 |
choose product |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
| |
| Artist: |
Erly J. Thornton III is an accomplished musician with over 30 years experience with the saxophone. Genre of choice is Contemporary Jazz and Funk.
Erly was influenced at an early age by the works of Ray Charles and Herb Alpert. Surrounded by musicians at his parent’s home in Nashville, TN he was encouraged to play with his father, a trumpeter, on Sundays in front of “The Boys” as early as the 5th grade. Erly would take the records they jammed on into his room and throughout the week learn every lick he could so that the next weekend he’d be prepared. That created in him the desire and ability to perform for others straight from the beginning.
Erly’s later influences were composed of the funk style of the early Brecker Brothers Band, David Sanborn, and the R&B sax styles of Grover Washington, Najee and Gerald Albright. Another major influence in his life was one of his father’s friends, Roger “Rock” Williams, a consummate genius at all woodwind instruments and considered by many to be one of the “baddest” funk saxophone players you have ever heard. Erly still calls Roger his “teacher” although he never took any formal lessons from him. He instead taught by example.
Playing with R & B groups in high school was an influential experience also as Erly and his contemporaries explored and performed the music of Cameo, The Time, Prince and EWF. Erly also continued formal schooling as a member of the Maplewood HS Stage Jazz Band and in college with the TSU Jazz Band.
Professionally Erly has performed all over Tennessee from East to West including world famous Beale Street. As a resident of Florida for the past 9 years, Erly has also performed all over Florida, both as a solo act as well as the “voice” of the original Jazz Group B.One, and with the Robert Harris Group.
These influences enabled Erly to bring a wealth of sound experience to his performances and allowed him to put together a unique jazz sax style all his own that is smooth and soulful, yet still funky. The aural experience of those seemingly opposite descriptions keeps you smiling and wonderfully entertained. Erly truly has a unique sound that sets him apart from all other players.
Erly currently performs in the Orlando area for local jazz clubs, restaurants, corporate and private parties, and is one of the most widely sought after local musicians.
His first CD titled “The Old School Beat” will be appearing online soon featuring songs that describe his musical experience. The blend will be from old school R&B and funk to Latin jazz. You will find yourself thinking about another place and time as you body involuntarily starts reacting to the beat of his music and the voice of his horn. The debut song, “Mura de Cozumel” is currently out for download at www.GrooveElation.com and at his official web site: www.ErlyThornton.com. Erly's MySpace community page is located at www.myspace.com/erlythorntonjazz
For Calendar and Booking Information call: 407-257-6660 or email: Erly@ErlyThornton.com
Performance Credits:
Past credits include backing up R&B Stars Howard Hewitt, Phil Perry and Glynn Jones for a local concert series, performing the National Anthem at a Orlando Magic Miami Heat game in 2005, performing with Caffe and Justin Guarini at Club Taboo for BURNLOUNGE, local establishments such as Press 101, South Beach Blue Jazz Café, The Exchange Lounge, Fresh Mouth Café – Baldwin Park, Lua Loa’s, Tropical Magic, Millennia Art Gallery and various private events, including performing regularly for the city of Orlando Mayors office.
With the Robert Harris Group: The Glo Lounge, Lakeridge Winery, Dexter’s, WLOQ Sunday Jazz Jams and the New Smyrna Beach Jazz Festival.
With B.One at the following: WLOQ Sunday Jazz Jam Concert Series, WSJZ 2nd Annual Que Fest, WLOQ Winter Park Autumn Arts Festival, Opening Act for WLOQ Anniversary Concert featuring Spyro Gyra, WSJT Get Downtown Friday Night Series, Kissimmee Jazz Festival, Windermere Jazz Festival, Universal Studios Portofino Bay Hotel, Harbor Nights Series. Opening Act for Melba Moore for The Orlando Urban League Annual Gala, Florida A&M University Urban Development Department, The Partnership of Daytona, Advanced Information Systems Group, Inc., Johnny Rivers, Inc., The City of Casselberry FL Jazz at Sunset, A Taste of Daytona, Central Florida Housing Home Collaborative, Kappa Alpha Psi, fraternity, Inc., The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Kissimmee Old Town Shopping & Attractions, Orlando Premium Outlets, Fashion Square Mall, West Oaks Mall, San Sebastian Winery, Lake Ridge Winery, Pierre’s Night Club, and the Blackfin Restaurant.
Recording Credits:
Jerry Wilborn – Album: Jerry Wilborn
B.One – Album: The Good Life and Album: B.One
Robert Harris – Album: Cool Breeze
Erly Thornton – Album: The Old School Beat
|
|
|
