Fattburger

Fattburger Celebrates 20 Years as Contemporary Jazz Pioneers w/ New Entertainment CD “Work to Do”

Few bands in contemporary jazz have enjoyed the longevity and career milestones of Fattburger. In an industry where artists come and go and fads quickly fade, Fattburger has managed to hold its ground as true originals and pioneers. Their potent mix of jazz, funk, R&B and Latin music, propelled by killer rhythms have made them perennial radio favorites and catapulted them to the top of the Billboard charts time and time again. Smooth Jazz News heralds the band as “cutting edge creative forces that grow more aggressive and exciting over time” while JazzTimes Magazine calls Fattburger.

“A welcome oasis in the desert of trendy and formula – saddled music.” Fattburger’s infectious trademark sound has influenced an entire new generation of instrumental musicians. Work To Do, the band’s new and seventh Shanachie CD, illustrates why this super-group remains a trendsetter and musical force to reckon with. Keyboardist Carl Evans Jr. credits the secret to Fattburger’s success with “remaining true to ourselves and focusing on feeling rather than the latest sound.” Work to Do marks the band’s 20th anniversary. Evans reflects, “I’m most proud of the fact that we’ve stayed together and that no matter what’s come up, we’re always looking out for each other, keeping our friendship and the joy of music ahead of all other concerns.” Work to Do captures Fattburger at its peak, serving up timeless body rocking sumptuous grooves, high-energy pressure cooked funky numbers and simmering laid back melodies with percolating rhythmic grooves. Featuring ten tracks, the CD opens with a soulful rendition of the Isley Brother’s hit “Work To Do” which will make you want to get out on the dance floor and do the hustle. Fattburger works overtime on this track creating a memorable version with their inventive soloing and spirited percussion breaks. Other highlights include guitarist Evan Marks’ down-right gritty and bluesy number “B.D.D.D.,” bassist Mark Hunter’s Stevie Wonder-like “I’m Just Sayin’” and Carl Evans Jr.’s breezy Bossa-Nova tinged ballad “Rene,” featuring Hollis Gentry III on the soprano. Another standout is Fattburger’s refreshing take on the Coleman, Wakefield and Wright love song, “100 Ways,” popularized by Quincy Jones and James Ingram. Evan Marks’ fluid, lyrical and heart-felt guitar sets the mood just right.

In concert, Fattburger often performs the Freddie Hubbard hit “Little Sunflower” but until now they had never recorded it. Their arrangement and free-spirited improvisation ranks among the best. Notice the imaginative reference to John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” as the song fades. Since Fattburger’s first performance at San Diego’s Triton club in the mid-’80s, America’s finest city has claimed Fattburger as a matter of civic pride. The San Diego Reader hails “One thing for sure, Fattburger’s laid-back melodies and stirring rhythmic beats add new dimensions to the smooth jazz scene.” Many call Fattburger, “The Sound of San Diego” even though percussionist Tommy Aros is the only native of San Diego. Joining Aros in Fattburger is keyboardist Carl Evans Jr., who grew up in San Diego, drummer Kevin Koch, bassist Mark Hunter, guitarist Evan Marks and special guest saxophonist Hollis Gentry III. Between the entire band, they have worked with a who’s who list of musicians. Collectively they have worked with everyone from Barry White and Stevie Wonder to Cannonball Adderley, Clark Terry and Freddie Hubbard. Drummer Kevin Koch says, “I think the key to Fattburger’s longevity and success is that we are individuals with equal input on every level. Each player is free to interpret how his own instrument should be utilized in any given situation and we all have faith in each other that the end result will be something that we are all proud of. This kind of creative freedom has kept us all still interested in making music together.”

Bradley Leighton

Bradley Leighton brings a unique and powerful sound to flute. His style of swing evolved from listening to the big, hi-octane bands of Kenton, Herman and Ferguson in the 60′s-70′s. His funkiness derives from years of listening to Tower of Power, Earth, Wind & Fire, the Brecker Brothers and countless other soul/R&B acts. He brings a fire and flair not usually heard nor expected from a flutist. Bradley has performed across the US and Asia, as both sideman and bandleader, for over 25 years. Recent gigs included opening the Greater Hartford Jazz Festival for Joyce Cooling and Gerald Albright and headlining the Gainesville Jazz Festival. He’s also headlined for the Tacoma Wine and Jazz Festival, the Rancho Mirage Art Affaire and has played famous clubs like Brooklyn Jazz Café in Dallas, Scat Jazz Lounge in Houston, Humphey’s, Anthology and Dizzy’s in San Diego and a multitude of clubs and festivals across the United States.

In addition to recording and performing, Bradley Leighton has continued to share his knowledge and enthusiasm of music as a clinician and teacher. Besides private lessons, he leads workshops for musicians of all skill levels, including, “Jazz Improvisation for the Classically Trained Flutist,” and “Music For Life – Improvisation for the Adult Amateur Musician.” He’s a Yamaha Performing Artist and Flute Coach at the Music Magnet School, Oak Park Elementary, in San Diego, CA.

For the full Bradley Leighton bio – click here.

TyG

Tyrone Griffin also known as “Ty G” grew up in West Los Angeles where he studied music under the directive of Donald DeSimon and Mr. Larocka. Ty graduated and studied with Ed Jackson and David E. Sears. He later began employment with A&M Records where he took a job as a recording engineer. He worked under Henry Lewie, Dick Bolgert, Bruce Swiden, and Stephen Katz. He engineered on many outstanding projects, such as Joni Mitchell, Freddie Hubbard, Quincy Jones, The Brother’s Johnson, Stanley Clark, and Mini Ripelton. Due to A&M’s closure, Ty later went to work for Nadine’s music store in Los Angeles where became a household name in the minds of musicians locally and throughout the U.S. Later, he left the music store to go on the road with The Brother’s Johnson.

