Musicians Bios and Links
Francis Arnaud - drums
Based in Paris area France, Since 1988 he performed in various styles of music including latin music, pop, world music, jazz... He’s currently touring with Charles Aznavour and Christopher Cross.
He toured and recorded with Tully MARQUEZ, Rob MC CONNEL, Cheik TIDIANE SECK, Mario CANONGE, Etienne M’BAPPE, Orlando POLEO, Roberto FONSECA, Ostinato, Dany BRILLANT, IMUVRINI, Julie ZENATTI, Lara FABIAN, Marc BERTHOUMIEUX, Frank MCCOMB, Sergent GARCIA, ARTURO SANDOVAL, Richard GALLIANO, Olivier KER OURIO, Eddy LOUISS, Jimmy DROUILLARD, Jean Marie ECAY, Charles PASI, Dominique FILLON, Thierry FANFANT, Tricia EVY, Jean Felix LALANNE, Robben FORD, Larry CARLTON, Ron THAL, John JORGENSON, Paul PERSONNE, James MORRISON, Charles AZNAVOUR, Richard BONA, Christopher CROSS...
Véro Bossa – vocals
Véro Bossa is a singer/songwriter. She has performed as singer/percussionist with her cuban music band « Rumbanana », and recorded the album « Ça, ça m’fait peur », before touring with much pleasure during the following 10 years in prestigious jazz venues like Sunset Paris, Nice jazz festival, Duc des Lombards… She also toured with « Le Grand Orchestre du Splendid » in crazy shows. On stage with her vocal trio « The New Sisters » they’ve recorded the album « Les jours heureux…» and created a new show with the Glenn Orchestral Big Band.
She also has recorded or performed as a background vocalist/guitarist for artists sush as Tina Arena, Michel Fugain, Lee Johns (Imagination), Eddy Mitchell, Jean-Michel Jarre, Gloria Gaynor, Michel Sardou, Jeanne Mas, San Severino and Christopher Cross.
As a composer she wrote various peaces of music. The lastest one, « Baisers mouillés », was for the recent creative Richard Gotainer’s album, a funny french singer who produced many advertisings in which she appeared too. She is often called up to record in studio sessions.
Curtis Brengle - piano
Curtis Brengle was raised in Seattle, Washington where music started early at the age of 5 with the accordion. When he was 6 his teacher said to his father "he's too big for this accordion, you need to buy him a new one". A new accordion was $300, so instead his father came home with a $50 upright piano and the die was cast. At 9 he started studying classical piano. At 13, after hearing Oscar Peterson, he dove into jazz with a whole heart, and later earned a BFA in jazz piano performance at the Cornish Institute.
While in Seattle, Curtis performed and recorded extensively including arranging for the Muzak Corp for over a decade. You’ve heard him in elevators and airports all over the country! In 1989 he made the move to Los Angeles, and since has played, toured, and recorded with artists including Sheena Easton, Englebert Humperdinck (musical director), Ray Charles, the Pointer Sisters, Tom Scott, Deniece Williams, Chaka Khan, Rick Braun, and Jeff Golub to name a few. Other credits include many recordings for the Yamaha Corp., Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO), Freaky Friday (Disney), ESPN Football (Jeff Koz), and a host of other national and local commercials.
Mary Sue Englund - vocals
Award-winning songwriter/singer and multi-instrumentalist, Mary Sue Englund lives to create music and art. A Minnesota native, this passionate tunesmith has penned five full-length albums to date, flavored with lyrical folk rock and Americana essences.
Englund has toured as a vocalist, pianist, guitarist and violinist for country and pop artists Deborah Allen, Pam Tillis, Lorrie Morgan, and Jeff Carson.
Englund is the author of the inspirational book, “I AM A WOMAN,” a companion to her song of the same name (written with Thom Shepherd), which has been performed worldwide by multitple artists, and her book has been celebrated and distributed throughout the U. S. Englund tours her “healing concerts” in theaters, hospitals, prisons, or in house concert venues. When she is not touring, you can find her performing downtown in Nashville, TN with her beloved band, “Joyful Noise.” Englund also enjoys designing albums, and logos and branding for record labels and publishing houses. Her clients include Manhattan Transfer, Tom Jones, Kenny Loggins, Heart, Ann Wilson, Taylor Swift, and Charlie Daniels.
