Thinking Out Loud

Millard Whatley Jr. started playing the trumpet at the age of 6 and as many talented musician, by age 7 he was playing in various churches. Millard is a fine drummer and has also mastered various brass instruments and is a gifted bassist. He was inspired by many and influenced by Dr. Boysie Lowrey at a very young age. Millard has also studied with Gerald Chavis and Anthony Wellington Ray Goodman and Brown, the late Brandi Wells, The Temptations Revue, and CeCe Winans are a few of the many artists Millard has shares the stage with. Not only is Millard a talented musician with the ability to play several instruments he is a gifted vocalist and song writer with the ability to do amazing things with his voice.  Millard has always had the vision to start his own group in 2011 his vision would start the journey to reality. With fellow musicians that had a mutual goal the group “Thinking Out Loud” often called “TOL” began. TOL is known for their smooth jazz and R&B old school sound led by Millard on the bass and lead vocals.

 Scott Jones has been playing professionally for 19 years, spanning a wide variety of genres and has also recorded professionally.  A multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Scott has also played with Phil Woods, Ernie Watts, George Young, Urbie Green, the Coasters, Dorothy Norwood, Jim Pugh, and Al Cohn.  Scott has also recorded with James Moore and Praise Won.  Scott is a very skilled musician, composer, and transcriptionist in many genres of music.  He is a versatile musician and is able to play jazz, R&B, gospel, rock, blues, and funk.  Scott continues to play professionally and also is an accomplished educator.  He has taught music successfully in the Centennial and Chester Upland School Districts and People for People Charter School.

 James Rush the drummer for TOL "JRush" is known for his creative style and approach in his playing. He's one of a kind and always keeps a contagious smile on his face! Besides drums, James is a song writer, singer and has collaborated with the members of TOL on arrangements. He enjoys traveling and studying history.

 Wilbur Winborne Jr. started playing the piano at the age of 8 under the instruction of Gerald Carter, proprietor of Keyboard Works. He also received further classical training under Dr. Herbert L. Johnson and jazz training under Jason Harms, founder of the “Jason Harms Quintet”. In addition, Will has received instruction on the organ from the Hammond Organ Center under Rodney Bradley. Over the years, Will has accompanied many artists and groups primarily in the Tri-State area, Chicago, New York and the Minneapolis/St Paul area. NuSoul, and NYC/Philly-based singer/songwriter Jennifer Logue. He played for multiple churches and still plays every Sunday.

During hurricane Sandy, Millard was inspired to write The Storm their debut single, which was released in November 2013. A portion of the proceeds of the digital release will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. Thinking Out Loud is currently in the studio working on the next CD to be released in the spring of 2015. It will  be available along with the hit single” The Storm” at radio, ITunes, Hearo.com and all internet outlets.