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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Angela Ward
Telephone Number: (816) 805-1759 or (816) 765-1350
Fax Number:
Email Address: angelawardus@yahoo.com
Web site address: http://www.sonicbids.com/thejameswardband or http://www.myspace.com/grooveward
ACCLAIMED KC JAZZ GROUP PRESENTS HOT NEW CD PROJECT
May 1, 2007: Less than one month after the James Ward Band (JWB) put together a demo consisting of music samples from their upcoming CD project, they sold over 200 copies within two months, just within the Greater Kansas City Area. Now, this high energy and unique band whose show consists of Latin, R&B, Fusion, Funk, Jazz, and Gospel music, announces the CD Release of
“In Perspective” to be held at the Blue Room located at 18th and Vine, Kansas City, Missouri on Saturday, May 12, 2007, at 8:30pm.
Event Coordinator Eddie Penrice comments, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with the James Ward Band for a number of years and in multiple settings; concerts, weddings, corporate events and club dates. My clients have expressed that they found them to be professional, quite entertaining, and most effective in setting the mood for whatever type of event they were utilized. I continued to get numerous requests for them (JWB) and I definitely recommend them highly.”
KKFI 90.1 announcer KC comments, “If you’re looking for an eclectic sound, you want to have this CD in your collection. Listening to this the James Ward Band playing live is a treat for anyone who loves great music ranging from Funk to Jazz, Gospel to Blues, and R&B to Latin. Their performance blows people away. If you are a Jazz Music Collector, this CD is a must have.”
JWB’s show will include performances of original tunes written by leader and bassist of the band, James Ward, percussionist, Markel Clayton, and keyboardist and arranger, Angela Ward. The CD features a wide variety of musical styles, with Gerald Dunn on saxophones, Andrew Ward on drums, guest jazz luminaries Jonathan DuBose on guitar and John Cushon on drums, Ray Stewart on percussion, and guitarists Jake Blanton, DeJaun Williams, and Travis Johnson.
This band produces a sound that rivals international artists that you no doubt already have in your collection. Don't miss what promises to be an awesome evening of jazz on Saturday, May 12th at 18th and Vine. For more information about the band, view http://www.sonicbids.com/thejameswardband
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- Groovward Publishing
The James Ward Band – (The JWB) premier CD
In Perspective
2007 Groovward Publishing
Personnel: Angela Ward, keyboards; James Ward, bass;
Andrew Ward, drums; Markel Clayton, percussion &
effects; Ray Stewart, percussion; Rob Bowen, drums;
Kevin Johnson, drum programming; Jonathan DuBose,
guitar; Dejuan Williams, guitar; Jake Long, guitar;
Travis Johnson, guitar; featuring Gerald Dunn, soprano
and tenor saxophones, and John Cushon on drums.
Tracks: Midday; Bet That Up; Contemplation; Joyful
Noise; Satisfied; Muted Voice; Muted Voice Reprise;
Think to This; Why Ask Why; Latin Ending
Recorded (Need dates) Chapman’s Recording Studio, mixed by
James and Angela Ward, mastered by Neil Simpson
Produced by James & Angela Ward Groovward, BMI - Publishers
The James Ward Band was born at the Blue Room in Kansas City’s
historic 18th & Vine– assembled by saxophonist & American Jazz
Museum minister of music Gerald Dunn to fill a sudden vacancy
one night. At the heart of the JWB is a mild-mannered mega-team:
husband and wife, parents of small boys, classically trained
musicians, doers of day jobs by day, weavers of music dreams by
night, James and Angela Ward. Nine years later, the JWB has honed
and finessed their sound into the kind of hard driving, head-bobbing,
straight-up, old school, funk-infused jam that draws surges of excite-
ment and cheers from thrilled audiences. Beyond bumble-gum, the
James Ward Band is intelligent jazz fusion. In Perspective features
all original music written by James Ward, Angela Ward, and Markel
Clayton. The opening salvo, “Midday,” is fresh and uplifting, moving
on smart chord progressions and thoughtful transitions. “Bet That Up”
is buoyed along by Dunn’s surprising riffs on tenor sax.
