SUMMARY: George A. Johnson is a third-generation jazz drummer who began playing at age five. Having established himself at age 12 in the Atlantic City music scene of the 60’s, he cemented himself as a talented jazz drummer studying under greats Elvin Jones (who helped him select his first drum kit) and Art Blakey. It was this conditioning at a young age that helped to formulate his worth ethic and dedication. New album, “A Valentine’s Wish” expands upon his discipline, with new artists and sounds.
The success of George A. Johnson can be attributed to studying his art and having the real-world experience necessary to excel at it. Earning a Doctorate of Arts, his craft has led him all over the world, touring with some of the biggest names in jazz including McCoy Tyner, Wynton Marsalis, Grover Washington Jr., and many more. He has appeared at a host of jazz festivals including the Mont Jazz Festival in Switzerland, Mellon Jazz Festival, and the Atlantic City Jazz Festival among many others. Continuously perfecting his craft and passing on his knowledge, he is a representative of Paste Cymbals and holds drumming workshops at various locations including the Heritage Jazz Festival and Berkley College. [Read more…]
Performing wherever he could, at one point he was the producer of his own show. The first album release came at the end of 2001. The album was featured as part of an experiment that was made in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, trying to broadcast to remote areas of those countries. One of the songs on the albums even reached number 1 on the Australian Indie Charts, on a net radio station named Ison. 
Solo artist Colacoaster began his musical career as a guitar player heavily influenced by British pop bands such as the Smiths, The Cure, and Tindersticks. This is what formed the backbone of his sound, as did his love for more progressive artists including Sonic Youth, Depeche Mode, and Soft Cell. He brought these influences into his first recorded album. This was during the time he spent as the lead guitar player for an Austrian band called Edible Skier. 
Born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, Tricky G. Washington grew up playing any instrument he could get his hands on. The son of a guitarist who played for the local church, Washington began plunking around on his father’s guitar at age 4, before studying music theory at age 5. It was here that he learned to play a variety of acoustic instruments including congas, chimes, and other percussion instruments as well as alto saxophone. At age 17, he picked up his brother’s bass and had his brother teach him the basics before his brother tragically passed. 
A member of the Apollo Brothers for 20 years and The Orioles for 9 years, Ray Apollo Allen has shared the stage with some of the most influential acts in R&B, soul, and doo wop ever. Now pursuing a solo career, Allen recently released his latest track titled “It’s A Party (Block Party), an infectious, uplifting tune reminiscent of some of the greats including the Eisley Brothers, Supremes, Smoky Robinson, and many more. 
As a vocalist and a songwriter, Frances Livings has always been drawn to the unique crafting of a song, to its rhythm, melody, texture, linguistics and story. Frances discovered early in her career that you don’t have to be a native of any country to become attached to its culture. Another source of inspiration were her travels, like extensive stays in Southern Europe, and from having lived and worked in the multi-ethnic melting pot Los Angeles for the last decade. Bringing to this album even more than her deep love of these cultures, she choose a foreign language repertoire. She selected songs written by artists native to countries such as France, Mexico and Peru, whose tunes with their unique phonetical sounds evoke a very classy and lush atmosphere. 
