
Our Music Director
World Renowned Conductor
Composer/Pianist
MAESTRO DELBERT TAYLOR
Delbert Taylor, better known as “The Maestro”, has had a diverse and storied performance and recording career. He has recorded with such notables as Natalie Cole, Gil Scott-Heron, Fred Wesley, Slave, The Friends of Distinction, etc.
He has also produced and performed for such major record labels as Capitol, Atlantic, Atlantic Cotillion, Elektra Asylum, A&M, and CBS Sony Records to name a few.
“The Maestro” has also been awarded several Gold Records and Golden Reel Awards.
Maestro Taylor’s charitable efforts on behalf of young musicians
everywhere and the artistic community at large have often been
acknowledged through several awards and commendations from the State of
California, The City of Los Angeles, California and from program
sponsors and participants.
Maestro Taylor has been the Special Guest Minister of Music as well as Guest Solo Pianist at several churches in the greater Los Angeles area.
His love of Gospel Music, Jazz, R&B and The Blues has inspired
Maestro Delbert Taylor’s “And God Created Jazz Too!!!” CD, lecture and
tour.
World Renowned Drummer
KENNY ELLIOTT
Under the personal mentoring by orchestra leader/drummer Red Saunders
and King Kolax, Kenny Elliott was exposed to many greats performing at the famed
"Regal Theatre" in Chicago and learned to play and have some business
knowledge. Playing Jazz,Pop,R&B,Fusion,Rock and work in the
Theater. While attending college at the American Conservatory I began
to teach there also and do recording sessions as a staff drummer for
Brunswick Records. Doing sessions with producer Carl Davis and Sonny
Sanders with little known but great bassist "Bernard Reed". Recorded
for artists like Walter Jackson, Syl Johnson, Aorta and Thunderfunk
Symphony. Working around Chicago with pianist Ken Chaney, guitarist
Phil Upchurch, Pete Cosey and bassist Louis Satterfield with the
"Pharoahs", Zoot Simms, "Lil" Harding Armstrong, Fred Anderson, Muhal
Richard Abrams and Chico Freeman.
After a move to Los Angeles in 1977 joined local 47 and began working
with the late organist Johnny"Hammond"Smith, pianist Henry Butler and
in saxophonist Benny Maupin's band "Pulsation" while working as a staff
drummer for the publishing company Jobete Music and Fantasy Records.
For producers "Bumps" Blackwell, Henry Crosby, H.B.Barnum, Herb
Jimmerson, Monk Higgins, Alan Abrahams, Chuck Jackson. Recording with
artist such as Syreeta Wright, Rance Allen, High Energy, Ren Woods,
Bobby"Blue"Bland, Carl Anderson, Staple Singers, The Ink Spots, Martha
Reeves, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Carl Anderson,
Pockets, Paradise Express, Vicki Wynans, David T. Walker, Tavares to
name a few.
Working as house musician on tv shows and concerts I have worked with,
Ray Charles, Mel Torme,Stevie Wonder, Nancy Wilson, Dionne Warwick, Al
Green, Lionel Richie, En'Vogue, Joe Cocker, Lee Greenwood, Ella
Fitzgerald, Paul Jackson Jr., Helen Reddy, Nikki Yanofsky, Freddie
Jackson, Jonathan Butler & many others.
I've toured with The Impressions, Natalie Cole, Aretha Franklin,Linda
Hopkins, Lucy Arnez, Billy Preston, Lou Rawls and the Count Basie
Orchestra.
Currently local work with The Luckman Jazz Orchestra and The Elliott
Caine Sextent.
Legendary Singer/Songwriter
Musician/Composer
BRENDA LEE EAGER
This incredible songstress and accomplished songwriter captivates
audiences with a soulful delivery uniquely her own. Listen to Brenda
and you'll hear songs magically brought to life with a combination of
down-home flavor and a slick uptown touch reflecting the influence of
her upbringing in Alabama and Chicago.
Brenda, who has worked with great artists such as Diana Ross, Roberta
Flack, Smokey Robinson, Teena Marie, Donny Hathaway, Graham Nash, Ray
Charles, Mavis Staples, Stevie Wonder, among many others, takes us back
to a time when soul-filled singing, whether silky-smooth or raw and
passionate, was the order of the day.
This seasoned vocalist has received accolades from some of the greatest
entertainers in the business. "Ooh, the way Brenda Lee Eager sings, OOH
Baby", smiles the legendary Smokey Robinson.
Fellow singer songwriter Teena Marie credits Brenda Lee Eager as an
influence in developing her own style; "The first time I heard Brenda
Lee Eager I was sixteen years old and I was blown away by her range and
yet sweet tone. I studied her records like I was in school. Brenda Lee
was truly one of my teachers." Long time friend Mavis Staples
affectionately says that Brenda Lee is a "Bad Montana", and the great
singer Rev. O. C. Smith compliments "Brenda's voice is simply the most
angelic voice I have ever heard". As a songwriter Brenda has written
songs for Bobby Womack, Mavis Staples and the Staples Singers, Pop
Staples, Cliff Richard, The Manhattans, Gladys Night, Peaches and Herb,
and recently a Platinum single with the artist formally known as
Prince. Shirley Brown of "Woman to Woman" fame has recorded three of
Brenda's tunes. Aretha Franklin and so many others continue to request
her material.
Brenda's first taste of Musical Theater was with Della Reese, who cast
Brenda as one of the lead roles in her musical "The Message is in the
Music". Recently, Brenda returned from Europe where she co-starred with
the legendary Blues singer Maine Weldon in the hit musical "Wild Woman
Blues".
In addition, Brenda Lee has taught songwriting for the Quincy Jones
Workshop in Los Angeles, and today is a consultant for many aspiring
songwriters.
Currently, Ms. Eager is performing her One Woman Play, "Grace": The Brenda Lee Eager Story throughout Southern California.
Brenda Lee Eager has been a loyal supporter of The Kierrah Foundation for many years. And we are honored and humble to have her as our Featured Artist at the Healing Through Music event.

