Upcoming Interviews
KASHIF
In 1974, at the age of 15, Kashif was recruited as a keyboard player and vocalist to join the funk band B. T. Express, whose credits included the hits "Here Comes The Express" and "Do It ('Til You're Satisfied)", among others. Seeking a more challenging musical assignment in 1978, Kashif exited B. T. Express and landed a job as a keyboardist for R&B musician Stephanie Mills.
In 1979 Kashif wrote and produced the hit "I’m In Love" for Evelyn "Champagne" King. The song revitalized King’s career and branded Kashif as one of the most sought-after producers of the day. Over the next ten years, he created hit after hit including "So Fine" for Howard Johnson, "Love Come Down", "Becha She Don’t Love You". and "Back To Love", among many others.
In 1980, Kashif signed with Arista Records as a solo artist and continued with hits like "I Just Got To Have You, Lover Turn Me On", "Stone Love", "Help Yourself To My Love", and the Grammy-nominated instrumental "The Mood". In 1983, his second album, Send Me Your Love resulted in two Grammy nominations, "Edgartown Groove", featuring Al Jarreau, and the instrumental "Call Me Tonight" along with the hits "Baby Don’t Break Your Baby’s Heart" and "Are You the Woman". Introduced to Arista by Milton Allen, its artist development director in 1983, his self-titled debut Kashif (1983) spawned the hits "I Just Gotta Have You (Lover Turn Me On)", "Stone Love", "Help Yourself to My Love", and "Say Something Love". With this release, Kashif was well received as an innovator in music, as R&B artists were only beginning to experiment with synthesizers and other electronic instruments. He is said to have been Arista Records' attempt to respond to Warner Bros. Records'Prince.
In 1985, he received another Grammy nomination for another instrumental entitled "The Movie Song". He also wrote and produced "Inside Love" for his musical idol,George Benson. It was during this time that he met and launched the career of then unknown Kenny G with "Hi How Ya Doin" and "Nighttime In Tribeca".
In 1985, Kashif teamed up with then newcomer, Whitney Houston. The result was the hit "You Give Good Love". Kashif also produced and was her duet partner on "Thinking About You", a single track from Houston's 17-million selling (30 million until current day) debut-album. The album became the bestselling debut album by a female artist. Kashif also produced "Where You Are" on Houston's second project, the result, a 15-million selling (25 million until current day) album entitled "Whitney".
In 1987, he produced "Love Changes", a chart topper in which Me’lisa Morgan was his duet partner and that name was taken from his bestselling album, which had the same name. Also contained on that album was another duet that yielded yet another international hit, the song "Reservations For Two" with Dionne Warwick. Between 1987 and 1989, Kashif continued to churn out the hits for Jermaine Jackson, The Stylistics, Melba Moore, George Benson, Stacy Lattisaw, and many others.
ARI LENNOX
Marching to the beat of her own drum while realizing the power of her influence, Ari’s angelic yet powerful vocals mixed with her charismatic charm have garnered widespread online appeal, drawing a loyal fan base in anticipation of her next musical endeavors.
Gearing up for her follow-up to “Five Finger Discount” Ari plans to release an EP of songs showcasing her daring vocal ability and range as an artist while offering insight into the girl who controls her own destiny.
Whether her music strikes you with a chord of familiarity with the sounds of today’s contemporary artists and timeless classics, be prepared for the unique listening experience that is Ari Lennox. A trailblazer that’s making her mark her way.
BIO FROM MTV.COM
RICK BRAUN
Braun added a new weapon to his arsenal: valve trombone. And he stacked the tracks with layers of horns section parts adding power, punch and potency. His friends were eager to join the festivities enabling Braun to toss the ball around the horn with Koz, Brian Culbertson, Philippe Saisse, Jeff Lorber, Euge Groove, Elliott Yamin and a retinue of ace players such as Frank “Third” Richardson, Nathaniel Kearney Jr., Randy Jacobs, Nate Phillips, Adam Hawley, Sergio Gonzalez, Freddie Washington, Brandon Fields, Tony Moore, Phil Davis, Ramon Islas and more. Bud Harner, who co-wrote the first single with Braun, helped shepherd the album as associate producer.
A popular and dynamic performer who draws material for his set lists from his vast catalogue of No. 1 chart hits, radio playlist staples and fan favorites, Braun is touring nationally in support of “Can You Feel It” as a member of Jazz Attack with fellow contemporary jazz titans Peter White and Groove. Sprinkled in his concert calendar are dates with BWB, the all-star trio made up of Braun and Grammy winners Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown. The Allentown, Pennsylvania native entered the professional ranks by co-writing a Top 20 pop hit for REO Speedwagon (“Here With Me”) before becoming a first-call sideman touring and recording with Rod Stewart, Sade, Tina Turner, Natalie Cole and Tom Petty. Braun released his solo debut, “Intimate Secrets,” in 1992, but it was the success of “Beat Street” that forced the horn man to choose between continuing as a sideman and taking center stage as an artist. The decision came easily and Braun has never looked back on the path to stardom.
The songs contained on “Can You Feel It” are:
“Can You Feel It”
“Back To Back”
“Take Me To The River”
“Mallorca”
“Get Up And Dance”
“Another Kind Of Blue”
“Delta”
“Silk”
“Radar”
“The Dream”
“Dr. Funkenstein”
.