ERIC BROWN
lead&backing vocals, drums, keys
MICHAEL GRIOT
backing vocals, 5-string electric and upright basses, keys, gtr
TOUR BAND:
TEDDYCROCKETT guitar
CHRIS FISCHER keys/samples
BREAKING NEWS: a singing drummer from Richmond, CA and a bass player from northern Jersey deliver classic songwriting, tight musicianship and danceable grooves...two great talents come together, and release a stunning debut: one of the hot, new "funk-tional soul" bands of 2006!
In 2002, ERIC BROWN moved to NYC from the Bay area, and hit New York City's live music scene in venues like the VILLAGE UNDERGROUND and JOE’S PUB... On an R&B/gospel gig, he met bassist MICHAEL GRIOT; an independent producer, and busy tour musician...almost immediately, they began writing and recording at GRIOT’S studio (ATTICA). They quickly became a highly-regarded NYC "live" rhythmn section; their deep grooves and soulful syncopations were heard while touring behind UK soul legend OMAR, and international hip-hop artist COMMON...it was clear to everyone right away: there was something special about the way they grooved!!
"FOR YOU" is their highly-anticipated debut release from PWI ENTERTAINMENT, scheduled for download in spring 2006...OMAR himself shares an uptempo w/Brown on "family affair"; Grammy-nominated trumpeter Russell Gunn(who also tours with C-Lo) rips on two songs, as well as a catchy co-write and backing vocals by Philadelphia's own R&B royalty Kenny Whitehead.
"BLACK i is our way to express our love of just performing", says bassist Michael Griot, "through our instruments and our lyrics". Comparisons run the gamut: from Prince to Maxwell...from Curtis Mayfield to EWF..."we are basically doing up-tempo relationship songs on this record".
FACTOIDS: ERIC BROWN
Family of musicians: dad-singer…..mom: singer/piano…brothers: drums and bass….raised in a neighborhood of musicians…regular rehearsals of local bands in the garage!
Started on drums at age 7, jamming w/brothers……added piano at 16, playing both drums and piano in church…occasionally sung in church and directed choir…started writing music at 17.
ERIC BROWN has had the pleasure of working with:
EDWIN HAWKINS
SPEARHEAD
DWAYNE WIGGINS(TONI TONY TONE)
COMMON
OMAR
JULIE DEXTER
MICHELE SHOCKED
ALLISON CROCKETT
MAURICE WHITE
FACTOIDS: MICHAEL GRIOT
Raised in Northern, NJ…Started on classical cello at age 7…quickly gained skill through recitals, orchestra, and private lessons….mother was a strong recreational singer and music oficianado: everything from classic r&b to Broadway showtunes were heard in the household…father was a fan of the blues and jazz, and an all-around supportive spirit…..started electric bass at age 13; immediately began organizing other neighborhood and church musicians into bands, and having rehearsals in his basement on occasion……placed 7th chair All-North Jersey in cello that year….started r&b cover band at age 14, playing localtalent shows and competitions in Orange, NJ….added trombone and tuba at 15 while captain of marching and stage bands….graduated from high school “Most Musically Inclined”….got songwriting tips/mentoring in Philly from the late Harold Melvin…
MICHAEL GRIOT has had the pleasure of working with:
COMMON
OMAR
QUEEN LATIFAH
RUSSELL GUNN
LAURYN HILL
JULIE DEXTER
GURU’S JAZZMATAZZ
N’DEA DAVENPORT
CARTER BEAUFORD(Dave Mathews)
It was good spending time with everyone especially since they're very few times when we all can get together...Uncle Snoop and Stassi being absent might have been a good thing for this trip though...They have alot to deal with right now..it's understandable.
Guess if you weren't looking, then youz blind..? or something like that....I did kinda put it out there....Learning the ways of marketing in America, ...Canadian style, of course. You well? Ivana.
Hey, This is Choice, Jersey Citys Bad Boys of Acappella. Stoppin by to show some luv. Visit our page, and hear our music just posted!! Cheers, from Choice!
all right, I gonna write sumthin' good:this album is the best record of 2007...I'm amazed by "please U"..it's one of the most killer joint I've ever heard...in fact I've played it in repeat mode for one week...and jam on it!!! If U don't have this CD go get it right now....U must have it, if U belong to the FUNK!!!!
Hey there!!! I hope you are well & that all is good. Just wanted to say hello & tell you that I appriciate your friend ship. Pop by anytime! Peace & Love - Paul Mac Innes
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