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While pursuing his JD and MBA at Georgetown, he independently produced and distributed his first CD (Lessons in Love), which sold more than 40,000 units; a phenomenal success for an unknown independent artist’s debut release. This album helped him launch his career as a renowned jazz keyboardist/pianist, and later, he released his second CD (Inter Alia), with staggering success
This success caught the attention of Black Entertainment Television (BET) founder and businessman Robert L. Johnson, who invested and partnered with Marcus to establish Marimelj Entertainment Group. Under their partnership, MEG’s label Three Keys Music housed Studio 8121, a full-service recording studio, and two music publishing companies: Marimelj Music Publishing and Three Keys Music Publishing.
As head of Three Keys Music, Johnson produced and released on the Three Keys Music label national jazz artists: Michael Lington, Jaared Arosemena, Bobby Lyle, Nick Colionne, R&B singer, Alyson Williams, neo-soul songstress, Zahzarah; and smooth jazz Saxophonists Phillip Martin and Brian Lenair.
To date, Marcus has released more than fifteen Billboard charted CDs, and has the distinction of having his groundbreaking 2008 Billboard Top 20 Contemporary Jazz FLO (For the Love Of) Anthology, which consisted of three distinct CDs -- FLO Chill, FLO Romance and FLO Standards - all chart Top 10 on Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts simultaneously.
The release of Poetically Justified (2009) and This is How I Rock (2011), which were Top 20 Contemporary Jazz CDs, solidified Marcus Johnson as the heir apparent to the funky urban groove music style and sound made famous by legendary jazz greats, George Duke and Herbie Hancock.
COOL SHADES
Guitar virtuoso Nils has been one of the most successful forces in the Contemporary Jazz genre. With 4 number 1 Hits in the Billboard Smooth Jazz charts, including the Song of the Decade 2001-2010 “Pacific Coast Highway” and the Song of the Year 2011 ” Jump Start”, he stands out amongst his peers. “His CD ‘Jazz Gems – The Best of Nils’ could easily be titled “The Best of Contemporary Jazz” and it is pure joy and exhilaration reliving these masterfully composed and produced hits.” As songwriter and producer he used his “Midas touch ” to provide hits for many artist in this genre, including Lisa Addeo, George Benson, Brian Simpson, Reza Khan, Alvin Pope, Tony Saunders to name a few.
Mike Murray
Mike Murray
WHO IS MIKE MURRAY?
Smooth Jazz and Chill Out Recording Artist, Composer, Musician and Producer, Mike Murray is no stranger to music. Mike first developed his love for the piano as a young man during his summers at camp on an upright piano. This was merely an introduction, but true focus came years later.
While attending high school, Mike landed a spot with a local high school funk band, but not as a pianist; as a drummer. Yet, again before musical seeds could take root, the time had come for him to turn the page to explore the next chapters in life. Over the years, Mike was heavily influenced by music greats such as: George Duke, Stanley Clarke, FourPlay, Santana, Hiroshima, Paul Hardcastle, Alex Bugnon, Earth Wind & Fire, Sly Stone, Mandrill and other groundbreaking talents.
Mike decided to return to his musical roots in 2005 following the footsteps of his father as a pianist. Shortly thereafter, a friend strongly encouraged Mike to "Dig Deeper," and so he did. 2007 marked the release of his CD entitled, "Skyline." He has been digging ever since.
About CAROL ALBERT Biography
In a genre where an artist’s success is generally measured by radio airplay spins and Billboard chart positions, pianist/composer Carol Albert’s recent Top 5 singles “Perfect Sunday” and “Stronger Now” – from her 2020 full length album Stronger Now - have crossed over to massive numbers in a metric usually touted by mainstream pop stars. Currently, “Perfect Sunday” has over 6.4M streams on Spotify and “Stronger Now” has over 2.1M. The album’s other radio hits include the Top 5 hit “Femme Flight,” which featured flutist Ragan Whiteside and saxophonist Magdalena Chovancova and earned Carol a new legion of fans via extensive airplay on SiriusXM’s Watercolors.
Since establishing herself as smooth jazz mainstay in 2017, one of Carol’s unique trademarks has been writing and recording songs that both chronicle and express her own emotions and thoughtfully reflect upon the world around her. Her single “Paradigm Shift,” released in August 2022, powerfully captures the profound shift of consciousness that’s collectively taken hold of us in the wake of the pandemic. Continuing her collaborative flow with two time Grammy winning guitarist and mega hitmaker Paul Brown that started with five songs on Stronger Now, “Paradigm Shift” is a co-write by Carol, Brown and Shane Theriot. Brown produced the track and is featured on guitar. The track marks the first time she and Brown recorded together live in the studio, resulting in a remarkable musical conversation marked by exciting improvisations.
Saxophonist J. White is an internationally recognized Billboard artist, songwriter and producer who commands your attention with captivating performances and amazing, soulful sounds. He is a passionate, determined, and gifted artist and with the success of his latest EP entitled, “Fearless”, he is well on his way to becoming a household name.
A native of Detroit Michigan, J. White is a vibrant, versatile performer whose influences range from Gerald Albright, Cannonball Adderly, and Kirk Whalum to Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, and Grover Washington Jr. His own style and presentation borrow from the Pastelle and Rosewood movement, the contemporary urban scene, and youthful expressions from around the globe. J. White’s music is without a doubt soulfully driven and technically motivated, intertwining the sounds of Smooth Jazz with a hint of Straight-Ahead to deliver a sensual, harmonic, and melodic sound and he is creating his own destiny with his unique, all-around talent.
J. White has already performed alongside many industry greats such as Warren Hill, Nick Colionne, Peter White, Euge Groove, Eric Darius, Eric Roberson, P.J. Morton, Najee, Smokie Norful and Dave Hollister. J. White took runner up at the Warren Hill Sax Summit, competing with saxophonist from around the world. As a result of his success, he was invited to perform at several major jazz festivals to include the Arizona Jazz Festival, Las Vegas Jazz Festival, Jazz at the Creek, and the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival for two consecutive years. J. White’s music and stellar performances began a movement reaching jazz venues and festivals around the country.
For White, it all began when he was forced by his mother to join the elementary school band. Having to decide on a single instrument grew difficult but when asked which he would like to play, he chose the saxophone stating, “I guess that one…I like the way it’s shaped”. Unknowingly his answer would unlock his incredible talent and amazing musical future.
White began to develop quickly in music, studying privately under the late Emil Acitelli. His efforts eventually lead to a music scholarship attending the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in music and performed with the Marching Band, Wind Symphony, and toured with the Jazz Ensemble under the direction of the late Odie Burrus. While in College he began to tour all over the State of Arkansas and Memphis performing with a local show band. It was at the tender age of 20 when he learned about showmanship, connectivity, and musical excellence.
“I want my music to have identity and purpose and be felt by people from all walks of life. The freedom and life I feel when I’m on stage or in a night club playing with my eyes closed, is the same feeling I want listeners to experience when they turn my records on.”
White’s first single from his “Fearless” project entitled, “Driven” peaked at #18 on the Billboard Charts and had heavy rotation on Sirius XM Watercolors, as well as many stations all over the country. J. White is back in the studio working on his next project which is scheduled for release in 2022. For more artist information visit jwhitelive.com
