Fulton 55 Presents:
Bilal
Epiphany Tones
Don-Ray, Mr. Leonard
Wed, August 31, 2011
Doors: 8:00 pm / Show: 8:00 pm
Fulton 55
Fresno, CA
$20.00
Tickets
This event is 21 and over
$20 Advance // $25 at door
http://www.fulton55.com/event/51267/
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Bilal
“What a frequency … What a voice. I love Bilal. I couldn’t imagine a music world without his voice.” – Erykah Badu
“I have a very connected history with Bilal. I heard his demo years ago. I heard all of the magic instantly. He’s a master at interpretation of song.” – Q-Tip
“Bilal is hands down one of the greatest specimens of voice in post-modern hip-hop culture.” –Questlove
“His voice is like a Van Gogh painting … A Salvador Dali … His voice has so many textures to it.” – Janelle Monae
Los Angeles, CA (June 16, 2010) – Grammy-nominated musical artist Bilal returns with his third studio album, Airtight’s Revenge, which will be released September 14 through Plug Research Music and distributed through The Orchard.
A provocative genre-bending album that dissects love, politics and relationships, Airtight’s Revenge demonstrates the Philly-bred singer’s growth as an artist. “It’s a mix of jazz, hip-hop, soul, blues, and experimental free music,” says Bilal. The differences in economical social classes inspired the track “Robots,” which scrutinizes societal and governmental effects on people. After watching the 2007 documentary, “Zeitgeist: The Movie,” Bilal wrote “Who R U.” “Of all religions, I drive to be human,” says Bilal. At the end of the day, we are all one. We need to connect with the spiritual side of ourselves; we don’t need to inflict that on others. It’s OK to have free thought. “Little Ones,” a smooth track with a soulful sound is dedicated to his sons. “My youngest son has Sickle Cell and my oldest son has Autism. This song is for them,” stated Bilal. Steve McKie (Jill Scott, Estelle, Kindred, Vivian Green) co-produced the album with Bilal, recorded in Philadelphia, Virginia and Los Angeles. The album also features production by Nottz (Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Drake), 88 Keys (Mos Def, Macy Gray, Musiq Soulchild), Shafiq Husayn of Sa-Ra and Tone Whitefield.
A classically trained vocal veteran, Bilal released his debut album 1st Born Second in 2001, which boasted the popular single “Soul Sista.” The follow-up, Love for Sale (2006), was shelved but leaked entirely online yet was well received to fans and music critics and has become an underground classic. In the following years, Bilal has collaborated and performed with some of the industry’s most prominent artists including, Beyonce (Fighting Temptations), Common (Like Water for Chocolate, Electric Circus, Be, Finding Forever), Jay-Z (American Gangster), Erykah Badu (New Amerykah Part One, New Amerykah Part Two), Robert Glasper (All Matter), Boney James (Better With Time), Musiq (Soulstar) and The Roots among others. He also covered Radiohead’s “High & Dry” for the 2006 Radiohead tribute, Exit Music: Songs With Radio Heads. Bilal also appears in Dave Chappelle’s Block Party.
“I have a very connected history with Bilal. I heard his demo years ago. I heard all of the magic instantly. He’s a master at interpretation of song.” – Q-Tip
“Bilal is hands down one of the greatest specimens of voice in post-modern hip-hop culture.” –Questlove
“His voice is like a Van Gogh painting … A Salvador Dali … His voice has so many textures to it.” – Janelle Monae
Los Angeles, CA (June 16, 2010) – Grammy-nominated musical artist Bilal returns with his third studio album, Airtight’s Revenge, which will be released September 14 through Plug Research Music and distributed through The Orchard.
A provocative genre-bending album that dissects love, politics and relationships, Airtight’s Revenge demonstrates the Philly-bred singer’s growth as an artist. “It’s a mix of jazz, hip-hop, soul, blues, and experimental free music,” says Bilal. The differences in economical social classes inspired the track “Robots,” which scrutinizes societal and governmental effects on people. After watching the 2007 documentary, “Zeitgeist: The Movie,” Bilal wrote “Who R U.” “Of all religions, I drive to be human,” says Bilal. At the end of the day, we are all one. We need to connect with the spiritual side of ourselves; we don’t need to inflict that on others. It’s OK to have free thought. “Little Ones,” a smooth track with a soulful sound is dedicated to his sons. “My youngest son has Sickle Cell and my oldest son has Autism. This song is for them,” stated Bilal. Steve McKie (Jill Scott, Estelle, Kindred, Vivian Green) co-produced the album with Bilal, recorded in Philadelphia, Virginia and Los Angeles. The album also features production by Nottz (Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Drake), 88 Keys (Mos Def, Macy Gray, Musiq Soulchild), Shafiq Husayn of Sa-Ra and Tone Whitefield.
