The Fuzz Band

The Rise of The Fuzz Band Posted in Music by valentini on 18 August 2013 Tags: Fuzz Band, Jerome Langston, music



By Jerome Langston



Success is a journey, not a destination.

The doing, is often more important, than the outcome.

—Arthur Ashe



It all goes back to Hampton. That is what occurs to me as I survey the artsy leaning businesses that populate this stretch of Queens Way in Hampton, not far from the storied academic institution, Hampton University. It must be so full circle and lovely for Duane Smith and Nakia Madry-Smith of The Fuzz Band, to have their studio so close to the HU campus. They both graduated from Hampton, along with Brooklyn native Paul Saunders, and their long-running artist showcase, Fuzzy Wednesday’s, was born in this city back in 1997.

As I cross the narrow street with friend and dope-ass photographer, Derico Cooper, K’bana Blaq is standing in front of the band’s studio door, looking every bit like K’bana Blaq…fashion forward, model lean and generous with all kinds of expression. We hug. Then, as we head up the lengthy flight of stairs to get to The Fuzz Band’s private bat cave, I can hear the other members of the band rehearsing new music for tomorrow’s edition of Fuzzy Wednesday’s, at the Palace on Plume in downtown Norfolk. The artist showcase is distinguished as Virginia’s longest running open mic featured event, and has hosted big name music acts like Faith Evans and even Jill Scott, who recently performed with the band as their guest, for a special New Year Eve’s concert that brought in 2013.

Fuzzy’s has also helped to birth the careers of some now prominent locally based artists, including singer and Hampton native Rashard Small. Rashard is about to release a new studio album, An Urban Love Affair, in October. For him, having an artist showcase at Fuzzy’s was validating and affirming. “They helped boost my confidence as an artist,” he tells me later by phone.

Now Nakia is currently giving us life with her urban rock-chick ensemble, which I am particularly interested in because of her black Beatles tee. We love The Beatles, and Nakia knows their catalogue well. As lead singer of The Fuzz Band’s musical off-shoot, D*Nik, Nakia and Duane explore a multitude of sonic influences including The Beatles.

It’s that self-assured musical diversity that sets The Fuzz Band and its multiple member acts: the trap-rock aesthetic of K’bana Blaq, the urban electro-pop of D*Nik, and the emerging jazz-folk of Michon David, apart from other Hampton Roads indie bands. And recently, it even lead to multiple nominations for The Fuzz Band, D*Nik and K’bana, at this year’s Veer Local Music Awards back in February.

Dubbed by many as the Hampton Roads Grammys, the 2nd annual awards show was a sold-out success that gained some national press coverage. I presented three awards that night, including a trophy for Best R&B act to The Fuzz Band. By night’s end, we were all celebrating their five awards: including Song of the Year for D*Nik’s “Day &Night” and Best Live Performer for The Fuzz Band. For me, having been friends with members of the band since my Port Folio Weekly days, the night felt like an affirmation of sorts. I’d always advocated for the musical wunderkinds, as a music critic, despite shots taken at their catalogue by some local peers and general haters.

So now here we are, sitting in their large studio/office space, talking about these recent successes, but more importantly, their remarkably bright future. The entire eight-member band is here: lead singers K’Bana, Nakia and Michon, bandleader Duane, musical director Tavis Simmons, bass player Desmond Whitney, guitarist Aaron Eddy and longtime drummer Jason Jenifer. On August 30th, the Fuzz Band will play the iconic Blue Note in New York City, for the club’s Late Night Groove series. Considered by most to be the finest jazz club in the world, the Greenwich Village institution has hosted music legends like Sarah Vaughn and Dizzy Gillespie. It’s a huge deal for the band, especially for trumpeter Duane and co-lead singer Michon David, who “grew up wanting to be on Blue Note Records.”

The band is also on the verge of releasing new music later this year. Various producers have submitted music, including Hampton Roads native Hannon Lane, who produces multi-platinum artists with super producer Timbaland. “We’re at that point now where we’re ready to put out new music and reintroduce ourselves to those who may have forgotten,” explains Mrs. Madry-Smith.