For more information, visit www.marysueenglund.com and bludesignconcepts.net
Tabitha Fair - vocals
Tabitha Fair has performed and toured with some of the music industry’s finest artists. She has shared the stage with Sting, Beyonce, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, U2, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Wynonna Judd, Lee Ann Womack, Rascal Flatts, Rita Wilson, Amy Grant, Third Day, Sam Moore, James Taylor, Fall Out Boy, Bette Midler, Lenny Kravitz, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, The Roots, Jennifer Hudson, Michael McDonald, Elton John, Mary J Blige, Snoop Dog, and many more! Shortly after touring with Amy Grant at the beginning of her career, Tabitha co-founded Avalon, the highest selling Contemporary Christian group of all time. As a Vocal Coach Tabitha specializes in performance training, vocal artistry, and artist development. Her wide ranging experience in the music industry is unrivaled as a performer, vocalist, and writer, and Tabitha enjoys passing her years of wisdom on to her clients.
- Recipient of the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Abe Ohlman Award (2001)
- Performed at the second inaugurations of President Bill Clinton (1997) and President Barack Obama (2012)
- Performed at the Hope for Haiti Now Benefit Concert (2010)
- Performed at the Kennedy Center Honors for the past 12 years
- Performed on the 4th of July PBS Concert (2011)
- Performed with Lady Gaga at the Grammy Awards (2018)
- Background vocalist for Sting and Trudie Stylers Rainforest Benefit for the last 15 years
- Performed on the Fourth of July celebration on CBS (numerous times)
- Nominated for a Grammy with Desmond Child live album (2021)
- Worship team vocal producer at Cornerstone Church Nashville
- Co-writer and singer with Carol King for song If We Get Through This for the film ‘Sum of All Fears’
- Performed for Sonic Adventure 2 with Fumie Kumatani
John Fremgen - bass
Bassist John Fremgen has performed with many jazz and rock artists including Christopher Cross, Butch Miles, PJ Olsson, Kirk Covington, Libby Kirkpatrick, Jamie Findlay, Abra Moore, Shelly Berg, Mitch Watkins, Rick Margitza, Gary Foster, Leni Stern, Ernie Watts, Tony Campise and Larry Koonse. He is an associate professor at The University of Texas where he teaches jazz improvisation, jazz theory, jazz history, jazz bass and directs the AIME ensemble. He has performed and taught across the USA as well as Switzerland, Russia, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Denmark, Germany, Guatemala, Italy and Holland. He records for the Viewpoint record label with which he has released three solo CD’s, Meanwhile, Pieces of String and If Not Now, featuring Peter Erskine, Mitch Watkins and Shelly Berg. He has also played as a sideman on many recordings, including the critically acclaimed PJ Olsson releases Words For Living and American Scream on Sony/Columbia Records.
David Hughes - bass
David Hughes was born and raised in Sweden but is now based in Los Angeles, California. After studies at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm, he headed for Hollywood and the Bass Institute of Technology, BIT. After receiving the BIT Outstanding Student Award, Hughes soon joined the teaching staff and began to explore life as a studio and live musician.
David received his first important break when Wayne Henderson of the legendary Jazz Crusaders asked him to join the band. Other credits include David Benoit, Mindi Abair, Chaka Khan, Melissa Etheridge, Burt Bacharach, Russell Ferrante, MIchael McDonald and Brian McKnight. He has played on many sessions for TV shows such as Baywatch and The Kominsky Method and for films such as Old School, in which he also appeared.
David is also a composer and producer and has released seven solo albums to date.
website: swedebass.com
Steve Kades - monitors
Jerry Léonide - piano
Jerry Léonide is native of the beautiful island of Mauritius. He started the piano at 7 and his natural talent made him one the youngest pianists to be on stage playing with different bands.