A classically trained vocal veteran, Bilal released his debut album 1st Born Second in 2001, which boasted the popular single “Soul Sista.” The follow-up, Love for Sale (2006), was shelved but leaked entirely online yet was well received to fans and music critics and has become an underground classic. In the following years, Bilal has collaborated and performed with some of the industry’s most prominent artists including, Beyonce (Fighting Temptations), Common (Like Water for Chocolate, Electric Circus, Be, Finding Forever), Jay-Z (American Gangster), Erykah Badu (New Amerykah Part One, New Amerykah Part Two), Robert Glasper (All Matter), Boney James (Better With Time), Musiq (Soulstar) and The Roots among others. He also covered Radiohead’s “High & Dry” for the 2006 Radiohead tribute, Exit Music: Songs With Radio Heads. Bilal also appears in Dave Chappelle’s Block Party.
Epiphany Tones
Smooth, soulful & eclectic are the words to describe Epiphany Tones, a collaborative effort of musical minds shaped by soul, jazz & gospel music. Before coming together, the group's members performed & honed their skills for years as complimentary pieces along side a number of established artists, stateside & abroad.
All hailing from Fresno, James Chatman II provides flawless rhythm from the drums,... keys are immaculately laid by David Walke, with rich bass & sultry vocals supplied courtesy of Keon Traylor. Each has garnered the utmost respect and praise from their peers and have now decided to combine talents to actualize a shared dream.
James, David & Keon are completely dedicated to creating quality music and giving listeners a genuine audio experience as Epiphany Tones.
All hailing from Fresno, James Chatman II provides flawless rhythm from the drums,... keys are immaculately laid by David Walke, with rich bass & sultry vocals supplied courtesy of Keon Traylor. Each has garnered the utmost respect and praise from their peers and have now decided to combine talents to actualize a shared dream.
James, David & Keon are completely dedicated to creating quality music and giving listeners a genuine audio experience as Epiphany Tones.
Don-Ray
Don-Ray is the producer behind the likes of Lady Alma as well as the abstract remixer for Fertile Ground and Wunmi; among others. He's recorded for several labels including Marauder, Madacy, UJammin, Gotsoul, and Sony Music taking them to new heights with his deep-jazz and future funk productions. He's worked with world renown producers such as Danial Lanois, was credited as having one of the Best Albums of 2005 by Freefall Radio on KUSF, and was nominated for Best
Electronic Album at the Canadian Urban Music Awards in 2001. His music has been on albums with other notable artists including Roy Ayers, Roni Sze, DKD, Henrik Schwarz, Jerome Sydenham, Mr. V, Pal Joey, Dennis Ferrer, Glen Underground, Thievery Corporation, Mateo & Matos, Tortured Soul, and Osunlade. Don-Ray has DJed for the 10th Anniversary
of the Montreal Fashion and Design Festival, The Toronto Jazz
Festival, the Montreal St. Jean Baptiste Day Festival, as well as in Tokyo, Dallas, Cancun, and Vancouver. He maintains a podcast entitled Midnight Maraudaz which has garnered him worldwide attention and residency in Vancouver. Always open to nu-sounds and eclectic vibes, he is a music lover's DJ with a generous worldwide presence.
Electronic Album at the Canadian Urban Music Awards in 2001. His music has been on albums with other notable artists including Roy Ayers, Roni Sze, DKD, Henrik Schwarz, Jerome Sydenham, Mr. V, Pal Joey, Dennis Ferrer, Glen Underground, Thievery Corporation, Mateo & Matos, Tortured Soul, and Osunlade. Don-Ray has DJed for the 10th Anniversary
of the Montreal Fashion and Design Festival, The Toronto Jazz
Festival, the Montreal St. Jean Baptiste Day Festival, as well as in Tokyo, Dallas, Cancun, and Vancouver. He maintains a podcast entitled Midnight Maraudaz which has garnered him worldwide attention and residency in Vancouver. Always open to nu-sounds and eclectic vibes, he is a music lover's DJ with a generous worldwide presence.
Mr. Leonard
Mr. Leonard has been sharing his knowledge of music throughout the Central Valley for over 12 years. Starting out as a radio Jazz DJ. Mr. Leonard continues to share his musical diversity with listener's on & off the Air with an Eclectic blend of Soul, Funk, Rare Groove & Jazz. As a supporter of the Arts Mr. Leonard continues to work with Art museums & talented artists.