I ask Duane what has kept the group together so long, as some have been down with the fuzzy movement since its 1997 inception. “I just love them and they’re my family,” he says simply. So I ask each family member what winning means to them. Their answers are varied and candid. “Winning to me, is for us as a band to continue exercising our creativity and grow as a group,” says Desmond. Tavis is addicted to “receiving that hyped feedback from the audience.” Aaron is the young-un, literally, with a birth year of 1992 and just about a year spent in the band. For him, “winning is about making the audience happy and spreading positivity everywhere.” Jason later chimes in about “winning being about enjoying what you do.”

Now as far as taking their career to an even higher level, K’bana, per usual, had some interesting things to say. Among his nuggets, “I want The Fuzz Band to have the deepest desires of their hearts…” You know what? Me, too. - Jeff Maisey Veer Magazine

If you have ever been to a “Fuzzy Wednesdays” open mic, then you probably have already heard of THE FUZZ BAND; however, if you have not yet been fortunate enough to have your eardrums flooded with their infectious fusion of jazz, rock, R&B, pop, hip-hop, and everything in between, you are in luck. The players, which initially met at Hampton University, include Duane Smith, Jason Jenifer, Michon David, Kabana Blaq, Nakia Madry, Tavis Simmons, and more, and they have staked their claim as one of the most entertaining groups from the 757 and beyond. I was fortunate enough to speak with Smith about his bands beginnings with Fuzzy Wednesdays, their passion for the local music scene, as well what they have coming up in the next few months.

Congratulations on winning Veer Magazine’s award for Best R&B Group of 2013. Have you been nominated for the award before?

Thank you! We won it last year too. This year we were also nominated for Best Live Performer and Best Open Mic, but we didn’t do so good in those categories. There was some very steep competition.

For those who are not familiar with your band, please tell us how your band was formed at Hampton University?

What put the band together was Fuzzy Wednesdays, which is the longest running open mic in Virginia, and it has been going on for the last 16 years. When it started out, our instrumentalists would play between different groups, but that’s how we found each other. I used to play bass, but then switched to trumpet. We would learn five new songs each week and perform them, and that went on for four years [before we officially started the band]. We all bonded really well.

I know that your band was originally the house band for “Fuzzy Wednesdays”, but how has that changed over the years?

It started as a Hampton University thing, but since then it has expanded all over the Hampton Roads area to pretty much every city except Suffolk. Some people got inspired and did their own thing, and it became the place to go to find new talent. Currently, we are looking for a new spot with more couches and chairs and stage. The place we had before was very tight, and we want to have more space so we can bring other signed and independent artists down for showcases. Right now that is on the backburner because we want to stack our chips up and do it right, but we are still rehearsing for the shows we have coming up like the First Fridays Granby Street Party on April 4th.

Yeah I heard about that! What can your audience expect from that performance?

Initially we will do originals, but we plan on combining soul and rock. We just want people to have a good time. It’s really hard to put us in one box. We love to play a fusion of good music, and later that night we will also be playing at Baxter’s in Norfolk, which will be more of a party crowd, so we will play more upbeat, party music. We are very versatile like that.



Who are some of the other artists or groups that came out of Fuzzy Wednesdays and did their own thing?

A few that come to mind are MYRA SMITH, SY SMITH–who is now a backup singer on American Idol–and ROMONTA & FRIENDS.

I think it’s awesome how supportive your band is of local musicians and artists. Has that always been a mission of your band?

For sure! I’m originally from Brooklyn, and up there the younger generation learned about music from the older cats, but when I moved here I noted that the community is very cliquey and the old cats weren’t very welcoming to younger crowds. That’s why with Fuzzy Wednesdays we wanted to give a safe, open space for any art form to perform. On any given night, the audience will range from 18 to 65-year-olds.

Wow, that’s a pretty huge age gap. I’ve also noticed there isn’t much crossing of genres at local shows in Virginia. Is your band open to playing with bands of other genres?

Absolutely! We met THE UNABOMBERS at the Veer Awards, and we are trying to get a show with them. It’s important for us to expose people to different genres, and we also want to broaden our audience as much as we can. We will play with anyone—reggae, rock, you name it. We are also trying to coordinate shows with THE HUNTS, which is a folk band, and REVERY for their album release show.

In your biography it says that your band has survived the ‘curse’ that tears bands apart. What did you mean by that exactly?

Egos usually, and people wanting to do things differently. We are more of a family than a band. We just want to keep the music going. Six of the original members are still with the band, and we are still going strong.



How many members are in your band?