He left his country at the âge of 17 and moved to Paris where he completed a master degree in Jazz and at the same time experiencing the Parisian scene. Jerry has built himself a reputation of being one of the most talented and versatile pianists of his generation.
In 2012 , he was one the 3 finalists of the Nottingham International Jazz Piano Competition and was awarded in the same year the 1st prize of the french national piano contest « Concours Boris Vian » .
A year later he won the 1st Prize along with the public prize of the famous Montreux Jazz Solo Piano Competition.
He signed a deal with german label ACT and released his 1st album that was voted one of the best jazz albums of 2014.He has shared the stage with recognized artists such as Christopher Cross, Lee Ritenour, Charles Lloyd, Frank Gambale, Manu Katché, Lionel Loueke and many more.
Wes Little - drums
Wes Little is one of Nashville’s most adaptable and multi-faceted drummers, as well as a top flight arranger, producer and songwriter. Formally trained in performance and composition at the Manhattan School of Music and shaped by years of studio and stage work with major acts from across the spectrum, Little brings complete musicality to every kind of gig. Currently a first call session drummer in Nashville, Little has also performed or recorded with Chuck D, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, John Legend, Melissa Etheridge, Robben Ford, Michael and Randy Brecker, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. He works in Nashville, where he lives and records daily in the studio.
Little has recorded or toured with:
Robben Ford • Christopher Cross • Tim McGraw • Faith Hill • Trey Anastasio • Little River Band • Larry Carlton • Sting • Stevie Wonder • Alicia Keys • Beyonce • Joe Perry • Steven Tyler • John Legend • Jamie Fox • Melissa Etheridge • Jermaine Jackson • Mariah Carey • Public Enemy • Shakira • Busta Rhymes • Emmylou Harris • Mary J. Blige Anita Baker • Paul Shaffer • Joe Dee Messina • Joe Nichols • Dierks Bentley • Jimmy Wayne • Billy Dean • Chuck D. and Fine Arts Militia • Lorrie Morgan • Pam Tillis • Ashley Cleveland • Terri Clark • Chuck D. and Confrontation Camp • Bootsy Collins • MC Lyte • KRS-One • Vernon Reid • Delbert McClinton • Big Daddy Kane • Diana Degarmo • The Pointer Sisters • Dennis Edwards (The Temptations) • Melba Moore • Randy Brecker • Michael Brecker • Wynonna Judd • Pam Tillis • Lorrie Morgan • Luke Combs • Warren Haynes • Sonny Landreth • Robin Meade • Keith Burns • Heidi Newfeld • Bill Evans (Sax) • Haley Reinhart • Adam Wakefield • Charles Esteen • Little Big Town • Gavin DeGraw • John Schneider • Jay DeMarcus • Eric Johnson • Larry Carlton • Deena Carter • Trey Anastasio • Danny Gokey • Natalie Grant • Matt Wertz • Jeffrey Steele • Candi Carpenter • T. Graham Brown • Dailey and Vincent • Scotty McCreery • Brantley Gilbert • Lee Brice • Thomas Rhett • Payton Smith • Paul Schaffer • Dennis Edwards • Lee Roy Parnell • Trick Pony • Trent Wilmon • Lisa Guerrero • T. Graham Brown • Gary Nicholson and his own venture - The Big Greasy.
On another note, Little also did some Broadway Shows in NYC. “I have made whip crack sounds for John Lithgow in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” says Little. “I have played quite possibly the largest set up in the world of drums and percussion in the show BKLYN. I acted the part of a drummer that couldn't speak in the show "Once Around the Sun.” I also played in a big bang on stage for 3 months in a show of “Rat Pack, Live at the Sands."
