Combat FusionJazz Band
Feb 5, 2012 Bands, Beyond The Music, Home Page, Stars with a Pen
Combat FusionJazz Band is the brainchild of John Dubiel.
John Dubiel resides in Chicago and is the Producer of the Band. Not only is he the producer, but he is the song writer and arranger for the Band. The CD, Gotta Say GoodBye, has been a labor of Love. It is a compilation of seven beautiful smooth jazz with wonderful vocalists.
Throughout John’s life, he has been a producer, songwriter, and keyboardist with a passion for music. Being a Veteran who received the Purple Heart after being wounded during the Vietnam war, his other passion is the Veterans and with his new Band, he wants to help all our Vets suffering with PTSD. Part of the profits from this CD is going to help these brave men and women as they return home from combat.
John has come alive with the Combat Fusion Jazz Band’s first album “Gotta Say Goodbye” a smooth jazz, fusion, R&B arrangement. A soulful mix of musical genres.
John has been in the music industry for over thirty years, first producing for Mercury & Ovation records in the 70′s and in the 90′s opening a Jazz Club, The Jazz buffet of Chicago presenting top entertainment like Sheila E., Warren Hill , and Jimmy Smith just to name a few.
John also Wrote and Produced a musical Play titled, The Pack is Back, a fictional portrait of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Dean Martin which ran successfully for two years at Piper’s Alley Theater in Chicago. However, when all is said and done, John returned to what he loves most, playing the keyboard and producing music.
John is dedicated to making great music with the Combat fusion Jazz Band and helping our brave men and women serving our Great Nation.
Take a Listen to the Interview, enjoy the music and then go buy the CD for your collection from Amazon.com or CDBaby.com
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tags: arranger, Band, composer, giving back, independent, independent record label, Jazz, motivation, music, musician, Old School, producer, smooth, vintage, writer
African Jamaican Culture
Jan 22, 2012 Bands, Home Page, Spiritual Life
On Saturday January 21, we had the pleasure of speaking with Duruh-John, half of the founding team of African Jamaican Culture Band. John explained how the band started as a percussion band in 1998. The Band has since evolved into a full band. John admits that he never saw himself as a singer, but also admits that he loves it. He also shared that he writes all the songs for the Band. 
The band tours around Germany and has quite a following there. John says the Band would love to come and perform in the United States. We are very pleased that He chose Conversations and WDGP to make his first venture into United States territory. We wish African Jamaican Culture Band nothing but success in their all their endeavors You can purchase their music and follow African Jamaican Culture on their website and on Facebook.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tags: arranger, Band, independent, Jah, motivation, music, musician, percussion, performer, Reggae, roots, Soulful, writer
Winfield Davis and Friends
Dec 18, 2011 Bands, Beyond The Music, Stars with a Pen, The Business of Music, Today's Stars
The December 17, 2011 edition of Conversations was simply…awesome.
Winfield Davis is awesome all on his own, but for this show, Diana had five awesome guests. Winfield shared the time with two of his band mates Mikey and Reuben who were both charming. Both Mikey and Reuben share some personal feelings about music and their journey to get to where they are.Winfield shared how the Band is coming together and getting ready to start touring. They have been playing regularly at A Touch of Class, a Nightclub in the Tampa area.
Komposer MD joined us on the show as well to catch us up on what’s been happening in world over the past year, like composing a couple of movie scores and completing a couple of projects composing music for a backdrop to poetry. We are so pleased that she is doing big things.
We also met Gus Sequoia, a musician in his own right and owner of the Maryland Studio in Florida, where The Winfield Davis Band rehearses regularly. We also heard a couple of tracks from Gus’ album World of Fire.
all in All it was a very entertaining and educational show thanks to all the guest who all brought their talents, history and knowledge. Listen to the show and be inspired not only to live your dreams now and in the future but to look back at your family history and see where you’ve been. Thank you all for helping create this show filled with great music and Conversations.
Find Komposer MD on Reverbnation, Facebook and MySpace. You can find her music for purchase here.