Too many (laughs). Currently we have nine, and on occasion we like to play with DJ A1 and do battles with DJ BEE. He will play a song, and we will play it back. Or sometimes, we will lay down the beat and we will play over it. We’ve done that for all sorts of covers, and it’s always a lot of fun.

Currently, your band has recorded four studio albums. Have you been working any new material for your fifth?

We are in the studio now actually. We have been doing more corporate and club gigs to make as much money as we can for this next record. In the past, we came up short, and weren’t able to finish all the mixes exactly like we wanted them to be. With this record, we are trying to represent where we are now as a band, and we are trying to put everything into it. It has been six years since our last release! We also intend to do a live album with all of our songs. We want to reach out to our fans to pick a 10-song dream set, and if we like one, we will do it. If there’s more than one we like, maybe we will do more.

With spring and summer coming up, do you have any plans to tour or are there any festivals you are looking forward to playing?

May 30th we are trying to lock something in for DC. We are trying to get an opening spot for THE ROOTS picnic in Philly that same weekend. We are also hoping to get Essence Fest. We may have to create our own tour. It’s so hard to go out with a nine-piece band, but I would be down for it. We still need to plan out our summers since we are all older. We would also really like to do another tour with the USO. One of our greatest experiences on tour was when we went to Southeast Asia and the Middle East. It was the most dangerous, but they treated us very well and we had a lot of fun.

For more updates on THE FUZZ BAND, be sure to visit their website, follow them on Twitter, “like” their Facebook page, and check out their music on iTunes. - Joe FItz Patrick

Warm ’n’ Fuzzy: Hampton-based The Fuzz Band is set to release “Collision” this fall. The full-length CD will expand upon the group’s genre-weaving talents with a sonic mesh of hip-hop, R&B, rock, jazz and classical. It is the follow-up studio recording to “Without Boundaries.” The Fuzz Band cleaned house the last two years at the Ninevolt Magazine local music awards, winning in numerous categories, including best R&B/hip-hop group and best live act. In February, the awards show audience was spellbound by the band’s performance of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” They were joined by soprano Cristina Nassif of the Virginia Opera.

Also, The Fuzz has been hosting an artistically enlightening open-mic session on Wednesday evenings at Station 2, on Granby Street in downtown Norfolk.

Local metal: Newport News nu-metal band SiNN will headline a showcase of
- Jeff Maisey

Local's choice Fuzz Band heads to entertain U.S. armed forces

By JEFF MAISEY, The Virginian-Pilot
© February 11, 2006

THE FUZZ BAND is taking its award-winning live show for an 18-day tour of duty with one mission: entertain members of the U.S. armed forces.

The genre-melding band was chosen by Armed Forces Entertainment, which produces tours for unsigned bands, in collaboration with the USO, to perform at American bases in Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

Before The Fuzz takes flight, it'll give a concert Thursday at Granby Theater in downtown Norfolk. Showtime is 9 p.m.


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The tour runs from Feb. 20 through March 10. - Jeff Maisey

Fuzz Band wins Capital Jazz Fest Challenge
Posted: 2004-06-07


Norfolk, Va.�Through rain, mud and even the cicadas, The Fuzz Band won the Capital Jazz Fest Challenge on Saturday, June 5, earning $5000 and a mainstage performance on Sunday, June 6 at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Md. The band opened for artists Kenny Lattimore & Chante Moore, Najee, Lizz Wright and David Sanborn at the 12th Annual Capital Jazz Fest.

“I felt honored and overwhelmed when they announced us as winners,” said Duane Smith, bandleader and trumpet player. “The musicians in this particular contest were awesome. They were very talented and seasoned musicians in their fields.”

The Fuzz Band played a 15-minute set with an original instrumental song ”Bliss”, and both “Crossroads” and “Notmah” from the “Without Boundaries” album.

“I think having our own distinct sound and voice is what separated us from the competition,” Smith said. “The other bands were excellent, but we added a unique element that I believe the judges and the audience noted.”

The Aaron Broadus Group, Rick McLemore, Rodney McCoy & Deepocket, Brian Lenair and London�s own Project the Beat were the other competitors. Jazz Fest officials announced that 160 various artists entered the Challenge.

The six finalists received $500 before competing for the grand prize of the first Capital Jazz Fest, which was sponsored by WHUR 96.3 FM, the Washington Post and Omni Media.

