The Fuzz Band

The Fuzz Band is unparalleled in the music industry. The nine-member group has an innovative sound that fuses several genres of music to create an intriguing resonance. Comprised of classically trained instrumentalists, as well as accomplished jazz musicians and vocalists, The Fuzz Band has a style all its own. Their sound is a fusion of hip hop, jazz, R&B, soul, alternative and classical music that transcends traditional borders of artistic expression. The band, which has performed together since 1997, calls this sound a blur; thus the name “Fuzz”.

Many of the bands’ fans have described their vibrant and versatile range of music as a spontaneous overflow of emotion. This sound can be heard on their recently released “Without Boundaries” album, a 13-track compilation released on the Peach Fuzz Entertainment, LLC label. The Norfolk, Va. based band has opened for platinum-selling artists such as Outkast, Jill Scott, Morris Day and The Time and Alicia Keys. The Fuzz Band has also performed at fundraisers for dignitaries and entertainers, including Virginia’s Gov. Mark Warner, stellar basketball player Allen Iverson and NFL star Bruce Smith.

R&B artists such as Bilal, Faith, Blue Cantrell and Scott have all performed to music recreated by the group at “Fuzzy Wednesdays”—a weekly “open mic” event. Over 30,000 patrons have partaken in the “Fuzzy” experience since its creation in 1997. The venue provides a space for poets, performers and lyricists to express themselves in a culturally enriching atmosphere. The Fuzz Band is the core part of this event, providing the soundtrack to many of the artists.

There is no one-way to describe The Fuzz Band or the music that they play except to say that the energy is endless and the sound is astounding. “The Fuzz Band is great, their sound is amazing,” said ABC News. The band is committed to restoring the integrity of music, and has proven this by their performances and by sharing their gifts to youth through fun and entertaining musical clinics.

THE FUZZ BAND

Kabana Blaq—A soul singer in the true meaning, Kabana connects with his audience using his amazing vocal ability and his “his hold-nothing-back attitude”! The Athens, Greece, native, who holds a degree in education, puts on a captivating performance.

Boo Britt—He is an amazing talent! Boo has been playing the drum since the age of three. Boo is not only an outstanding percussionist, but he is also a spectacular singer. The Portsmouth, Virginia native has a specialty in adding funk to the mix. He holds a media productions degree from Norfolk State University.

Michon David—Michon has a voice like butter! Imagine if velvet was a sound and…well, you get the basic idea. The St. Thomas, V.I. native has an impressive infused jazz vocals. She holds a B.A. and M.A. in music education from Hampton University.

Jason Jennifer—Music is in his blood! He comes from a family where each member is an accomplished musician; Jason is the heartbeat of the band. Besides the drum, Jason also plays the congas, sax, clarinet and piano…just to start. The Cheverly, Maryland native holds a B.S. in music engineering technology and an M.A. in music education.

Nakia Madry—Ms. Madry to you! This siren has a soprano voice that makes you feel what she’s singing. The East Lyme, Connecticut native boasts an impressive five-octave range. She holds a degree in musical engineering technology from Hampton University.

Alex Meyers—This great tenor sax player astonishes his audience instantaneously! The Virginian native studied music at Radford University, and is a dazzling woodwind performer. He is also a brilliant teacher who brings a traditional jazz blend to the band.

Chris Paultre—This Brooklyn, New York native has fingers that are incredible! His style meshes perfectly with the rest of the band. The pianist is currently attending Hampton University pursuing a degree in music engineering technology.

Duane Smith—He is the trumpeter extraordinaire! Duane has been awing folks with his musical ability since grade school. An accomplished jazz musician, he holds a degree in jazz studies from Hampton University. In addition, the Brooklyn, New York native is the business developer and president of Peach Fuzz Entertainment, LLC.

John Stratford—”John the Phenomenon” is what people call him! This funky bass player, originally from Brooklyn, New York has been blessed with the ability to pick strings and cause a miraculous sound to occur. John holds a B.A. in music engineering technology from Hampton University.

Their sound is a mixture of jazz, hip hop, alternative, soul and classical music blended together. This innovative fusion creates a sound that is unparalleled in the music industry today.

At the same time, their music bridges the gap between various listeners by introducing them to diverse genres. “I never really had an appreciation for jazz music until I heard them,” said Sherry Oden, a 26-year-old hip hop advocate.

Audiences at many of The Fuzz Band’s shows run the gamut from being members of the Baby Boomers generation to being Generation Xers. You can also catch hip hop heads to grunge music enthusiasts at their live performances.

“I was surprisingly moved by their sound,” said 53-year-old Albertha Abraham. “I love jazz music, but with The Fuzz Band, I received much more. Their live performance is what really moved me.”

And apparently that’s the goal—to give people something that can move them. “Our sound has been called a spontaneous overflow of emotion,” said Paul Saunders, the band’s manager. “We play feel good music and
everyone can relate to that.” The nine-member group, made up of six instrumentalists and three vocalists, has opened for platinum-selling artists such as Outkast, Alicia Keys and Jill Scott.

Many of the members are classically trained instrumentalists and one of its singers, Nakia Madry, boasts a five-octave range. “We’re about integrity and staying focused and getting our musical message across,” said Duane A. Smith. “The message is, we love life, we love God, we love music and each other, regardless.”

And with songs like “Hey”, “Crossroads” and “Cinimin” from their recent released album “Without Boundaries,” it provides just that kind of message. The band’s sound is reflective of people who truly love music.

The independently released album sold out of its first shipment in under three weeks solely by word of mouth.

Their album is available online at www.cdbaby.com/thefuzzband. “I can not believe this band hasn’t blown up yet,” said Ashura Goines, a Washington, D.C. native. “They have so much to offer the music industry—their diverse sound is what it’s been craving.”

R&B artists such as Bilal, Faith, Blue Cantrell and Scott have all performed to music recreated by the group at Fuzzy Wednesdays—a weekly “open mic” event. Over 30,000 patrons have partaken in the “Fuzzy” experience since its 1997 inception.

For more information on The Fuzz Band, visit www.thefuzzband.com