Gus Sequoia can be found on MySpace and Facebook .
Find Winfield and the Band at his website, Myspace, and Facebook.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tags: arranger, Band, Bermuda, composer, encouragement, funk, giving back, independent, independent record label, Jazz, music, musician, Old School, performer, producer, songwriter, Soulful, Talent, Uplifting
Journeys’ Robert Mark
Nov 20, 2011 Bands, international, Today's Stars
On November 19, 2011 we had the pleasure of chatting with
Robert Mark, drummer for the Band Journey. It was delightful speaking with him straight from his home in Switzerland. Of course it was around 2am there but Robert says he’s a musician and as such usually gets in about that time if he’s gigging. Robert told us how the Band got started and about some of the changes and influence that help to create the current sound. He told us his favorites from the current project, New Destinations, and promised to send a copy of the Band’s first release so it can be share with our listeners. You can sample a few of the tracks in the interview posted here but all the tracks are in the WDGP Playlist.
Robert did ask that our listeners get in touch and let the Band know how you all feel about their music. You can do this but going to their website or emailing Robert directly Send eMail
The Band has toured but not yet in the US and your enjoyment of their music might bring them to a venue near you. All in all it was a great visit and maybe next time the other 5 members will join us. The music is available on itunes or right from their website. Please Like Journeys Fan Page on Facebook. You can find Robert Mark on Facebook as well.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tags: Band, Fusion, independent, independent record label, international., Jazz, musician, preformer, producer
Jayar of JACODA Records
Nov 6, 2011 Beyond The Music, Stars with a Pen, The Business of Music, Today's Stars
On Saturday November 5, Conversations hostess Diana Broomfield got to spend the evening with a truly handsome and talented gentleman who is about to celebrate 30 years in the music business. It was such a pleasure maneuvering down memory lane through his career.
Jayar is a Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, arranger, and producer, as well as a gifted singer. With an amazing four and a half octave range, his natural vocal talents are shared ranging from classic soul to hard-hitting blues. This extremely versatile artist has given many outstanding performances throughout the country and overseas. As a multi-instrumentalist, drums, bass, rhythm guitars, all keyboards and synthesizers are just a few of the more than 10 musical instruments JAYAR has mastered. JAYAR’s knowledge of musical arranging and orchestrating has enabled him to become a successful producer as well.
During their time together, Jayar told about the very first time he performed professionally and about his found memory of his father reaction to that event. He shared his first demo and thanked those who believed in him and encouraged him to be all he can be. They discussed how hard, determination and God’s will all combine into success. We also learned that Jayar is a perfectionist and the most critical of himself. He credited several mentors with teaching him how to excel in his craft and his business. Jayar is just an all around great guy. Take a listen and we’re sure you’ll agree. Connect with Jayar on Facebook.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tags: arranger, Band, composer, funk, Harmony, independent, independent record label, music, musician, Old School, performer, producer, RnB, singer, smooth, Soulful, Talent, Vocalist
Do You Like What You See?
Nov 6, 2011 Beyond The Music, Home Page, Stars with a Pen, Worthy Charities
Glenn Gordon is a longtime friend to WDGP and when he approached us to inquire if we would help him spread the word out his recent campaign, we didn’t hesitate. Glenn, who has been among the homeless, not once but three times, had a dream that he must see to fruition.
He wants to pay it forward from all the help he received when he was on the street. He says he made attempts to pay folks back but they wouldn’t accept it, so instead he is developing items for sale revolving around the song and concept that came to him in a dream. Do You Like What You See is truly an inspiration. The track is available for download from his website GG’s Music and CDBaby in the near future. Glenn is also planing to sell T-Shirts and other items and will donate 20% of theses proceeds to organizations that aide the homeless.
