Keyboards— SureWill, Las Vegas, NV www.surewilljazz.com 2011 Los Angeles Music Awards nominee for "Jazz Artist of The Year". 2011 Los Angeles Music Award Winner For National Touring Artist of the Year William "SureWill" Clark - Arranger / Composer / Recording Artist / Music Director. SureWill is a dynamic breakout Smooth Jazz Artist whose main instrument is Keyboards. Other instruments include: Drums, Bass Guitar, Alto Saxophone and Clarinet. This dynamic artist shares his extensive knowledge with anyone serious about the musical arts. Mentoring and encouraging those who want it, to follow their dreams . While SureWill has enjoyed playing with and for some of the greats in the music industry. He is now stepping out on his own to make his mark in the world as a solo artist. SureWill's thirty year music background began with his playing in church in Buffalo, NY. Will has had the pleasure of working on projects and performing with Grammy Award winning artists: AlJarreau, George Duke, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, and New Edition. He has also performed with many hard working artists in the industry such as NeYo and Sade. Will has worked hard in the industry and has gained the respect of many peers and A-List artists. He has performed live in some great venues and events such as The Long Beach Jazz Festival (2006 & 2007). NeYo and Faith Evans World Tour (2005-2006), JVC Jazz Festival (2005), Newport Jazz Festival (2005). He has also performed for the following shows and televised awards: Grammys (2005), American Music Awards (2003- 2005), BET Awards (2003-2005), Country Music Awards (2004). His writing and producing skills have taken him to an area where he wants all those who have the "ToldUSo" mentality to realize their dream. SureWill is now stepping out of the shadows and will continue to reach the world through his gift of music artistry.
Saxophone—Dee Lucas Atlanta, Ga www.deelucasonline.com National recording artist and contemporary jazz soprano saxophonist Dee Lucas has just released his fourth CD titled 'Rebirth of the Smooth' which he continues to take SOUL jazz in a different direction with his unique melodic styling. This Atlanta-based saxophonist has been consistently expanding his fan base since the release of his well-received 2004 debut solo CD 'Remembrance' which was a tribute to the late legendary saxophonist George Howard in addition to his 2007 sophomore sensation 'Something To Ride 2' and 2010 release of ‘Standing Room Only’. Dee Lucas further develops his own distinctive style by bringing more of an aggressive sound to the soprano sax on top of his smooth compositions that is more than just pleasing to the ear. The new CD ‘Rebirth of the Smooth’, which features the single ‘Reconcile’, is a true testimony of reincarnating contemporary jazz with a fresh and honest approach to an already competitive genre of music.
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Guitar—Joel Del Rosario San Francisco Ca www.jdrjazz.com With a music career spanning over two decades, guitarist and songwriter, Joel Del Rosario has just about touched every genre of music from: Classical, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Southern Gospel. Classically trained in Viola, Joel studied, performed, as second chair in the San Francisco School of the Arts Orchestra. Though winning several competitions with the renowned SOTA orchestra, he felt the pull to venture into the world of jazz, which began his love affair with the genre, and would later envelop a majority of his music career. His passion for the guitar however was born from tragedy. Experiencing the loss of his mother through breast cancer at 11, he sought solace and peace through playing guitar. It was during those quiet moments in the dark: contemplating, practicing and developing an intimate relationship with his instrument that the budding guitarist developed his own guitar voice. Through the mentorship of Robyn Kazmarcyk, (and later Elroy Jones who taught guitar virtuoso Stanley Jordan) Joel went on to pursue jazz fully and later received the Stan Getz Jazz Scholarship to attend the prestigious Stanford University Jazz camp during high school. Empowered by these positive experiences,he has gone on to work, write music for, and or co-write music for various artists and record labels. Currently, his 3rd album, "Coast to Coast", an attractive mix of hip/upbeat dance tunes to the 'smooth and sexy', has turned the eyes and ears of listeners worldwide to his music. He has been awarded Coffee Talk Jazz Radio's "Guitarist of the Year 2011" and is currently up for a nomination with keyboardist, Surewill for "Best New Jazz Duet of the Year" at the Los Angeles Music Awards . Featuring ten engaging tracks, "Coast to Coast", will certainly be an album kept on 'repeat' on your mp3 or CD player.