“We are extremely proud and hope that this open doors for us and other independent label artists,” said Paul Saunders, CEO of Peach Fuzz Entertainment and the band�s manager.

The Fuzz Band also earned Ninevolt Magazine�s Virginia Music Award for Best R&B/Hip Hop Artists of the Year in February. Bass guitarist, John Stratford, also received the Best Bassist of the Year VMA. In December, The Fuzz Band was voted the No. 1 band in Virginia by 96X FM after competing with 49 other bands in a multi-genre competition.

The Fuzz Band performs every Wednesday at Fuzzy Wednesdays at Relative Theory Records in Norfolk and also every Friday at Alice Mae�s Soulfood Restaurant in Norfolk. “Without Boundaries” is available at FYE and online at www.thefuzzband.com

For more information about the Capital Jazz Fest visit www.capitaljazz.com - allaboutjazz.com

Fuzz Band boundary-less

Micah Jones Mace&Crown.com

Posted 11.04.03

Virginia has seen a recent surge in mainstream musical successes, with the likes of Missy Elliot and the Neptunes putting Virginia, and more specifically, Hampton Roads, on the map. Next in line to make a major impact and make the world notice Virginia yet another time is The Fuzz Band.

The Fuzz band is here to take the world of neo-soul/jazz by storm. Their new LP “Without Boundaries” proves that the band is on the verge of breaking into the upper-echelon of the genre.

The nine-member group is comprised of various instrumentalists and three talented vocalists.

“Without Boundaries” is a pure funk fest that takes control of the listener.

The group takes aspects of hip hop, jazz, R&B, soul, alternative and classical to construct their own unique sound and essence. The band does an excellent job of catching people with groovy melodies and hum-able tunes. Throughout the CD the instrumentalists shine without vocal accompaniment, showcasing strong musical ability. The energy of the singers raises the intensity of the songs and pushes them to higher plains. Each member brings energy and presence to the group.

The album displays its neo-soul characteristics through the topics of the songs; every song is dedicated to having a good time or some aspect of love.

This is not a bad thing, each song conveys deep emotion and draws you deeper and deeper into the music. The songs don’t just deal about who cheated on who, but they go into deeper aspects, such as the good feelings that having a significant other can bring and small arguments that couples get into.

“Without Boundaries” takes grand singing with vibrant emotion grabbing instrumentation to mold one of the most electric albums of the fall and a solid foundation for the Fuzz band. With quality music like this, the Fuzz Band might find themselves headlining major venues in the very near future. - Mace & Crown

Fuzz Band potential is like D’Angelo…because of the talent, all of you together is so remarkable.” ~ Jerome Langston, VEER magazine music critic, during a conversation with the band.



The Fuzz Band is like a family. Bands are often referred to as such―a family, to the point that it has become a clichéd sentiment over the decades, but in the case of Hampton’s own, The Fuzz Band, it is quite simply the truth. It is also the truth that I’ve grown to regard the group as my artistic brothers and sisters of sorts. We’ve “been together” since the Port Folio days, and so, getting to interview them is always a pleasure, but challenging as well to capture something that’s particularly new for the reader. Because I know so much ish about them, deciding what to share publicly, is always a fun challenge.

“We are going to put out an album this year,” confidently states Duane Smith, band leader and trumpeter, during my interview with the band earlier this month, at their Queens Way rehearsal space/office/arts studio. Fuzz heads around the world have been waiting for the group’s humble leader to finally say as much. The band hasn’t put out an official album since 2008’s EP, Change. And what’s even more interesting is that the proclamation comes after an elongated explanation from Smith, detailing why it’s been so long since the public has heard new Fuzz Band music. “It’s a matter of finding the time,” he says, finally.

The band, which celebrates its 16th year of existence this year, is in intense rehearsals for its upcoming headlining concert date at Hampton’s regal American Theatre, as part of the now popular VEER Music Award series. It is their first time even performing at the venue, much less headlining their own show there. “I feel honored, especially due to the fact that this particular theatre has had some of my favorite artists who I wouldn’t expect to see in this area,” Duane states. He then mentions seeing the sexy jazz chanteuse, Gretchen Parlato, as well as legendary saxophonist Branford Marsalis, there.

