BESPEAK LOVE is a collaborative of phenomenal artist based in Portland, Oregon. Each artist offers their own perspective of love, through style and content, providing a versital mix of adult contemporary R&B. The collaborative includes seasoned veterans, as well as, up & coming artist from the NW. Such artist include: Ericka Warren - ronnie - Kimberly Monique - Saeeda mama Sae Wright - Ashley Jayy - Eldon T Jones - Tamara Stephens - Jarrod Lawson - Chris Turner Here are the bio's of each artist. 1. ERICKA R. WARREN In January 2005, while working for a Community Development Coalition, coaching HS Cheerleading as well as serving as a worship leader for a Seattle church Warren was asked to help a friend by singing on a demo that could potentially help him secure a Musical Director position with Multi-platinum, multi- award winner, Gospel artist and songwriter/producer Fred Hammond (Commissioned, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, CeCe Winans). Warren’s friend received a call from Hammond’s office to secure travel arrangements for his upcoming audition as well as to inquire “who is the voice on the CD?” Within hours, Hammond called Warren and by month’s end she had moved to Detroit to join the Face to Face Production Team. She quickly became an integral part, lending her unmistakable musical creativity and business savvy to all projects Hammond was producing. Over the next several years, Warren’s soulful voice and professionalism would become a recognizable constant in the Fred Hammond Camp. Her journey began in Portland, Oregon where she was born the eldest child of a choir director and gospel singer. With music all around it wasn’t a surprise to her parents that she was singing and playing piano by the age of five. While still in grade school, Warren began teaching local gospel choirs and choral groups she also developed her dance and choreography skills while attending the Jefferson Performing & Visual Arts High School Magnet Program. By the time she was a teen Warren was widely sought after in her native northwest as a vocal coach, creative consultant and choreographer. While pursuing her bachelors in Asian Studies/Japanese and International Business she managed to keep up her choreography skills traveling with the Oregon football and basketball teams the as the cheerleading captain and still managed to serve as an adjunct professor for the University Gospel Ensemble. After graduating from college, Warren began recording and touring with various pop, blues, jazz and gospel artists as a background vocalist and choreographer. After working on several independent recording projects Warren teamed up with songwriter/producer and 2014 Stellar Award Producer of the Year Derek “DC” Clark (Reuben Studdard, Z’iel, Omarion, Fred Hammond) who helped her to expand her musical gift by encouraging and allowing her to contribute to every phase of production, from conception to completion. Their creative chemistry was undeniable and projects developed while working with Clark would prepare her for the very near future. Over the course of her career she has had the opportunity to share the stage with several recording artists in various genres such as Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Michael McDonald, Kirk Whalum, Karen Clark- Sheard, Marvin Sapp, Dawkins & Dawkins, Donnie McClurkin, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Kelly Price, Jonathan Butler, Tye Tribbett, Mary Mary, Lalah Hathaway and Stevie Wonder. ERICKA R. WARREN BIO CONT. While touring and working with Hammond she emerged as a songwriter/producer on Hammond’s 2006 project entitled Free To Worship, which earned a GRAMMY for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album. Following the success of this project, Warren lent her pen to several songs as well as producing on Hammond’s 2009 Release Love Unstoppable, including co-writing the #1 single “They That Wait” featuring John P. Kee. “They That Wait” spent 15 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Charts and earned Warren the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award for 2010 Top Gospel Song. She also serves as Hammond’s executive assistant and chief financial officer for his production company Face to Face Productions and entertainment company fHammond Family Entertainment. This talented singer/songwriter/producer is now launching out to form a boutique production and entertainment/consulting company ERW Music Group, where she and her partners will be able to intimately provide artists with a wide range of services from writing, arranging and production to artist development and management. Warren is a true artist with a passion for her music and is poised to make a long-term impact in the music industry. Warren currently resides in Portland, Oregon where she serves on the worship team