Keyboards - Karey A Davis, Atlanta Ga http://www.mobetterrecordings.net Karey A Davis been playing professionally since 11 years old music composer for Martin Lawrence 1st Amendment Comedy Stand up on Starz-1-4th seasons Music producer for various contemporary jazz artist A natural born musician, Karey Davis has been playing the piano since he was 8 and playing saxophone since middle school. Karey was also playing professionally for churches since 11 years old. Born in Oxnard, CA but raised in Montgomery, AL, Karey was such a gifted musician that he received full scholarships to Alabama State University and Clark Atlanta University. While in college, Karey received the honor of being Freshman of the Year saxophonist with the Alabama State Marching Band. In addition to his collegiate accomplishments, Karey has used his musical acumen by doing production work for local and national recording artists. During his illustrious career, Karey has opened for such notable artists as vibraphonist Roy Ayers, jazz vocalist Nneena Freelon, Kirk Whalum, Greg Karukas, South African jazz trumpeter Hugh Masakalea and many more. Karey has also played in major jazz festivals around the world (Montreux Jazz Festival, Vienna jazz festival, North Sea and many more. He has also lent his production talents to such national and local artists as Mo Better Recording saxophonist Dee Lucas (current cd entitiled 'Standing Room Only' available @ deelucasonline.com), Archive Entertainment, Tony Towerz and the list goes on. Most recently he served as the theme song producer/composer and of Martin Lawrence presents the 1st Amendment Comedy Show in it's 4th season currently in reruns on Starz. All seasons are now available on DVD at several national retail outlets. Karey is definitely showing the music community every side to his diverse musical ability. Stay tuned for this musical chameleon as he pops up in various different musical outlets and leaves an indelible mark on the world!!
Bass - Robert Mcdonald, los Angeles Ca. http://robmcdonaldonline.com Versatility is the key component of this talented musician, who hails from the Motor City. A self-taught musician, bassist and singer/songwriter, Rob McDonald, began his musical career at an early age. Growing up in a musical household, McDonald learned to play drums at the age of six. Because his three older brothers each played drums, it seemed the logical choice; however, as McDonald’s talent grew, he found it harder and harder to find a full set of drums readily available. Because his brothers were always using the drums for local club gigs McDonald decided it was time to try a new instrument, a guitar. Emulating the style of legendary guitarist, Jimi Hendrix, McDonald learned to play the guitar left-handed and upside down. (not knowing Jimi’s right-handed guitar was actually strung left-handed) This proved to be a difficult method for playing open cords, and that was when, at the age of 13, he picked up a bass. Proving to be a talented musician, McDonald performed with his high school’s concert and jazz bands, and upon graduation from Cooley High, moved to Los Angeles with a Detroit based band called Paradise. Local gigs and an international tour in Japan soon followed. Honing his skills while working local clubs and in national touring productions of “Your Arms Are Too Short to Box with God” starring Jennifer Holiday, and “The Wiz” starring Grace Jones, Peabo Bryson, Tony Terry, Cece Peniston, and Howard Hewitt, McDonald began to attract the attention of other national artists including, Brenda Russell, Jeffery Osbourne, Chaka Khan, Cindy Bradley, Peter White and Rick Braun. A two-year touring engagement with Johnny “Guitar” Watson, performance opportunities with Billy Preston, legendary music icon, Tom Jones, a Tonight Show appearance with Toni Braxton, and European engagements with The Funk Bros, George Clinton and the Al McKay All-stars are among career highlights. McDonald toured 6 years with Grammy award-winning guitarist, Norman Brown, whose Summer Storm tour has included guests artists, Peabo Bryson, Richard Elliott, Marion Meadows, Eric Darius, Jeff Lorber, Chante Moore, Paul Taylor, Alex Bugnon, Phil Perry, and Mindy Abair. McDonald, counts among his early influences such greats as Larry Graham, Sly Stone, Johnny “Guitar’ Watson, Bootsy Collins, Parliment Funkadelic Stanley Clark, Louis Johnson, EW&F, Louis Satterfield, is a compilation of versatility, resulting from over 30 years in the music industry.
Drums—Jabari Kersey Phoenix, Az A true example of natural talent meeting discipline, Jabari had worked in music professionally since the age of eight. Born and raised in Detroit, MI, he first began playing drums at the age of 3, then moving forward to perform in his church, and even as a child, he put his energy and focus into becoming a top-level performer. His discipline and dedication had paid off, and he had since worked with musical heavyweights such as The Spinners, Regina Belle, Bobby Lyle, Billy Davis, Allison Williams, Gary Taylor, and many more. To this day, he works, records, and performs with multiple artists across the genre boards, always adding to his experience and natural versatility. Jabari currently resides in Arizona and is the in-house drummer for Marion Meadows.
The Sophisticated Gents:
Surewill - Keyboards, Background Vocals Dee Lucas - Soprano Sax Joel Del Rosario - Guitar Robert Mcdonald - Bass, Lead Vocals Karey A. Davis - Keyboards Jabari Kersey - Drums
For Bookings: InetJazzMuzik Entertainment Group PO Box 1156 Helotes, Tx 78023 210-446-8712
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