Saturday, April 13, 2013

Billy Osborn and Ray Charles in the Recording Studio

*International recording artist Billy Osborne’s irrepressible vocals, poetic lyrics, and evocative musicianship are a faint reflection of the remarkable gifts that characterize the Providence, Rhode Island, native son.
Billy spent the early part of his illustrious career enchanting music lovers as a key percussionist for some of the greatest jazz musicians of our time, including prolific guitarist Wes Montgomery and virtuoso saxophonist Archie Schepp.
As a 16-year-old drummer, Billy used his god-given talent to enrich the lives of aficionados the world over, traveling with some of the greatest musicians to ever roam the earth and performing at exotic locations. In1959, he was honored by Metronome magazine as the “best new drummer of the year,” although still in his teens.
Coming from a strong jazz pedigree, Billy was naturally hooked on jazz and is a perpetual student of its improvisation. To this day his musical IQ continues to spiral upward. But Billy’s creative acumen is not confined to composing or singing lucid jazz riffs.
As a producer, Billy’s unyielding passion for scores and arrangements launched him into the company of great music theorists, from whom he acquired a wealth of knowledge. Naturally, then, he expanded his horizons beyond jazz, which led to other music forms, including R&B and soul, the progeny of blues and jazz. With the changing winds of traditional jazz and the emergence of contemporary, smooth jazz and 70s R&B, Billy stayed true to his roots but expanded his commercial range when he assumed the role as musical director for the Los Angeles group, The Friends of Distinction.
Read more: http://www.eurweb.com/?p=315029

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