in Maine and you want to soak up some Soul music or just catch a quality show go see ‘The Soul Movement’. If you’re looking to charm the pants off of your date take them to one of the following places at the specified time and be prepared for what sweet funky Soul can do.

Jaye Drew is a Maine writer and musician. She leads the R&B, Jazz project ‘Jaye Drew and a Moving Train’ (www.myspace.com/drewsspecial)