at her local church. She is also mother to a creative three year old named Brooklyn Gabrielle. ### 1/2014 Contact Ericka Warren 972-977-7368 ERWGroup@gmail.com www.facebook.com/erickaRwarren www.twitter.com/MsErickaWarren 2. RONNIE ronnie is a dreamer. Blessed with parents who allowed him to explore and be creative. The love of family, combined with life experiences, has greatly influenced his desire to create with substance, emotion, and a spiritual connection. ronnie grew up singing in his fathers community choir. They travelled throughout the NW, singing at churches and festivals for as long as he could remember. ronnie sent most of his teenage and adult life singing in various groups and as a soloist. Music constantly flowed through out his home daily. music is family to ronnie and he natually grew up with a love for music. MUSIC MOVES ME... Ronnie's inspiration comes from various styles of music, whether traditional or contemporary. Such styles include gospel, jazz, R&B, rock, soul, and fusion. These various genres continue to inspire his taste for creativity. Especially when it comes to lyrical content and flow. “It's all about what you say and how you deliver." - I love complex simplicity, like Kinda Blue / miles D. Ronnie's style is a blend of urban soul, with a warm deep tone and a touch of jazz. MUSICAL CAREER… Over the last 10 years, he has had the privilege of working with various artist as well as sharing the stage with such artist as, Tank, Jessica Reedy, Mint Condition, Keith Sweat, Jarrod Lawson, Mike Phillips, and Janet Scroggins. LOVE IS THE KEY... contact info: 360-718-0394, 360-896-8976, papasamone.ronnie@aol.com 3. SAEEDA MAMA SAE WRIGHT Saeeda “Mama Sae” Wright is one of the pacific northwest premier vocalist and song writers. What sets her apart from her contemporaries is that Saeeda’s vocal abilities are a gift, and not simply a skill. Before Saeeda spoke her first words, she had already discovered, and began the process of fine tuning the internal instrument that she was so blessed to be born into this world with. Many of the churches within her hometown of Portland Oregon were amazed as they witnessed Saeeda transform from of a young gifted child that sang with so much promise, into a beautiful woman that embraced her gift and used it with both power and poise. Saeeda is not only aware of the influence that her gift affords her, but she is also respectful of the position that it provides her in the lives of others. Saeeda takes these positions very serious, and for this reason added to her awareness by attending Clark Atlanta University as a “Voice Major”. Currently “Mama Sae” is a member of Prince’s New Power Generation Band and is featured with the Tim Snider Trio. Over the last Twenty years Saeeda has had the privilege of working with several artists such as Lalah Hathaway, Mike Phillips, Patrick Lamb, Duffy Bishop and The Pacific Northwest own Liv Warfield. Saeeda has also been blessed to grace the stage with or open for Gospel Music Power-houses Jessica Reedy, Cece Winans, Crystal Akin, JJ Harrison and Yvette Williams of the Kurt Carr Singers. Some of Saeeda’s studio credits include Derrick McDuffey and Kingdom Sound, Liv Warfield, and Bruthaz Grimm. Through it all Saeeda has remained humble and continues to give back to the communities she loves. She is very well known and respected for her work as a soloist with the Oregon Symphony, and has been a regular participant in Portland’s Annual Blues Festival, as well as many other festivals and events that take place in Oregon throughout the year. Saeeda also works as a dedicated vocal coach in hopes of helping others reach their musical dreams. One of Saeeda’s greatest qualities is that despite having all of these opportunities, and the responsibilities that accompany them, she has always made her family and friends a priority. If you would like to speak with Saeeda concerning music, ministry, or an up and coming event, she can be reached by email at WrightMusicBooking@gmail.com 4. CHRIS TURNER Turner Round Music LLC 5102 NE 48th St Vancouver WA 98661 My Journey in music began as a child, I was 3 years old with a strong desire to play music from within. Listening to music from every available source, my ears begin to develop but of course my hands were not as fast as my ears. Played music throughout Middle and High school from which I learned to read music and understand the sound of a BAND. Most of my development and intuition of music came from my church upbringing, being in moments were it was do or die. From there I had the pleasure of traveling and performing with different groups. Meeting and networking with different musicians in difference states. At this point I knew I wanted to do nothing else but music. It was the driving force in me. I’ve had the pleasure of serving as music