“The band basically developed out of Hampton…it’s good to be full circle, doing almost like a homecoming concert in a way, though we haven’t left…”the Hampton University graduate notes. The group, for a myriad of reasons, rarely plays the Peninsula, in spite of their Hampton roots. That fact has not impacted their absolute ubiquity here on the Southside though, having recently performing as part of the buzzed about Artistree Festival here in Norfolk, as well as playing the NorVa multiple times last year. And the band, which currently consists of the aforementioned Duane, lead vocalists Nakia Madry-Smith, Michon David and K’bana Blaq, musical director Tavis Simmons, guitarist Aaron Benjamin Eaddy, bass player Percy Thomas III, drummer Jason Jenifer, and percussionist Kevin Brown, are enjoying some of their highest local public visibility in years. They have also won a bunch of VEER Local Music Awards, for the actual Fuzz Band, as well as its two high profile off-shoot acts, K’bana Blaq aka The Traprock Misfit and Rocky 7, formally known as D*Nik. I ask Nakia, who always seems to embody the afro-punk aesthetic visually and otherwise, what lead to her group’s name change. She is of course the Nik in D*Nik, which is still a production duo.

“Rocky is my absolute favorite movie of all time,” she says. “It’s about an American dream and no matter how old you get, you still have an opportunity out there to change your life.” The PK (preacher’s kid) barely finishes her sentence, before K’bana and I are elevating her words to those found in ministry and The Gospels, quietly shouting “let it preach” and “amen.” Rocky 7, by the way, also intends to release new music this year.

“It’s a lot of clowns in the band…there are a lot of stories to tell,” Jason says with a smirk, responding to my question regarding what he’s looking forward to most, about the American Theatre concert. For Michon, who is definitely winning right now with her 2Pac tee, the chance to play a full concert for their fans makes this show special enough.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to entertain from the standpoint of it being all of our original music and not having to do this or that cover…” David explains. “The show is going to be out of the box…it’s not going to be like coming to a Fuzzy Wednesday event,” adds keyboardist Tavis.

Speaking of Fuzzy Wednesday’s, their long running open mic showcase, it is on hiatus for a bit, in part to give them time to focus on conceptualizing and recording the new album. And for my favorite iconoclast, K’bana Blaq, that suits him just fine. He’s busy anyway, preparing for the February release of his new album, Blaq Magic. I ask him what he’s looking forward to presenting artistically, for their theatre show.

“I would like the community to come into the American Theatre…treat it like an exhibit, get to see different pieces of our history,” he says. “I really want people to see a museum.” Not that the band though, whose members still range in age from twenties to thirties, should be considered old ass veterans. Cause as Blaq will say later, “The Fuzz Band is forever young.” - Jerome Langston

Fuzz Band Boundary-Less With Music Appeal


"Should I come harder?" belted K'Bana Blaq at the top of his lungs while lying on the stage of Takoma Station Tavern in Washington, D.C. His sweat soaked back pressed to the floor and his eyes closed shut as the eager crowd stared on. K'Bana continued to sing the Jill Scott cover as the rest of The Fuzz Band set the club ablaze.

Moments later K'Bana stood back on his feet begging the crowd to give him some head banging action. With his shoulder-length hair swaying erratically, K'Bana and Nakia Madry, another vocalist, galvanized the eager audience to shake their heads uncontrollably to the beat of the music.

This was picture you would expect to see while watching an alternative band. But that wasn't the oddest part about The Fuzz Band's set; the diverse audience was just as astonishing. Both old and young were enjoying them selves.

Because The Fuzz Band can go from playing a Jay Z song, to performing a Nikka Costa song and back to an instrumental jazz blend of Coltrane or Davis or unique meshing of all three, their audience is truly mixed. The band has been compared to other groups such as The Brand New Heavies and The Roots.

Their sound is a mixture of jazz, hip hop, alternative, soul and classical music blended together. The nine-member band is introducing an innovative sound while bridging the gap between generations.

This fusion creates a sound that is unparalleled in the music industry today. At the same time, their music also introduces various listeners to diverse genres.
"I never really had an appreciation for jazz music until I heard them," said Sherry Oden, a 26-year-old hip hop advocate.

Many of the audiences at The Fuzz Band's shows run the gamut from being members of the Baby Boomers generation to being Generation X'ers. You can also catch hip hop heads to grunge music enthusiasts at their live performances.

