Spicy Bland Experience
Alpharetta, Georgia, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Pianist Walter “Spicy” Bland & 'Climate Change' Announces A New International CD Release “Sweet Gumbo” Being Featured on The Jazz Network Worldwide Social Network
Walter Bland and his band “Climate Change’ announces its new international release, "Sweet Gumbo," which speaks to the jazz listener’s taste buds through their melodious rhythms of traditional exploration of new instrumentation delivering a smooth, sexy, sultry sound. The ‘Spicy’ Fusion Project shares a blend of new and exciting jazz flavors.
I want to explore the synthesis of different music with jazz and different art forms,and to be engaged in the arts globally and to make a difference socially. ~ Walter Bland
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) October 06, 2011
Seasoned pianist Walter "Spicy" Band & "Climate Change" are releasing its new international CD entitled "Sweet Gumbo" to the world through The Jazz Network Worldwide. It is centered on the creative talents of its leader Walter "Spicy" Bland, pianist, composer-extraordinaire, educator, inspirational leader who has toured the globe and performed across the United States. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts to a family of artists. Educated at Emerson College, Berklee College of Music and the Springfield Conservatory of Music in Massachusetts. While studying at Berklee College, Bland was introduced to music from many cultures which is reflected in his musical compositions to date. While at Emerson, Bland had a unique opportunity to put his musical signature on Steve Hemingway’s television production for CBS Playhouse 90 and the soundtrack for Hemingway's show "Brother love," the first African American sitcom produced by African Americans. The first black news program, 'Black News' on Channel 7 also presented Blands compositons. Moving on to composing music for NPR specials, an HBO series entitled “OZ”, television commercials, dance companies and the New African Theatre. Walter was touched when he was awarded the "Action for Children's Television" award for his work on the PBS series "Infinity Factor”.
"Climate Change" is taking its place on the jazz scene with their new international release, "Sweet Gumbo". “I want to explore the synthesis of different music with jazz and different art forms.” says Bland. “I want to be engaged in the arts globally and to make a difference socially. I teach piano and composition and enjoy how today’s technology offers that possibility. I love the flower garden of cultures, I have collaborated with painters, writers, dancers, and poets. I love it all. I want my music to connect the right opportunities so that I can become what I want in my heart without compromising my soul.” It is about finding the 'right synergy' .
“The Jazz Network Worldwide is excited for Walter’s new project for it truly has a potpourri of flavors that capture a multi-genre layering that blends with a signature all its own” says Jaijai Jackson, creator of The Jazz Network Worldwide.
Goliath Promotions, a world-wide multi-media distributor of films, music and broadcast programming will be its distributor. The debut release will be featured on the 'new' international music and entertainment mobile/internet site, 'Simpozia' and distributed throughout the world.
To learn more and purchase Walter’s CD “Sweet Gumbo” go to http://www.WalterBlandMusic.com as well as tune into his feature on The Jazz Network Worldwide this week at http://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com. - PRWeb
“It is always encouraging as a musician, to be inspired by the works of other musician's...Walter Blands new album “Sweet Gumbo” did just that! His improvisation warms the heart and soothes the soul. Thank you Walter” ... Jazz vocalist Carmen Bradford, singer for the Count Basie Band
“Walters inspiring music is truly saturated with all musical genres, infused with a magical, memorable element that many of today’s composer’s don’t explore, and that is melody...Sit back, relax and sail with Walter Bland through moments of love, laughter, sensuality, tears and joy. The genius of creating unforgettable music is Walter's forte”....Jazz vocalist Rita Graham, former Ray Charles Raelette, featured with The Harry James Orchestra, Mercer Ellington Orchestra,Duke Ellington Orchestra, Oscar Peterson, and Kenny Burrell.
- danielle.producer@gmail.com
You’ve got to hear the “The Spicy Fusion Project” to appreciate a new and exciting jazz creation! “Climate Change” mixes the melodious rhythms of traditional with an exploration of new instrumentation that delivers a smooth, sexy, sultry sound. Everyone likes it, everyone moves to it! “Climate Change “ is centered on the creative talents of Walter Bland, pianist, composer-extraordinaire and inspirational leader, who has toured and performed across the United States and around the globe. “Climate Change” is taking charge of the jazz scene with the upcoming 2011 international release of Walter’s new album, “Sweet Gumbo”, via world-wide distribution by Goliath Promotions, a multi-media international distributor of Films, Music and broadcast programming. The debut release will be featured on the 'new' international music and entertainment mobile/internet site, 'Simpozia' (http://www.simpozia.com) and distributed throughout Europe, UK, US, Australia, Canada, Southeast Asia, South America and South Africa, to name just a few. - danielle.producer@gmail.com
Discography
"The Walter Bland Trio"
Jazz and the Spoken Word
featuring David Nelson (one of the original Last Poets)
and Amina Baraka (wife of Leroi Jones(Amira Baraka)
Earmail
"Live For Today"
Sax and Keys
"An Evening With You"
Photos
Bio
Walter Bland was born into a family of artists in Springfield Massachusetts. Bland studied at Emerson College, Berklee College of Music and the Springfield Conservatory of Music in Massachusetts. While studying at Berklee College, Bland was introduced to the music of many cultures, and met musicians from around the world, which reflects in his work today.