Musician/Singer
Recording Artist/Producer
LES JULY
Les July is an extremely unique
self-contained recording artist / producer who sings, writes and plays
several instruments. He has been described in the press as "Seal meets
Sting in Strawberry Fields". He is also known to display 'paranornal
tendencies' which are evident in many of his songs and videos. As an
indie artist, Les has released a CD and DVD, both receiving excellent
reviews in the music trades.
A recent endorsement from music visionary
icon, Kate Bush has brought Les worldwide attention. As a producer, his
knowledge of multiple genres of music and his ability to 'mash them
up', has led to work with artists of many different cultures. When he's
not in the studio, Les gives of his time by volunteering @ Cedar-Sinai
Medical Center as a Music For Healing therapist. Les has worked with
top artists in every vein of contemporary music from Slash to k.d. Lang
to Dr.Dre to Herbie Hancock. With recognition in all genres of
comtemporary music, Les has managed to escape categorization as an
artist, producer and musician.
Guitarist/Background Vocalist
MILES JOSEPH
The Co-writer and guitarist for Beyonce’s “Sugar Mama” on her “B’Day”
CD, Miles has worked many of the greats. He has shared the stage with
Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Carolyn Franklin, Billy Preston, Ivan
Neville, Joe Sample with Steve Gadd & The Soul Committee, Edgar
Winter, Steve Ferrone, AWB, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Bruce Willis &
the Accelerators, Albert King, Jake Wade & the Soul Searchers, The
Jones Boys and Rickie Byars Beckwith, just to name a few. Miles has
performed on number recording sessions & television commercials. He has served as the Musical Director for: China Club All-Star Band, Official Grammy After-Parties, All Celebrity New Year's Eve Bash, Creative Coalition Awards at the Manhattan Center in New York, Brad Pritt & Jennifer Aniston's Wedding, Della Reese Presents and many other Celebrity Events.
Singer/Songwriter/Producer
DIAN WILSON
Dián
began singing at the tender age of three. A child prodigy in jazz she
has recorded with jazz greats Stanley Clarke, Michael Hoppé, worked
with Dizzy Gillespie and performed with the Louis Taylor Quartet. Dián
has written 6 cd's and 12 singles in jazz, rock n roll, blues, and
produces r&b/dance music under the alias Sky Henry. Dián is also featured in the recent edition of
BRE Magazine.

Vocalist/Musician
JAY JACKSON
Jay Jackson is a nationally recognized artist who has appeared on "The
Oprah Winfrey Show", The Mentalist, Dexter and he currently has a role
on the hit NBC comedy, Parks and Recreation. Trained at the
prestigious LaDuca Brothers Music Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jay
is an accomplished jazz vocalist as well as pianist. He has produced
and recorded on 6 albums, ranging from straight ahead jazz to
Gosep/Christian rap.
Known locally as an Emmy winning reporter
for CBS2/KCAL9 Los Angeles, Jay is one of the most sought after
vocalists in the region. He has shared bills with giants such as Nancy
Wilson (Vino Jazz Festival), Azar Lawrence (Jazz For Lovers) and Rose
Gails (The World Stage).

