Akina Adderley & The Vintage Playboys is an Austin soul band whose unique sound blends elements of rock, funk, and old-school R&B. Front woman, vocalist, primary songwriter and band leader Akina Adderley lights up the stage as 'the little woman with the big voice.' Her powerful presence is irresistible, and KUT 90.5FM declared her "phenomenal vocals call to mind the sounds of classic soul and R&B." Granddaughter of jazz trumpeter Nat Adderley, grandniece of jazz saxophonist "Cannonball" Adderley, and daughter of Nat Adderley, Jr. (producer/pianist/band leader for Luther Vandross), Akina brings a distinguished musical pedigree to the Vintage Playboys, who are a tight group of players from an eclectic musical background. The brainchild of four inspired musicians, AAVP is now, as declared in the Austin American Statesman, “a dynamite nine-piece driven by [Akina's] rich, emotive pipes,” and has become a vital part of Austin's newly resurrected soul scene. The band has been playing for four years, and has shared bills with such acts as Budos Band, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Bob Schneider, and Carolyn Wonderland. On the heels of tremendously well-received showcases at SXSW '09, '10, and '11, tapings for Radio Without Borders on KUT 90.5 FM, News 8 Austin's Summer Rooftop Series, and Balcony TV Austin, an auspicious debut album release, and road shows from Memphis to Los Angeles, AAVP's fan base continues to grow and excitement surrounding their live performances is steadily increasing. AAVP’s eponymous debut full-length record—which the Austin Chronicle described as having "laid out [Akina's] dark, rich vocal chops over the Vintage Playboys’ brassy punch"—was released on March 28, 2009. The album is available on iTunes and CD Baby, as well as at area record stores. Their sophomore album is scheduled for a spring 2012 release.