Cultured Pearls is a German band that blends soul, rock, jazz, and funk, with occasional influences from trip-hop, country, and other styles. B. La and Tex Super met in 1992 while studying popular music at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg. Their shared interest in pop-oriented soul grooves led to early demo recordings using an eight-track mixer. Tex, originally a flute and trumpet player, took on bass duties, while B. La played drums. Shortly afterward, Astrid North, who had been noticed by B. La through her Berlin school band Colorful Dimension, joined the group as singer and lyricist. The trio, adopting the name Cultured Pearls, signed a major deal with WEA Records in 1995 and released their debut album "Sing De La Sing" later that year, featuring a mix of funk, R&B, and jazz-pop. The album reached number 92 on the German album charts. The single "Tic Toc" peaked at number 65, and a tour through clubs and with Big Light increased their visibility. Over time, Cultured Pearls incorporated additional musical influences, including country and rock. Their second album, "Spaceage Honeymoon," was released in spring 1997 and reached number 54 in Germany. The single "Sugar Sugar Honey" reached number 72, and "Silverball" charted at number 99 in May 1998. In 1999, the band’s third album "Liquefied Days" reached the top 20 of the album charts, while the single "Kissing the Sheets" reached number 87, marking their last charting single. Differences over musical direction led to a prolonged hiatus, during which members pursued individual projects. Astrid North became a mother in 2001. B. La published a piano book for students, worked on a children’s book, and initiated the project Soulounge with guitarist Sven Bünger. Tex Super wrote screenplays, composed film music, and worked as an arranger for artists including Mousse T., Bootsy Collins, and Tom Jones. In 2002, Cultured Pearls released their fourth album, "Life on a Tuesday," produced by Jon Kelly, known for his work with Chris Rea. The album, featuring guitar by Sven Bünger, reached number 74 on the German album charts. Following a best-of compilation in 2003, which included three new songs, Cultured Pearls entered an indefinite hiatus, though the band has not officially disbanded. Studio albums Sing Dela Sing (1996) Space Age Honeymoon (1997) Liquefied Days (1999) Life on a Tuesday (2002) <a href="https://www.last.fm/music/Cultured+Pearls">Read more on Last.fm</a>. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.