Selected Discography
- Ready, Set, Summer - Payton Smith (2020)
- Purple House - Robben Ford (2018)
- Made to Last - Robben Ford (2018)
- The Rest of Out Life - Tim McGraw, Faith Hill (2107)
- We’re All Somebody from Somewhere - Steven Tyler (2016)
- Pony Up - Trick Pony (2016)
- Into the Sun - Robben Ford (2015)
- A Day In Nashville - Robben Ford (2014)
- Cuts Like a Diamond - Little River Band (2013)
Kim Mont - vocals
My name is Kimberly Mont. I was born in Detroit, MI. I came to Nashville in 1996 as a student attending Tennessee State University….and at TSU is where I began singing. Started out in the gospel choir, and then began working with CCM and Gospel artists such as Natalie Grant and Vicki Yohe. A short time later, I was introduced to R&B sultress, Tamia, and have been touring with her for almost 20 years as of right now. Along this journey I’ve been able to sing behind artists such as Deborah Cox, Angela Winbush, After 7, Glen Jones, Chante Moore, Shirley Murdock, Kelly Price and others.
I’ve had the honor and pleasure of touring with R&B sensation Brandy…and just recently, about two years ago, was blessed to tour with Country Pop artist Cam Country. I’ve also been blessed with the opportunity to start touring with the illustrious, Gloria Gaynor, as of 2 years ago.
I’ve done session work with Mark and Joey Kibble, members of the Grammy award winning group, Take 6. And I’ve been on sessions for BeBe Winans, CeCe Winians, Reba McEntire, Joss Stone, the T.V series Nashville and others.
This has been an interesting ride, and getting to perform with Mr. Christopher Cross is just going to add more color to that ride. Very excited to be a part.
Windy Palmore - Lighting Designer
Windy Palmore was raised in New Orleans, LA, where the heart of the city's vibrant music scene inspired her to pursue a career in the music industry.
Over her 25-year touring history, Windy has learned to master the craft of lighting design, using its visual impact to maximize the experience of audiences worldwide. She has worked for notable artists such as Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, Warren Haynes, Charlie Wilson and The Gap Band, Susan Trucks, Derek Trucks, Rhiannon Giddens, and countless others.
Windy currently lives in Galveston, TX.
Ross Pallone - front of house mixer
Ross Pallone has over forty years of experience as Front of House Mixer & Recording Engineer. He started his professional career after spending his teen and early 20’s playing in club bands but got the inspiration to work in recording studios. Ross walked into Hollywood Sound Recorders with a short resume. Luckily they were in need of an apprentice and was hired that day. Ross worked with all the top Hollywood engineers and worked hard to learn from the best.
Michael, McDonald was producing his wife, Amy Holland and Ross was assisting Engineer Tom Perry at HSR. Tom had to leave the project so Ross took over and finished the record. This started a long and fruitfiul relationship with Michael that jump started his career as both a Studio and FOH Mixer. Ross recorded and mixed Michael’s second solo album, “No Look’n Back”
Ross was nominated for a ‘94-‘95 Emmy for “Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Variety Or Music Series Or A Special” “John Tesh Live At Red Rocks PBS. Gold Record for Michael McDonald’s British release of “Sweet Freedom”. Also a Platinum Record for Prince’s “Controversy”, Gold Records for John Tesh’s “A Romantic Christmas “ and “Live At Redrocks”.
Other notable artists: Alan Parsons, Ambrosia, Brian Culbertson, Christopher Cross, Chris Isaak, David Benoit, Jeff Bridges, Mindi Abair & Prince.
Jewelee Peters - vocals
Jewelee, also known to her friends as “JP”, is a singer and songwriter residing in Nashville, TN.
Influenced by diverse artists such as One Republic, Beyoncé, Tori Kelly, India Arie, Frank Ocean and soulful standouts Adele and Etta James… JP says, “Its always about lyric and melody… Always!”
Her debut album “Look Inside My Soul” convey life’s experience with stark transparency and are woven with heartfelt thought and emotion. She stirs the soul, and her personality leaves the lasting impression of what true style and artistry should look like.
You can find JP’s debut album “Look Inside My Soul” on iTunes , Amazon and Spotify .
