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about Outta Nowhere

Melvin Jones - Keyboards, Sax, Composer, Arranger

At an early age, music has been a major influence in this native Californian’s life. From classical/country sang by his father to R&B/Jazz performed by his relatives, there was no shortage in the musical variety from which Melvin could hear. Of all the ones who became musical inspirations to him, no one made more of an impact than his Aunt and Uncle who played with various professional jazz bands (the most notable being Count Basie). It is evident that he has used those influences to shape his style of play on both sax and Keyboards. Among the many artists he has played with, the most notable have been Tower of Power, Roger and Zapp, Chateau, Anita Baker, Robert Winters, Rosie Gains, Club Nuveau and Synthesis.

Steve Jackson - Guitar, Keyboards, Composer, Arranger

Another California native, Steve also comes from a family with muscial roots. Although being a relative of a member of the Jazz Crusaders has certainly contributed to his love of music, his versatile performing/writing styles are borne of many influences. Drawing from artists like EWF and Rufus, George Benson and Earl Klugh, Teddy Riley and Timberland, Steve left practically no stone unturned in developing his own musical style. With the guitar being his “instrument of choice,” Steve has demonstrated his considerable talents along side many locally and nationally known artists. Among the many artists he has played with the most notable have been The Weather Girls, New Genesis, Rosie Gains, Club Nuveau and Synthesis

Aaron D. Hearne - Bass, Guitar, Keyboards, Composer, Arranger, Sound Engineer

Aaron or Doug is what family and friends call him is also very versatile and comfortable playing any of the instruments listed in his bio. Artist like Louis Johnson, Nathan East, Stanley Clark, and Ron Carter inspired his funky style on the bass. His father introduced him to Jazz at an early age and his aunt was a backup singer for Stevie Wonder in the 70’s. His cool melodic rhythm on the guitar reminds some people of old school EWF. Among the many artists he’s performed with, the most notable have been Tower of Power, Roger and Zapp, Anita Baker, Robert Winters, Chateau, Rosie Gains, The Weather Girls, New Genesis, and Synthesis.

Michael Dennis - Drums, Guitar, Keyboards, and Composer

Michael, a recent addition to the line-up brings a wealth of experience. He began studying music at the age of 7 and started his professional career at the age of 16 after joining Musician Local 2-197. Since he was exposed to music at an early age, he has become adept in many styles namely classical, jazz, Latin and musical theatre. He has also composed music for independent films and several industrial projects. He studied at St. Louis Conservatory and received his Bachelors of Arts degree in percussion from St. Louis University. With his eclectic background his fellow band members have nicknamed him the professor. He adds a creative and solid foundation to the core group with the ability to stretch the boundaries as needed. Artists such as Billy Cobham, Vinnie Colaiuta and Omar Hakim have influenced him to view drumming not only as creating rhythmic sounds but melodic as well. His notable credits as a drummer include Mark Peterson, Chris Marsol, Donnell Dantzler, Chorus Line and The Wiz, as a percussionist: West Side Story and Three Penney Opera, as a composer: Island Paradise, Shadow of the Blade, Human Race and opening theme for WCLK radio, morning drive time Atlanta.