director for many artist, churches and events. Performed and played for acts such as: Mega Artist: Prince Stevie Wonder Gospel Artist: Israel Houghton, Fred Hammond, Kim Burrell, Jazz Artist: Kirk Whalum Lalah Hathaway TV Appearances: Arsenio Hall David Letterman https://youtu.be/kdUNP9mcdt4 Jimmy Kimmel https://youtu.be/WoQI_Qr69zU I’m currently the keyboardist for “Liv Warfield” and serve as Music Director for saxophonist Mike Phillips. My introduction to the world as an recording artist is set to release Fall 2015. You can also find me on: Facebook: Chris Turner On Key (Christopher V. Turner) Instagram: Turner Round Music (Chris Turner) Email: turnerroundmusic@gmail.com Mobile: 503.333.0388 5. ASHLEY JAYY Born in raised in Portland Oregon Ashley J Seamster calls the Great Northwest her home. Ashley was very multitalented & artistic at a very young age. Although, she was able to mimic TV commercials & jingles on key and in pitch, singing was not so much a prevalent part of her life until her early teenage years. At the age of 16 Ashley began singing with the Oregon First Jurisdiction Y.P.W.W. State Youth Choir, and also the Grant High School Gospel choir. It was during this time that she made her debut as a Soloist. When she would finish her solo’s everyone would be blown away. Thus the Song Bird in her was born. Ashley began singing solos & leading choir songs in her local church. She frequented local church musicals and would be a featured guest. During this time her love and passion for music began to grow. Ashley’s ear began to develop rapidly. She was able to listen to music and she would be able to not only single out the notes or tunes she would hear, but she was able to retain them & interpret them. It was at this point she began to learn how to play various instruments. This only enhanced her already impeccable ear & ability to translate music. She began to write her own songs and create & arrange unique harmonies. Her creativity began to grow and she was blossoming and coming into her own. In 2007 Ashley sung in the Oregon Symphony’s annual “Gospel Christmas” concert, under the direction of nationally renowned Conductor Dr. Charles Floyd. In her very first year singing at this illustrious event she was a featured soloist and received a thunderous standing ovation all three shows in the 3,000 seat filled Arlene Schnitzer Concert hall. It was at this moment she knew that the stage is where she belonged. At this time Ashley began attending local jam sessions in the Portland Music scene where a buzz began to circulate about her. At this point opportunities to sing background for established artists such as Patrick Lamb, Liv Warfield, and Mike Phillips came her way. This led to more opportunities, such as becoming a member of Prince’s New Power Generation Band, studio sessions with various artists, and opening for local shows & events. Having the last 10 years of musical experience under her belt, Ashley is using her fears, failures, struggles, accomplishments, joys, passions, and overall life experiences as motivation to now step out into her own artistry. Her sound is unique, her voice is incomparable, and her style is in a category of its own. “Ashley J” is ready & anxiously awaits all that has yet to unfold. She hopes that you’ll join her on this journey! 6. ELDON T. JONES Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Jazz Saxophonist, Eldon “T” Jones developed a love for music at a young age and began playing in his local church. Jones started taking music lessons at the age of 10. He studied music at Jefferson Performing Arts High School where he won several awards for both classical and jazz. He continued his education at Mt. Hood Community College and has continued to play jazz and various styles of music, careful not to neglect his gospel roots. Eldon is a well-rounded artist who delicately balances his passions. His wife and 3 children share his love for music and are all very supportive of his career. Eldon’s music is a smooth blend of Jazz, R&B and Gospel and is inspired by various artists such as: Grover Washington, Jr., Wilton Felder of the Crusaders, and Kirk Whalum. Eldon’s heart has always been in making good music. In 1995, he started a jazz band made up of 5 young musicians called “N-Touch”. N-Touch’s music has been called “soul-shaking”. Their unique style reams with conviction, flavor and creativity. N-Touch has quickly carved their space into the West Coast music scene. They released their self-titled debut album in 2001, and in 2003, their song N-Touch was added to the jazz compilation CD entitled In Celebration Of Life. This CD also incuded the work of other great jazz artists such as Tony Bennett, Herbie Hancock, Kevin Eubanks, and Mel Torme' to name a few. “Every instrument is in sync, providing enjoyment that embraces that of good