Transient Beings, a New York-based group rooted in soul music, is led by drummer E.J. Strickland and features Sarah Elizabeth Charles on vocals, Nir Felder on guitar, Tom Guarna on guitar and Ben Williams (video) on bass. The sound is guided by openness and intentful improvisation that explores ideas of harmony and dissonance through music and lyrics, both of which are written by Strickland and later given life by the elite and uniquely virtuosic members of this group.
A unique example of an artist who took the diy approach to his music and promotion to marvelous effect. Having been trained in classical Indian music from a young age, and further educated within the elite atmosphere at Berklee College of Music, Sid is armed with a unique musical palette and skill set that allows him to blend many different styles of music together creating an unprecedented and enthralling sound. His talents are in high demand in India’s Tamil Cinema Industry, where Sid has had several chart topping hits as a playback singer.
Individually, the members of Freelance have been making international names for themselves, playing for the likes of Bilal, Robert Glasper, Esperanza Spalding, and Deva Mahal (daughter of Taj Mahal). Now assembled for a unified musical purpose, they have quickly propelled themselves to “must-see” status in the New York City night life. First meeting back in college, Justin Tyson (drums), D.J. Ginyard (bass), Chad Selph (keys), Yasser Tejeda (guitar), Craig Hill (saxophone), and Smithsoneon (vocals) are seamlessly fusing together the warmth of their vast collective ancestry, equal parts John Coltrane, Rufus, and George Duke.
Jaime Woods is a sultry voice steeped in the roots of soul tradition. A 2x Grammy Award winning vocalist (Chance The Rapper), the Brooklyn-based Chicagoan has graced countless stages with the likes of Emily King, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Alice Smith, granting her plenty of prep time and life experience to craft her own solo material. Her debut “Troy” EP is the first entry in what promises to be a fruitful career.