“Contemplation,” with its zen overtones and special percussive effects
also takes some delightful unexpected turns, flanked by Dunn’s soprano
sax and DuBose galloping guitar. Angela Ward’s command of the
synthesizer and roots in gospel stand out in “Joyful Noise,” as her
keyboard trades playful riffs with Clayton’s cavalcade of percussion.
“Satisfied” features bassist and trumpeter James Ward, exhibiting
artistry on both canvases. Angela sweetens the satisfaction with an
interlude picked up by Johnson on guitar.
James Ward told the story behind “Muted Voice” at the CD
release, sharing his decision to follow his dreams of being a
photographer and musician in the midst of the noise that
questioned his choices. This fitting anthem inspires the listener to
rise to his level of courage. “Think to This” is smooth and soulful,
orchestral and expertly mixed. “Why Ask Why” is a Ward on Ward
interlude – an intimate relationship between keys and bass, with
interesting percussive notes thrown in for spice. “Latin Ending”
doesn’t disappoint – unless you consider that it’s good enough to
be twice as long.
The CD cover carries this quote: “When one enjoys creating
something, it is sometimes important to keep things in perspective so that
many others will also be able to enjoy it. That’s art.” By James Ward. The JWB first CD of original
music is a smart, sassy creation of art in perfect perspective.
- Jam Magazine
Discography
On May 12, JWB released their first CD entitled “In Perspective”. It has received stunning reviews and is selling remarkably.
Photos
Bio
The James Ward Band was formed January of 1997 at The Blue Room located on 18th and Vine in Kansas City, MO. James, a native of Kansas City, attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida, where he studied Tuba, and played Acoustic and Electric Bass in numerous bands while attending college. James’ experience, skill, and reputation as a Bass Player led him to opportunities to perform with greats throughout the years such as Marcus Roberts, Wycliffe Gordon, Nat Adderly, Mark Whitfield, Bobby Watson, Oleta Adams, John Cushon, Patti Austin, Jonathan Dubose, Claude “Fiddler” Williams, Lisa Henry, Chris Barnett, Jackie Mills, Russell Malone, Marcus Printup, Peter Martin, Scotty Barnhart, and Will Matthews of the Count Basie Orchestra, Gospel Artists Dorinda Clark-Cole and Donald Lawrence, and a host of other artists. James toured South Africa with Oleta Adams and shared the stage with India Arie.
The James Ward Band is a Contemporary Jazz/Smooth Jazz Band, whose show consists of a combination of Latin, R&B, Fusion, Funk, Jazz, and Gospel. On May 12, 2007, James released his debut album entitled "In Perspective", featuring members of the Band: Gerald Dunn on Saxophone who plays various styles also ranging from Contemporary and Traditional Jazz, Funk, and more; Andrew Ward on Drums who masters styles of music ranging from Gospel to Contemporary Jazz, and Fusion; Angie Ward on Keyboards who arranges, composes, and plays styles ranging from Jazz, Funk, Classical, and Gospel; Markel Clayton on Percussion who writes and plays styles of music ranging from Latin, R&B, Gospel, and Contemporary Jazz; and Travis Johnson on Guitar who plays anything ranging from screaming Rock Lead Guitar, Blues, Jazz, R&B, and Gospel. "In Perspective" is now #20 Nationwide on the Smooth Jazz Indie Chart and is receiving rave reviews.
"In Perspective" also features guest Jazz Luminaries John Cushon on Drums and Jonathan DuBose on Guitar.
The combination of these various styles from each musician is what makes the James Ward Band unique.
To inquire for booking call (816)765-1350 or (816)805-1759 or visit www.myspace.com/grooveward. You can also e-mail for information at angelawardus@yahoo.com.
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