About JAZZY BLU
Jazzy Blu is an 8-piece band blending the musical influences of Funk, Jazz, R&B, Neo-Soul, Blues, Rock, and Alternative music, to create a groove filled emotional roller coaster! ...
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About
Jazzy Blu is one of the leading Neo-Soul bands in the Washington Metropolitan area. The band produces the melodic sounds of Smooth Jazz, Neo-Soul, and R&B, while blending the influences of Funk, Jazz, R&B, Neo-Soul, Blues, Rock, and Alternative music. They create a groove-filled emotional roller coaster that takes you through an array of themes, moods, and experiences.
Jazzy Blu has entertained audiences everywhere from small lounges to large theaters. They have performed at various venues across the United States, from sold-out crowds at the historic Washington, D.C. landmark Blues Alley, to the infamous Kennedy Center, Lincoln Theatre, The Hippodrome, Middle C Jazz, Rams Head, Tin Pan and Howard Theatre, Keystone Korner Baltimore, MGM National Harbor and more!
Jazzy Blu has both opened for and shared the stage with notable and Grammy Award-winning artists such as Boys to Men, Brian McKnight, Hezikiah Walker, Ohio Players, The Whispers, The O'Jays, Jon B, Roy Ayers, and Raheem Devaughn just to name a few. Whether preparing an audience for a sold-out performance of the critically acclaimed Broadway musical, The Color Purple, or opening for the eight-time Grammy Award-winning Mary J. Blige, Jazzy Blu is “a band for every occasion.”
Members
- Dominic "Nikk" Taylor - Drummer, Manager
- Sheryl "CC" Wilson - Bassist
- Nate Stern - Guitarist
- Mike Artis - Percussionist
- Dennis Garland jr. - Keyboardist, Music Dir.
- Carmen Craven - Lead Vocalist
- Duane Nelson - Lead Vocalist
- Steve Garrison - Sax
Press
The homecoming
It has been more than 20 years since Dominic Taylor left Mobile. He’s based now in the Washington area, where he works as an information technology specialist and leads a smooth jazz band on the side.
That group is called Jazzy Blu, and it’ll open the Miller Lite Stage at 7 p.m. Friday, ahead of Dennis Nelson and Mary J. Blige.
It’s a long way to travel for a one-hour gig. But Taylor, who’s appeared at BayFest before, speaks of it with infectious enthusiasm.
“The attraction is probably just that the people there are so hospitable,” he said. “I love the Gulf Coast, always did.”
The Davidson graduate, who plays drums in Jazzy Blu, isn’t coming alone. In fact, he’ll have nine people on stage, including three vocalists capable of singing lead.
“It’s a lot of fun and, logistically, it’s difficult at times, I must admit,” Taylor said. “But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
He described the group’s sound as “more of a smooth jazz with a nice little hint of R&B from time to time, little bit of blues, little bit of R&B.”
The core concept, he said, is “making really good smooth jazz for good people.”
“I’m really hoping that they’ll come and they’ll say ‘Wow,’” he said, promising a group with power and versatility. “As always, I want them to come wanting and expecting to hear some of the best music they’ve heard.”
More Press
Press
At BayFest, acts with local ties have variety of reasons for playing
The homecoming
It has been more than 20 years since Dominic Taylor left Mobile. He’s based now in the Washington area, where he works as an information technology specialist and leads a smooth jazz band on the side.
That group is called Jazzy Blu, and it’ll open the Miller Lite Stage at 7 p.m. Friday, ahead of Dennis Nelson and Mary J. Blige.
It’s a long way to travel for a one-hour gig. But Taylor, who’s appeared at BayFest before, speaks of it with infectious enthusiasm.
“The attraction is probably just that the people there are so hospitable,” he said. “I love the Gulf Coast, always did.”
The Davidson graduate, who plays drums in Jazzy Blu, isn’t coming alone. In fact, he’ll have nine people on stage, including three vocalists capable of singing lead.
“It’s a lot of fun and, logistically, it’s difficult at times, I must admit,” Taylor said. “But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
He described the group’s sound as “more of a smooth jazz with a nice little hint of R&B from time to time, little bit of blues, little bit of R&B.”
The core concept, he said, is “making really good smooth jazz for good people.”
“I’m really hoping that they’ll come and they’ll say ‘Wow,’” he said, promising a group with power and versatility. “As always, I want them to come wanting and expecting to hear some of the best music they’ve heard.”
Influences
Mint Condition, Incognito, Maze, Najee