"I was surprisingly moved by their sound," said 59-year-old Albertha Abraham. "I love jazz music, but with The Fuzz Band, I received much more. Their live performance is what really moved me."

And apparently that's the goal-to give people something that can move them.
"Our sound has been called a spontaneous overflow of emotion," said Paul Saunders, the band's manager. "We play feel good music and everyone can relate to that."

In December, the band was named the best band of the year in Virginia after competing with 49 other bands. The bands included rock, alternative, jam and punk.

"I really enjoy their music. The instrumentals are wonderful," said 43-year-old Towanna Sebrell.

The Virginia-based group consists of six instrumentalists and three vocalists. They've opened for platinum-selling artists such as Outkast, Alicia Keys and Jill Scott. Many of the members are classically trained instrumentalists and one of its singers, Nakia Madry, even boasts a five-octave range.

"We're about integrity and staying focused and getting our musical message across," said Duane A. Smith. "The message is, we love life, we love God, we love music and each other, regardless."

And with songs like "Hey", "Crossroads" and "Cinimin" from their recent released album "Without Boundaries," it provides just that kind of message. The band's sound is reflective of people who truly love music.

Their live performance doesn't hurt either.

"I was truly blown away with their energy and couldn't sit down the entire
time they performed," said Kieno Simeon, a Takoma Station patron. "This band makes you realize that the power of live music truly soothes the soul."

The independently released album sold out of its first shipment in just under three weeks solely by word of mouth.

"We're truly excited about all the success we've been having, but I think it's reflective of our hardwork and the undying support we've received," said Smith.
Their album is available online at f.y.e and Wherehouse.

"I can not believe this band hasn't blown up yet," said Ashura Goines, a Washington, D.C. native. "They have so much to offer the music industry-their diverse sound is what it's been craving."

R&B artists such as Bilal, Faith, Blue Cantrell and Scott have all performed to music recreated by the group at Fuzzy Wednesdays-a weekly "open mic" event. Over 30,000 patrons have partaken in the "Fuzzy" experience since its 1997 inception.
For more information on The Fuzz Band, visit www.thefuzzband.com - M2M

Awards and Honors

• Best Band Award (AllAboutJazz.com)
• Old Dominion University awards "Fuzz Band Day" to The Fuzz Band
• Pro Music & Sound names The Fuzz Band as Virginia's Best Band 2003
• Virginia Music Awards honors The Fuzz Band as Best R&B/Hip-Hop Band for 2003; They also received Best Bassist (John Stratford) Awards
• Virginia Music Awards names The Fuzz Band the Best Live Band, Best Urban/Hip-Hop Band 0f 2005; They also receive Best Vocalist (Nakia Madry) and Best Other Instrument (Trumpet-Duane Smith) Awards
• The Fuzz Band is the first Capital Jazz Festival winners.
- FF

Hampton Roads Magazine

Live, Loud And Local

Hampton Roads bands strive to make it in a diverse regional music scene with a rich history.

By Kip Tabb

The NorVa is a cavernous, old movie theater in the heart of downtown Norfolk. There is no seating tonight, just some random tables and chairs scattered about, three bars, a balcony and a spectacular chandelier hanging over the middle of the floor.

The Fuzz Band prepares to debut its new CD, and the audience filling the dance floor is a microcosm of Hampton Roads society—college students, mothers and fathers—from barely legal to successful professionals in their 50s and 60s. Groups of friends representing many races stand around and laugh, then break into spontaneous dance and then laugh some more.

The Fuzz Band, a rare phenomena, has managed to create music for everyone—its sound is a mix of cool jazz with a little bit of funk, some soul and occasionally a driving rock �n’ roll beat.

NorVa management has brought in some of the best emerging urban talent around to kick off the show. The band DMP, from the New York area, shows how far rap has come with carefully crafted yet free-flowing dance and well-written, nuanced poetry.

When The Fuzz Band takes the stage at midnight, the fans press through the crowd with palpable excitement. But this is The Fuzz Band and friends—the eight-piece group swells to a 20-something piece mini-orchestra, complete with string and brass sections, three guitars and a baritone sax. And the sound is marvelous. Singers Nakia Madry, K’Bana Blaq and Michon David choreographed their numbers for the first time, and the combined energy of music and dance reaches out and grabs the audience and seems to insist that this is a night of unforgettable music.