sound. Whether talking, walking or meditating - in short enjoying life - this album is essential to any jazz enthusiast for Generation X.” – Fan Review Eldon and his band have appeared on BET Jazz with Saxophonist Mike Phillips as well as several local television and radio stations. He has performed with two-time Grammy award-winning Singer Yolanda Adams, Legendary Jazz Bassist Leroy Vinegar, Jazz Drummer Mel Brown, Singer/Songwriter Morris Chapman as well as Pianists Ben Tankard and Darrell Grant. Eldon has recorded with Guitarist Walter Finch of Taylor Johnson Records, Congregation of Antrax Records, Ray Tellis of Raada Music, Jazz Pianist Darrell Grant and Saxophonist Kevin Moore of Mocheese Music. Eldon has established his presence as one of the top rising artists on the West Coast. He and his band, N-Touch, can be heard on various radio stations throughout the country as well as Ontario, Canada. They can also be listened to world-wide through satellite radio stations and the internet. Please visit the website at HYPERLINK "http://www.n-touchband.com" www.n-touchband.com. 7. TAMARA STEPHENS Tamara Stephens has been singing since the young age of four. With her foundation in Gospel music, Tamara has used her background to tweak her unique sound in R&B and Soul. Tamara is known for her large vocal range and very high energy on stage! Tamara has shared the stage with many well known artists including the late local legend, Linda Hornbuckle, as well as Grammy Award winner, Kelly Price. Currently working on various projects, Tamara is also performing and touring with the Patrick Lamb Band and working on her self titled album, which is highly anticipated and will be releasing soon. For booking, drops, and interviews contact Chukundi Salisbury: (206) 228.1176/ chukundi@seaspotmediagroup.com. 8. JARROD LAWSON Jarrod’s first memories were made exploring his own father’s recording studio in Redwood City, California—the family residence at the time. His parents still declare that it was never difficult to find young Jarrod; just follow the sound of humming or drumming. At two years of age, Jarrod had found his way to the drum-kit which created in him a highly rhythmic sensibility that can be witnessed in his keyboard playing to this day. His profound ability at bass support creates a rhythm section of his left hand alone. In a trio setting with guitar and drums, it was once remarked that the band needed no bass player as “a bassist would just get in Jarrod’s way.” Sometime around the age of eight years old, the Lawson family moved to a farmstead south of Portland, Oregon. In that open vista—away from neighbors and city distractions—Jarrod explored his father’s record collection and found treasure in the recordings of Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder. These two giants would inspire and inform Jarrod’s own development as a singer and songwriter of soul music. As he explored the magnificent harmonies of soul, a fascination and near-obsession with the piano blossomed when Jarrod was only 13 years old. Lessons began under his father’s tutelage but as Jarrod began to search for his own sound, his studies took on a more and more independent approach. His own hearing became his searchlight as he quested to understand what he heard and to develop his own artistic voice expressed through his singing and piano virtuosity. The quest took him to the masters—from Chopin to Chick Corea, Oscar Peterson to Pastorius, Errol Garner, Ravel, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Bob Marley and, of course, Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder. Jarrod joined his college’s esteemed music program and sang in the Chamber Choir along with singing and playing piano for the college jazz ensemble. While honing his performance-craft, Jarrod continued developing his composition talents in melody, harmony, chord progressions and lyricism and much of that developed into the mature and steadfast compositions that we hear in Jarrod’s music now. The mature composition and performance heard now in Jarrod Lawson has made him wildly and widely popular in the Pacific Northwest—sharing stages with the likes of Bilal, Average White Band, Angelique Kidjo and Ronnie Laws. He has performed with Portland sensations like Farnell Newton, SoulMates and international star Liv Warfield who refers to Jarrod Lawson as “The Truth.” Maybe best of all for Jarrod, so far, was performing at Stevie Wonder’s birthday party. Whether he sings and plays funk, folk, R&B, rock or jazz—as has been said many times—“everything he touches turns to soul.” What began as a child’s interest in sound and rhythm has become a man’s expression of his own character. He sings from his integrity and spirituality, passion and compassion, empathy and sympathy…in other words, his own soul. – Travis Rogers. Jr