We feel this is a very worthy cause and commend Glenn Gordon for his efforts. Take a listen to the song and pay particular attention to the lyrics, although simple there is a distinct message in them.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tags: arranger, Band, bassman, composer, encouragement, giving back, independent, independent record label, motivation, music, musician, Old School, performer, smooth, songwriter
United Funk Order
Oct 23, 2011 Beyond The Music, Legends, Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
Once upon a day, the powers that be decided to remove the musical creation we had come to know as FUNK from the record store bins and formats of radio stations worldwide. The primary intent was to completely obliterate the concept of FUNK from our collective consciousness in order to facilitate the control of our thought process and reprogram our minds to their liking. They attempted to exterminate all interference from the forces of those “rebellious Funkateers”. They almost succeeded in crushing the resistance… but… it’s a new day and United Funk Order has arrived to remove all restrictions currently imposed on your memory banks so that you may once again enjoy the groovalicious music your subconscious has been secretly craving for… rockin’ it hard and funkin it slow for ya………
Currently the world of music seems plagued by large doses of mediocrity and an overall deficiency of truly compelling music…. it seems artists and record companies are often driven by financial considerations as opposed to heartfelt inspiration. Spearheaded by Thulani and Indigo, United Funk Order is on a mission to restore balance to the musical equation. Their existence is proof positive that quality, integrity and musicianship need not be sacrificed for the sake of a dollar.
Welcome to the United Funk Order experience….
Just beamed out of the studio, and onto the music scene. Intergalactic-Funk-Rock Band “United Funk Order” headed by the Multi-talented Thulani, Master Guitarist Indigo and Master Keyboardist Gregg “Daffy” Fitz, is pleased to present their new music CD set for fourth quarter release. Phenix Productions, Inc. presents Intergalactic-Funk Rock Band “United Funk Order”. The band’s vibe is rooted in classic funk and contains elements that appeal to diverse audiences.
It was exciting to hear the passion and concern in the conversation between Thulani, Indigo and Hostess Diana as the discuss the Funk, the history, gave credit and shared the music. If you are nostalgic for the sounds of Cameo, Mother’s Finest, Chaka Khan & Rufus and the King George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic (which includes Prince Bootsy) Then take a listen to United Funk Order.The band’s vibe is rooted in classic funk and contains elements that appeal to diverse audiences.
Keep up with the Band, check out videos of the band and check out the animated characters for the upcoming series by plugging into their website.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tags: arranger, bassman, composer, encouragement, funk, giving back, independent, independent record label, musician, Old School, performer, RnB, singer, singing, Soulful, Talent, vintage, writer
Jeff Majors
Sep 25, 2011 Beyond The Music, Legends, Today's Stars
Conversations was graced with the presence of DC’s Native Son Jeff Majors
As a native of Washington, D.C., music flowed throughout the household of JeffMajors courtesy of his mother Annie P. Fitzgerald — a talented jazz trumpeter in her own right with a circle of friends which included legendary actress and singer Pearl Bailey.
At age 15, JeffMajors had a dream in which he saw himself strumming the harp; an instrument he had never played before. Inspired, he used the dream to fuel his passion for music and literally change the course of his life. With the harp hand-made for him by a local music store owner, he began to pursue mastery of the
He spent the next several years in Los Angeles studying under the wings of jazz pianist and harpist Alice Coltrane, wife of jazz legend John Coltrane. He later teamed up with legendary jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby. He returned to the Washington D.C. area, where he formed several jazz bands and became a radio personality at Radio One. This led to the opportunity to host “Sunday Joy,” the semi syndicated inspirational and gospel on-air ministry that can be heard on Magic 95.9 and 102.3 in the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia area. From there he evolved into the vice presidency of gospel music programming for the Radio One network of
Hailed as an inspirational jazz / gospel producer and renowned harp master JeffMajors has touched the hearts of millions through his television program, TV One’s “Gospel of Music with JeffMajors,” along with his faith-affirming, soul-stirring Sacred series and outreach initiatives that include his annual nationwide free concert tour “JeffMajors Blankets for the Homeless,” and most recently “Hiphop for the Homeless.” During which there are performances and provision of clothing, blankets and other items necessary for surviving life on the
After being welcomed to perform on her talk show, media mogul Oprah Winfrey stated that the music of JeffMajors, “…energizes my faith and transports my spirit. For me, it is the best way to start my day.” And when he was hand-picked by the Martin Luther King Family to perform at Coretta Scott King’s memorial service, JeffMajors demonstrated that his music could console a Nation
Today, he appears in more than 40 million homes through “The Gospel of Music with JeffMajors,” the flagship program on TV One. The hit show provides a venue for diverse well-known and emerging talent, and has showcased some of the biggest names in the industry, including James Ingram, Mavis Staples, Shirley Caesar, Yolanda Adams and Gerald Levert in his last television appearance.
