Big Fella, a larger-than-life personality driven by a poet's heart, and Te' Arthur, a devilishly handsome crooner who is simultaneously smooth and funky, create feel-good music that blends R&B, hip-hop, rock and reggae. Embracing cutting-edge rhythms and vintage Motown sounds, they perform with a groove-oriented, six-piece band that lifts the roof. The group, who recently released their third CD, Hot-Buttered Throwback Soul, have emerged as one of Nashville's most talked-about new bands after a memorable performance at the 2003 Nashville Grammy Showcase. The band won the top prize and competed with the region's best performers. A Big Fella & Te' Arthur concert is much more than music; it's a party that celebrates love, promotes healing and reminds us of the bonds we share. It's music with a message. "My goal is to change the world and help kids," Big Fella says. "I want to let them know that everything is going to be all right, but you have to do something. If you want it, go do it."
Count Bass D is the Gregory Hines of this hip-hop thing. Some DJ, others make beats. Heads everywhere spit lyrics, and many are even recognized as true MCs who actually manage to rock a crowd here and there. Few get by juggling two or more facets, and an even smaller number happen to be classically or self-taught piano players, drummers and strummers. Count Bass D does it all. Count has been working to prove this since his decade-old debut, Pre-Life Crisis (Sony), the only rap album to date using all live instrumentation. Not only did he compose every note, pen lyrics and contribute the cuts and scratches, but he played most of the instruments. His third solo project, Dwight Spitz (2002), was hailed as a "headphone masterpiece" in Rolling Stone in February 2003. BEGBORROWSTEEL, scheduled for U.S. release in late summer 2004, contains elements of Dwight Spitz, but is more refined and a touch more experimental. Count Bass D has worked with the likes of the Beastie Boys, Vitamin C, Van Hunt, Victor Wooten and Matt Mahaffey of Self. Recordings with Dionne Farris and J. Rawls are in the can. Scheduled for early 2005 are joint projects with pal MF DOOM, Prince Paul protégé Paul Barman and writer Oriana Lee.
Del giovanni clique infuse an intriguing mix of musical landscapes with an intense interpretive spirit to create in-your-face alternative hip-hop in the true spirit of rock 'n' roll. A kicking blend of thought-provoking lyricism, electrifying guitar riffs, funky tight bass and drum rhythms allow DGC to achieve a modern sound while maintaining an old-school groove and creativity that many of today's straight-ahead rock outfits commonly lack. DGC scored a Miller Lite sponsorship in 2003 after winning the 102.9-The Buzz/Miller Lite Locals Only Battle at 12th & Porter. The band's EP, Press to Amplify, was released in June 2003 in conjunction with the All About Music TV & Film Private Retreat in Nashville. DGC were one of only 16 artists chosen nationwide to showcase their talents for TV and film executives from Hollywood and New York. Del giovanni clique's new, full-length project On Display is slated for release in late summer 2004.
Initially known best for being a white-boy rapper from Tennessee, Haystak overcame his anomalous status as listeners learned to cherish his sincerity. Unlike many of his Southern peers, Haystak rapped about his life as so-called "white trash," exploring the social dimensions of being white and underprivileged in the South. Born Jason Winfree to teenage parents, and raised by his grandparents, Haystak grew up among impoverished surroundings. He turned to crime as he came of age, ultimately getting busted for bringing Valium and cocaine to school at age 15. After serving a two-year sentence, Haystak turned to rap music as his salvation. Few gave the mammoth country boy a chance to succeed, however. In the late '90s, he defied the odds by aligning himself with a local rap label, Street Flavor, and producers Kevin Grisham and Sonny Paradise. The partnership resulted in Mak Million, Haystak's 1998 debut album, followed two years later by Car Fulla White Boys. By this point Haystak had garnered a substantial regional following, and underground hardcore rap publication Murder Dog especially championed the blossoming rapper. The ensuing buzz attracted Koch Records, who signed Haystak and rereleased Car Fulla White Boys in late summer 2000. Two years later, Koch released Haystak's third album, The Natural. (Bio taken from www.allmusicguide.com.)
The Verbena Court Strut Band are a seven-piece band consisting of MC Kyhil, a tight rhythm section and blazing horns. The VCSB sound has been described as reminiscent of both The Roots and Funkadelic. The VCSB put on a high-energy, party-of-a-show that highlights the musicians' technical superiority. Syncopated runs, stops and jam-band-like "mic checks" make them fun to watch and grow with show after show. Formed in March 2001, the VCSB appear regularly at several establishments in and around Nashville, including 3rd & Lindsley, French Quarter Cafe, Courtyard Cafe and Windows on the Cumberland. The VCSB win new fans with every show, proved by their second-place showing for Best New Band in the Nashville Scene's Best of Nashville Readers' Poll in 2003. The Verbena Court Strut Band consists of Kyhil (vocalist), Chris Golden (guitar), Brandon Leon (bass), Shawn Nipper (drums), Rick Toran (percussion) and the VCSB horns: Nels Noseworthy (bari sax & flute) and John McHone (trombone).