Julia Sarr - vocals
She is one of the most original vocal artist to emerge from West Africa in decade, mezzo soprano Julia Sarr honed her reputation as an A-list backing vocalist in Paris for luminaries such as Miriam Makeba, Youssou Ndour, Salif Keita, Francis Cabrel, Alpha Blondy, Marcus Miller, Archie Shepp, etc.
Njaboot is her third opus, she says that composing an album means revealing herself to the world, and it is always with as much singularity and elegance that Julia Sarr goes through life and pursues her quest for songs free from the anchors of tradition. This new album simmered with the talented pianist and producer Fred Soul remain filled with the Wolof source and arise with delicacy on it, a moment of grace where Africa meets Jazz.
We can hear sounds of a sophisticated Fender Rhodes, also the delightful Anthony Jambon and Guimba Kouyaté’s guitars, Guillaume Bongiraud’s cello and Robinson Khoury’s trombone, the fiery of the percussions of Stéphane Edouard and Mamané Thiam that embraces the roundness of Alune Wade’s bass.
The great Youssou N’Dour speaks words of eternity for his late friend Habib Faye in a tribute song ; in which Jean-Philippe Rykiel’s honors the inconsolable loss with his emotional synthesizer.
Julia Sarr’s voice offers this intense breath of the griot’s soul with intimacy, her songs remaining as veiled treasures Yéné, Nobel Bi, Jaya, Doynawar, Laamin, etc. a new tone with freedom and poetry.
Stephcynie - vocals
Hailing from Houston, Texas, Stephcynie (stef-sih-nee) and her sound are both appropriately larger than life. Engaging her upbeat energy while keeping her commitment to full transparency, Stephcynie's music reflects real life issues that resonate with a universal audience. Her smoky, enchanting tone encapsulates her refreshing take on R&B, yet remains true to her musical roots. Citing influences from John Mayer to Stevie Wonder, she is eager to bring substance filled music back into a commercial light. Her mission is to reestablish the popular standard by embracing music with a message and authentic production. Having sung on records ranging from the infamous Kid Rock to rising pop-country star Lauren Alaina and having performed with artists as notable as the legendary John Oates & Grammy winner Maren Morris, Stephcynie certainly breaks boundaries.
Her unique vocal style is the result of her classical training at Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA), whose Alumnae includes, Grammy Award-winning artists, Beyoncé, Robert Glasper and Brian Michael Cox. Upon graduating high school she continued her music studies in jazz at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York, NY, where she became the first vocalist to win the school’s coveted Beacon Scholar Award.
Stephcynie has released two projects to date, Contagious Love (EP) and Mr. Edwards (LP) which are both available on all digital outlets. She is set to release her third project, I Don't Love You in the summer of 2018. For more information about Stephcynie and her coming projects please follow her on all social media platforms @stephcynie and visit her website: www.stephcynie.com .
Mark Ellis Stephens - keyboards
4-time Grammy nominated keyboardist Mark Ellis Stephens was born in the seaside community of Carmel California and grew up in the neighboring Monterey Peninsula. Mark came to Los Angeles at 20 years of age and has since gone on to anchor concerts around the globe with a variety of iconic Jazz/Pop/R&B Artists that include Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, Alanis Morrisette, James Ingram, Josh Groban, David Sanborn, Larry Carlton, George Duke and Take 6. As a writer/composer, Mark has penned numerous #1 songs on the Billboard Jazz charts. His unprecedented debut CD, "The Dream of the Peaceful Warrior" is available on iTunes and features guest artists Michael Brecker, Marcus Miller, Chaka Khan, Jonathan Butler and Take 6.
Terry Finley - tour manager
A 38 year veteran of the touring world, Terry has been a Tour Manager/Tour Accountant since 1991 working with such acts as Little River Band/Chicago/Night Ranger/Pablo Cruise/Pat Benatar * Neil Giraldo / Brian Setzer Orchestra/Stray Cats and Tower Of Power.
Terry resides outside of Portland, OR with his wife of 32 years, Anna. And their menagerie of goats, chickens, dogs, cats on their hobby farm.