It was my extreme pleasure to have this Gentleman on Conversations. It was even more special to know we are not only from the same city, but share the same values. If you are in any of the cities that will house Jeff Majors National Homeless Tour, I hope you will get involved in whatever way you can. Remember, For He who is much is given, much is expected. As Mr Majors said, “Give from the heart and you will be Blessed…”
Enjo the interview and keep up with Jeff Majors via his website.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tags: arranger, composer, encouragement, giving back, Harmony, harp, independent, independent record label, motivation, music, musician, Old School, performer, smooth
David White
Aug 7, 2011 Beyond The Music, Stars with a Pen
You’ve heard the music now meet the Man behind it. Join us as we welcome David White to the WDGP family.
Trombonist, Composer, Arranger David White is a highly versatile musician who is building a strong reputation on the New York jazz scene. In addition to leading his own band, the David White Jazz Orchestra, he has had the honor of sharing the stage with Jon Faddis, Slide Hampton, James Weidman, Frank Lowe, Todd Coolman, Valery Ponomarev, Charli Persip, Delfeayo Marsalis, Junior Mance and Kenny Burrell among others. In a review of one of his recent performances, Jazz Inside NY Magazine praised David’s work saying:
“I Have a Bad Feeling About This”, written by trombonist Dave White, was propelled by a snappy bass line and some first class solo work by the composer. White put his big sound, solid technique and solid intonation to good use on all of the material throughout the performance.”
David was a wonderful guest as we chatted he gave insights into his music, the process he uses to develop his sounds, his inspirations and his recording style (one day to record and entire CD – WOW). He also speaks candidly about the current state of Record labels and what’s good about it. Of course we listen to some of his beautiful CD Flashpoint. Take a listen and then go buy his work. Visit David’s website and stay up to date with appearances and more.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tags: arranger, Band, composer, exciting, independent, independent record label, Jazz, leader, motivation, musician, Orchestra, performer, smooth, Trombonist
Anthony Marcus
Jun 26, 2011 Beyond The Music, Spiritual Life, Today's Stars
On Saturday June 25th, we had the pleasure of speaking with Mr Anthony Marcus.
Anthony Marcus was influenced by music at an early age. Music came naturally to Anthony, upon auditioning for the elementary school band, the instructor told him that he had a “natural ear” and could play any instrument he wanted to. It was the age of 9 when Anthony decided he wanted to play guitar. Many influences are responsible for the molding and shaping of Anthony Marcus as an artist.
As well as music within the secular world, Anthony was also influenced by gospel music as well. “I feel that my talent in music is a God given talent.” This brings us to where we are today with this up and coming artist. “Flow” (March 2010) will finally place Anthony in his element as far as music genres go.
Anthony spoke very candidly, sharing great advise about the music business and giving instruction on what steps to take to protect your intellectual property. He talked about his relationship with God and also share that he once had a problem that God delivered him from. Take a listen to the interview and hear some of music. Then visit one of his websites and become a fan. While your there purchase the music and look for more from Anthony Marcus.
Visit Anthony on Facebook, Reverbnation, and MySpace. Follow him on Twitter, Soundclick , Soundcloud and keep up at Finylcut.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Tags: arranger, composer, funk, Gospel, independent, independent record label, Jazz, music, musician, producer, smooth, Soulful, Uplifting