It was during his time at Emerson that Bland was introduced to Steve Hemingway, the first black writer in television history, for CBS Playhouse 90. Bland composed the music for producer Hemingway’s show “Brother love,” which was the first African American sitcom produced by African Americans in the history of television. Bland continued to work with Hemingway and wrote the music for the first black news program, fittingly called ‘Black News’ on Channel 7. Bland composed music for television commercials, dance companies and the New African Theatre. To add to the list of achievements, Bland won the “Action for Children’s Television” award for his work on the PBS series “Infinity Factor” and an Ohio State award for music composed and used in the NPR special “Lola Leroy.” Bland has even composed soundtrack music for the hit HBO television series “OZ.”
JBake
Professional Drummer Joshua “JBake” Baker was born 1n 1988 in Lansing Michigan where he developed a serious interest in music starting at the age of 10. In 2006 JBake moved to Atlanta Georgia to pursue his musical dream. In 2008 he attended the Atlanta Institute of Music and received his “Certificate of Musicianship (with honors) in the drum program. After completion of his coarse work at A.I.M. he went on to become an instructor there. He is living his dream, doing gigs and touring with many artists.
JBake has performed with many artist including: “ The Sixxis”, Raggae: Itopia -Gladiator Tour, Gospel: Kelly Ellis, Soul: Keysa & Daniel Moore, Soul: Angie Stone & Jennifer Holiday, Gospel: Sheri Jones- Moffet, R&B: Sammie, Jazz: Walter Bland, Saxophonist: Reggie Hines, R&B: Drew Hill, Gospel producer & writer: Rickey Grundy, Pop Rock: Sarah Peacock, Gospel: Norman Hutchans, Soul: Tweet, Gospel: Juanita Bynums and studio R&B singer Lloyd.
Joel Powell
From the red clay of southwest Georgia, with its iconic figures like Ray Charles and Russell Malone, hails acclaimed Bassist, producer and musical director Joel Powell. His roots are in the music of the Baptist church, and from his mother, Dr. Brenda E. Powell. An affinity for the bass arose at the age of 10, after playing guitar, piano drums and later the saxophone. Powell completed a Bachelor’s degree in music performance from Albany State University. After a stint at teaching chorus, Joel relocated to Atlanta to further his musical pursuits. Since his arrival, Powell has made a name for himself and worked with some class acts. Joel has demonstrated a mastery of multiple styles on electric, upright and synth bass.
TV appearances: The Oprah Winfrey Show (India Arie), Good Day Atlanta (Ann Nesby, Kurt Whalum and Kemba Cofield), The gospel Channel (Ann Nesby)
Music Video Appearances: Silky Soul (Musiq Soulchild), Shutterbug (Big Boi)
Joel has performed/ toured/ recorded with the following: India Arie, Music Soulchild, Erykah Badu, Angie Stone, N’Damlbi, T.I., Yung Joc, Richard Smallwood, Kurt Carr Byron Cage, James Moore, Rance Allen, Daryl Reeves, Russell Gunn, Walter Bland, Julie Dexter, Rhonjda Thomas, Chris Duarte, Lil G of Silk, Joi, Phillippia, Eva Kennedy, Khao Cates, The Jets, Common Ground Collective, Eastern Standard, Cenci Love, Pebbles, Tony Rich, Anthony Anderson, Q of 112, Chris Lewis, and a host of others.
Rod Harris
Rod Harris, Jr. is a Jacksonville Florida native. His family relocated to Atlanta during his first year in high school. He began studying the guitar his senior year of high school, and fell in love with the instrument. After graduation, he furthered his musical studies at Georgia State University and earned a B.B.A and a minor degree in music performance. Rod is a well known musician in the Southeast United States. He has performed and recorded with countless artists and musicians from all over the world. He has also appeared in the hit film, “Cadillac Records” staring Beyonce and Oscar winner Adrian Brody. Rod is returning from a global tour as the resident guitarist for Atlantic Records soul singer Musiq Soulchild.
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