While many people feel that Hampton Roads lacks a top-quality music scene, plenty of others argue that the business of music is alive and thriving in the area, a pulsating concoction of jazz, hip-hop, alternative rock, country, rock �n’ roll and classic beach sounds. Every town and city in the region features its own venues—favorite places to showcase local and sometimes national talent. Norfolk has the NorVa and The Taphouse Grill. Virginia Beach claims The Jewish Mother and South Beach Grill. Manhattan’s in Newport News has been bringing in regional bands for more than 10 years. On the road to Williamsburg, the Yorktown Pub provides weekend showcases for local groups, and in Williamsburg, JM Randall’s has featured some of the finest jazz and blues musicians anywhere for the past 11 years.

“I think it’s [Hampton Roads] a wonderful hub of music,” says Randall Plaxo, owner of JM Randall’s. “There’s a diversity and history of music here that is wonderful. And there’s a tremendous amount of local talent out there. There are some wonderful local bands. Really good.” End of Excerpt
- Hampton Roads Magazine

by Robinson, Tennille M.
Black Enterprise • March, 2008 • BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

THE FUZZ BAND DOES BUSINESS TO the beat of its own drum. The Hampton, Virginia-based band's strategy is a lucrative one: focus on corporate and private clients. Founded by Paul Saunders and Duane Smith in 1997 while attending Hampton University, the group has come a long way. "We started the business with $10," says Saunders, 32, who maintains the band under Peach Fuzz Entertainment. "We used it for fliers to promote our first performance."

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

With three to four events a week during peak season--each generating anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the length of time, special needs, and location--this business model proves positive for the group, whose sound is a fusion of soul, jazz, hip-hop, and rock In 2007, Peach Fuzz generated $150,000 in revenues and is projected to earn $250,000 for 2008 with 50% of that coming from the Fuzz Band's private and corporate-sponsored events.

"We saw it as having alternative ways of performing, because there are only so many clubs out there," says Saunders, who works alongside his brother, Brian, in expanding operations. "It's really about surviving by diversifying."

Saunders says this approach offers a more reliable payment structure, greater earning potential, and exposure to new fans. "When we play at corporate events, we often get referrals for weddings, so that's the biggest conversion," he adds.

Among the band's clients: the U.S. armed services, Chrysler/Jeep, and universities such as Hampton and Princeton. The band's contracts often include the sale of CDs to clients, wholesale, as souvenirs for guests. Chrysler also featured the group on a promotional music sampler. Saunders says the group's youthful approach is what sets it apart from others.

Ranging in age from 21 to 33, The Fuzz Band's current members include: K'Bana Blaq, Wellington Britt, William Brown, Michon David, Jason Jenifer, Nakia Madry, Duane Smith, and John Stratford. Seven of the members have college degrees and all maintain full-time jobs in the field of music outside of their work with the band. "Not only do we sing original music, but we also take a look at the demographics and customize the music to our clients, performing anything from Duke Ellington to Dave Matthews to Jay-Z," says Saunders.

In addition to the band, extensions of Peach Fuzz Entertainment include a recording studio that they rent out to other musicians, as well as event marketing services and music lessons. With plans to release a new album as well as an interest in recording songs and jingles for commercials, the group is optimistic about 2008.

"We really stand behind their vision and strategy for getting us into new markets," says Madry, one of the lead singers. "At this point, it's just a huge collaborative experience."

FUZZ BUZZ

1. What box? Develop an unconventional strategy. Refusing to take the traditional path, The Fuzz Band pursues a mission that involves tapping into a niche market.

2. Venture out. The group's versatility allows it to play for audiences of all ages across the country and abroad. During the 2007 holiday season, the group was invited by the USO to perform overseas for the armed services,

3. No money? No problem. Although Saunders and Smith saw the band as a business, banks did not. Saunders says finding funding was a challenge. So, they used money made from smaller venues to market themselves to bigger clients. - Black Enterprise Magazine

hese days, an eight-person R&B group is not exactly run-of-the-mill. Then again, the Fuzz Band is not exactly an R&B group. As their name suggests, they see the lines separating genres as fuzzy at best. On Collision, the band displays their range by diving headfirst into R&B, jazz, funk and rock with hints of reggae and hip-hop thrown in for good measure.

