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Bobby Harris masterminded the formation of the
Dazz Band in the late 70s when he combined two Cleveland funk outfits,
Bell Telefunk and the Kinsman Grill house band. The result was an
eight-piece line-up, with Harris, Pierre DeMudd and Skip Martin III handling horns and vocals, and Eric Fearman (guitar), Kevin
Frederick (keyboards), Kenny Pettus (percussion), Michael Wiley (bass)
and Isaac Wiley (drums) providing the instrumental support.
Coining the
word "Dazz" as a contraction of "danceable jazz," Harris initially named
the band Kinsman Dazz, under which moniker they registered two minor US
hits in 1978 and 1979. The following year, they signed to
Motown Records, where their irresistible blend
of dance rhythms and commercial melodies established them as one of the
label's hottest acts of the '80s.
Their early albums were firmly in the
jazz-funk style pioneered by Earth, Wind And Fire and
George Benson. They graduated towards a harder, less melodic funk
sound, enjoying a US Top 10 hit with "Let It Whip" in 1982, which won
them a Grammy award for the best performance by an R&B Vocal Duo or Group.
Notable British success followed with the tougher, sparse rhythm
of "Let It All Blow." "Jukebox" marked a transition towards a more
rock-orientated sound which brought them continued success in the
specialist black music charts, though crossover recognition among pop
fans proved more elusive. The band suffered two personnel changes in
1985, when Marlon McClain and Keith Harrison replaced Eric Fearman and
Kevin Frederick.
Musical trends may change, one hit
wonders may come and go, but if you're looking for the real thing, look
no further. The Dazz Band is back in Action! Groove merchants, funk
masters and whenever needed – smooth soul men vocals of silk. The group
serves up a tasty menu of new, hip-hop music stamped indelibly with that
instantly recognizable sound. Originally formed in 1974 by the groups
leader and producer Bobby Harris, a decade followed, filled with gold
records, Grammys and recognizable hits.
In 1982, "Let It Whip" became a Top 5 Pop Hit, becoming an
international smash and earning the group a 1982 Grammy for best R&B
performance by a duo art group. More hits followed including "On The One
For Fun," "Cheek To Cheek," "Party Right Here" and yet another R&B pop
monster – "Joystick." Meanwhile, as a group touring band, the Dazz Band
had few equals.
The group tours with such artists as
Cameo, Kool & the Gang,
The Commodores, The GAP Band, Roger Zapp,
Earth Wind & Fire, and many many
more.
Overseas the band drew critical acclaim and standing room only crowds
selling out at such prestigious venues as London's Hammersmith Odeon,
where the enthusiastic audience literally stayed on its feet for the
group's entire performance. The group had a few change-ups in membership,
but never lost its touch, its style, its grace and its magnificent
sound known by millions of people as the Dazz Band.
As a reminder to those who may have forgotten, while at the same time
introducing today's new audience to their unique blend of funkin' R&B.
The Dazz Band presents a slammin' mix of musical jams designed, quite
naturally to dazzle the world!...so watch out! The spell has been cast
and once you hear the sounds and see the shows, it's guaranteed that the
rhythm in your hearts and souls will not allow your body to stop its
movement for one second. Let It Whip!
Notable songs include --
- Swoop
- Let It Whip
- Joystick
- Knock! Knock!
- Let It All Blow
- Invitation to Love
- On the One for Fun
- Cheek to Cheek
- Do It Again
- Shake It Up
The Dazz Band may be available for your next special event!
For booking information, click
HERE!
Genre: ..R&B
Styles:
..FunkYears active:
..80s, ..90s, ..00s
Formed:
1977
..in Ohio
..in Cleveland
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