Ty was a Trumpet player and background Vocalist for the phenomenal group. After touring with The Brother’s Johnson, Ty toured with Evelyn Champagne King as her keyboard player. He later joined the sensational group Lakeside as a keyboard player and vocalist. He toured the world with Lakeside for five years. Meanwhile, touring with Lakeside, Ty recorded sessions with Rick James on the smash hit “Give it to me Baby”, Teena Marie, Jermaine Steward, Richard Tee, Eric Benet, Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Jon B, Dr. Dre, The Dog Pound, Immature, Brandy, DJ Quick, The Gap Band, Penny Ford, Philip Bailey, Pretty in Pink, Shanice Wilson and Boss Skank. Also, Ty entertained on various television shows, such as, Melrose Place, Vibe, The Keenon & Ivory Wayans Show, Soul Train, Donnie and Marie, Howie Mandel, The Apollo, The Magic Hour, The View, BET, Sound Stage, Motown Live, Saturday Night Special and The Midnight Special which all proved to be a success. Ty has also toured with Raphael Saadiq, Teena Marie, and LTD. He also formed his own band known as The Hollywood All-Stars.

Ty and Jon B formed a band known as Jack Herrera. Ty has recently signed with an up and coming independent label, Off Balance Entertainment and has recorded his first solo album “Fire Storm”. Ty G’s solo album is a compliation of numerous rhythms. His album is a mixture of Jazz, Hip Hop, Adult Contemporary and shallow shades of R&B. Ty G’s music is great for various age groups. His album is perfect for driving the coastline as the breeze whistles over your convertable on a bright sunny day or just kick back and spiritually enjoy the music.

Vaughn Fahie and the S4G Ensemble

Vaughn Fahie (pronounced Foy) was born in Bitburg , Germany on a U.S. Air Force base his father was stationed. Beginning at the early age of 8, Vaughn’s first music lessons were on the accordion. In that same year his grandfather bought him a piano and he began to take lessons. He quickly began to play songs by ear and create his own music “arrangements”. In the fifth grade he was introduced to his first woodwind instrument, the clarinet. He continued to develop his playing skills on the clarinet through junior high and high school marching band. Meanwhile, he was continually developing his keyboard talent while playing organ for church service…picking up chords and key changes by listening & looking over the shoulder of the more experienced pianist and personal mentor, now Bishop Jeffery A.  Davis, Sr.  In the 11th grade, Vaughn was approached to join the jazz band, as they needed a second alto saxophone player. He was encouraged that it would be an easy transition to go from clarinet to sax. As he played second chair alto, he began to play out on the spot improvised solos and soon was moved to the lead alto chair. In that same year (1996-97) his father recognized and supported Vaughn’s talent and love for playing the sax and purchased a professional model sax for Christmas…hence, the beginning of Sax 4 God (S4G).

After high school Vaughn later marched in the drum line for Riverside Community College Marching Tigers band for two years and served as the bass line captain. Vaughn graduated from Riverside Community College with his Associates of Science degree in Mathematics, and then went on to receive his BA degree in Music Business from Cal Poly Pomona University (a member of the first graduating class of this new degree). A man of the musical arts, Vaughn Fahie founded his own musical production company, “S4G Productions”, while continuing to master his craft as a consummate musician. Vaughn self-produced his first solo CD, “Stirring Up the Gift” in 1998 and followed with a single, “Blessed Assurance” in 2000. In December 2004 he produced a maxi-single entitled “Enjoy” in his recording studio. A long awaited Christmas CD entitled “Christmas is Every Day” was released in December 2005. His 5th release, “S4G Music” was launched in September 2006 and features a mixture of instrumental music styles that reflects his jazz ensemble’s variety.  The latest CD (EP), “Interest Only”  featured original songs as well as two extended live recordings and was released in May 2008.  He just released his double CD package entitled “Upward Jazz” & “Inward Jazz” in September 2009.  “Upward Jazz” lifts your spirit while “Inward Jazz” soothes the soul.

Vaughn has devoted his time, energy and talents to a wide range of areas in the music industry. As a veteran of the arts he has performed in weddings, banquets, pop shows, community events, television broadcast, gospel concerts, conventions and numerous studio recordings. Nevertheless, his true passion is taking part in the development of new and upcoming talent from behind the scenes as a sound engineer/producer. This is the purpose for S4G Studios, which offers a full studio experience to anyone in need of laying tracks, recording, mixing, and mastering their own CD.

Not only is Vaughn a seasoned musician, sound engineer, and educator, but also a dedicated community leader serving as an associate pastor, musician and youth pastor of his local church. Now as an up and coming recording artist, he has begun to share his wisdom and God given talents with the public on a larger scale. Enjoy the music, the smile and the humble spirit of Vaughn Fahie.

JT Smoove

Concert Hosted by JT Smoove.

JTSmoove, born in Los Angeles Ca, now resides in the inland empire. J.T. is a wity and energetic comedian thats taken the game by storm. In his young career has already opended for some of the top names in the business. Names like Tommy Davidson, Joe Torry, Micheal Cahllier, Renaldo Rey, Shang, Corey Holcomb and more. J.T. has also M.C.’d concerts for r/b and rap groups like 112, Chris Brown, E-40, lil Zane, Bone Thugs and Harmony and many more. JTSmoove is currently working the comedy scene from L.A to the Bay and pursuing an acting career. Look out for J.T. in a city near you, to stay connected email jtsmoove@hotmail.com