The band is led by trumpeter Duane Smith, but is truly a collective ensemble; all of the members play a role in song-creation. In addition to Smith, the band boasts two drummers, a bassist, and a keyboardist. Collision, the follow-up to their debut Without Boundaries, also features outside help on guitars, giving the album a little more edge. Vocal duties are shared by K’Bana Blaq and a duo of women, Nakia Madry and Michon David.

From the album’s car-crashing start the band shows it is not afraid to take chances; the energetic opening anthem “Here Comes the Fuzz” is followed by two more up-tempo alternatives to standard club songs. “Shake” features Madry strutting her stuff; moving from funk to swing over searing horns, while “Party With Me” has a nice dancehall-tinged flavor. Even without much more lyrical depth than your average “club banger,” these songs are catchy and creative without being cliché.

“Change My Ways” is probably the best example of a genre “collision” on the album. Madry moves convincingly from aggressive rockstar over electric guitars to soul songstress over smooth background vocals. Next, the Fuzz Band lets up on the gas and gives each vocalist their shot at a slow, somber tune. Not surprisingly, it is Madry’s pleading “Love Me” which stands out among the three songs, showing off her impressive range. It is followed by the mellow but bland instrumental, “Brooklyn.” With four slow songs back-to-back, especially after such an energetic start, the album risks becoming nice background music.

However, Collision wakes back up with “Too Shy.” Delicate piano keys guide the song and Smith’s horns make it burst. It is more of a straightforward R&B track (down to the unnecessary rap cameo), but it works very well. The other singers also get their chance to shine on the second half of the album. Davis sounds Amel Larrieux-esque on the jazzy “Soul Cry,” while the captivating Blaq-penned “Money” is one of the best songs on the album, lyrically and otherwise.

It may have benefited from being a couple of songs shorter, but the 17 tracks on Collision allow the group to show off its versatility. It also entices the listener to want to see the band live. Overall, Collision shows that the Fuzz Band has the talent to make good music, regardless of what label is placed on it. - vantana

POSTED BY DANTANA 13 YEARS AGO


These days, an eight-person R&B group is not exactly run-of-the-mill. Then again, the Fuzz Band is not exactly an R&B group. As their name suggests, they see the lines separating genres as fuzzy at best. On Collision, the band displays their range by diving headfirst into R&B, jazz, funk and rock with hints of reggae and hip-hop thrown in for good measure.

The band is led by trumpeter Duane Smith, but is truly a collective ensemble; all of the members play a role in song-creation. In addition to Smith, the band boasts two drummers, a bassist, and a keyboardist. Collision, the follow-up to their debut Without Boundaries, also features outside help on guitars, giving the album a little more edge. Vocal duties are shared by K’Bana Blaq and a duo of women, Nakia Madry and Michon David.

From the album’s car-crashing start the band shows it is not afraid to take chances; the energetic opening anthem “Here Comes the Fuzz” is followed by two more up-tempo alternatives to standard club songs. “Shake” features Madry strutting her stuff; moving from funk to swing over searing horns, while “Party With Me” has a nice dancehall-tinged flavor. Even without much more lyrical depth than your average “club banger,” these songs are catchy and creative without being cliché.

“Change My Ways” is probably the best example of a genre “collision” on the album. Madry moves convincingly from aggressive rockstar over electric guitars to soul songstress over smooth background vocals. Next, the Fuzz Band lets up on the gas and gives each vocalist their shot at a slow, somber tune. Not surprisingly, it is Madry’s pleading “Love Me” which stands out among the three songs, showing off her impressive range. It is followed by the mellow but bland instrumental, “Brooklyn.” With four slow songs back-to-back, especially after such an energetic start, the album risks becoming nice background music.

However, Collision wakes back up with “Too Shy.” Delicate piano keys guide the song and Smith’s horns make it burst. It is more of a straightforward R&B track (down to the unnecessary rap cameo), but it works very well. The other singers also get their chance to shine on the second half of the album. Davis sounds Amel Larrieux-esque on the jazzy “Soul Cry,” while the captivating Blaq-penned “Money” is one of the best songs on the album, lyrically and otherwise.

It may have benefited from being a couple of songs shorter, but the 17 tracks on Collision allow the group to show off its versatility. It also entices the listener to want to see the band live. Overall, Collision shows that the Fuzz Band has the talent to make good music, regardless of what label is placed on it. - OKAYPLAYER