Vocalist / Songwriter
ANITA DIANE HUTCHINSON
Anita is a
seasoned, accomplished songstress, recording artist and songwriter with
a unique sound which has allowed her to sing background for various
artist such as Celine Dion, Helen Baylor, R Kelly, Greg Clarke to name
a few.
Born in Motown (Detroit), with an extensive Gospel
background, Anita has recorded with several Gospel artists including
Marciael Holmes, Crenshaw Christian Center’s Sanctuary Voices, Sandy
Oliver and Alfonso Freeman. However, she did not limit herself there;
she performed in various groups singing background as well as lead
vocals, opening for Chapter 8 (this group included Anita Baker as the
featured vocalist), The Dramatics, P-Funk (Parliament/ Funkadelics),
Hamilton Bohannon.
She has also recorded a solo project entitled “In His Time” and will begin shortly working on material for a new project.
Anita
has also had several lead roles in local musical theatrical
productions. Performing such roles as Dorothy Dandridge, Maria
(Westside Story) are a few of the great performances she has
accomplished.
Anita has also had the honor of singing the National Anthem for the Los Angeles Air Force Base for the National Day of Prayer.
Although
her gift has sent her throughout the country and abroad, Anita’s desire
is that people are truly encouraged and can visualize the “stories”
told in the songs delivered as only she can.
Violinist/Composer/Arranger
CHRIS WOODS
Chris Woods began his studies of the violin at the age of four. After
graduating from the Manhattan School of Music he moved to Los Angeles,
where he was soon to become one of the most sought-after violinists in
the city. Though trained in classical music, he learned to play
different styles, from bluegrass to rock to hip-hop to jazz. He has
worked with some of the top artists in the world, including Justin
Timberlake, Jessica Simpson, Clay Aiken, Faith Evans, Outkast, Rickie
Byers-Beckwith, Black Eyed Peas, and Dr. Dre . He also is a
composer,arranger,and producer, and has written music for his group
Sonication, his quartet Quartetto Fantastico, and MASS Ensemble, with
whom he has toured the world.
He is concertmaster of the Southeast Symphony and Center Stage Opera,
and has performed on such shows as American Idol, America's Got Talent,
the Grammys, the American Music Awards, as well as shows on MTV, VHI,
and worked as a music consultant for the television shows ER and The
Big Bang Theory. His latest project is writing an album of conscious
hip-hop pieces, which will be released in 2010. He is well know for his
dynamic performing style, technical prowess, and soulful playing. He is
an endorsed artist by Ned Steinberger Electric Violins.

Famed Drummer/Producer
ERIC SEATS
Eric’s
music experience both singularly and collectively
have paid off in chart topping successes like,
"Where My Girls At" for 702 in collaboration with
Missy Elliot. This song paved the way for a
management deal with Blackground Entertainment. He
and his team went on to produce songs for the
Jet Li and Aaliyah hit movie
and soundtrack "Romeo Must Die".
While
producing a song for Destiny’s Child
member Beyonce Knowles, the opportunity
came to also produce "Independent Women (Pt. 2) for the "Survivor" CD.
This was the original version that was
recorded for the Drew Barrymore
film "Charlie’s Angels".
After
the success of the Survivor soundtrack, Aaliayah requested that Eric and his team work on her upcoming project as well. The result was
production for half of her record "Aaliyah" which
included the number one hit "Rock Da Boat", written by
Static.
Eric,
along with his team have gone on to produce and
write music projects with the following other
artists: Playa, Murphy Lee, 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, Tony Yayo, DJ Whoo Kid, Travis Barker, T.I., DJ Drama, Young Dro, Jay-Z, Tweet, Nelly, Murphy Lee, DMX, Ashanti, Ja Rule, DJ Reflex, DJ Dense, Yung Joc, Diddy, Pharell, Busta Rhymes, Chingy, Fabolous, Tank, Keyshia Cole, Kanya West, Bubba Sarxxx, Nelly Furtado, Rich Boy, Souja Boy, Lil' Mo, D4L, En Vogue, Karen Clark-Sheard, The Soul Seekers, Mary Mary, Chante Moore, Kenny Latimore, David Hollister, Lalah Hathaway, Kelly Price, Patti LaBelle and Stevie Wonder.

Singer/Recording Artist
JASON POWELL
Jason
Powell, a native of the Bay Area,(N. California) has been performing
almost all of his life, begininng with singing on the streets of San
Francisco with his Father and brother at the age of 8. Continuing to
hone his craft as a dynamic performer, he was accepted to SF's only
prestigious School of the Arts Highschool where he emersed himself into
everything from orchestra and choir, to musicals and dramatic stage.
After performing in Athol Fugard's "Master Harold and the Boys", Jason
could not avoid the acting bug and was accepted to Cal State Fullerton,
University's Theatre Program soonafter, where he received his BA degree
in Theatre. Three years later, he received his MFA degree(masters) from
the world renowned Actor's Studio program at the New School
in New York. This artistic background helped Jason cultivate his
natural musical skills making him a sought after entertainer. From
Gospel, R&B, to Funk and Doo-Wop Groups(most notably the Acapella
sensation "Renaissance"), Jason has performed and shared the stage with
artists such as: Boys II Men, Chaka Khan, Will I AM, John Legend, Kool
and the Gang, Chuck Berry, Gloria Gaynor, Rudy Ray Moore, and Andre
Williams. He has appeared in the film, Phone Booth(2001) (as the
featured "Doo-Wop" singer), the PBS TV show, Madison Heights(funeral
singer), and lent his voice to an episode of the popular animated TV
show, "South Park", where he garnered critical acclaim for his
comedic/satirical portrayal of South Central Crips and Blood Gang
characters. Currently, Jason is working on his solo album project,
which will come into fruition in early 2011.
If you are a Jazz or a Blues
Musician or Performer and you would like to come jam with us, we would
be honored to add your name to our show lineup.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to network with other musicians, play some music, and listen to Live Jazz and Blues.
For Details on how you can participate in the fun and exciting event,
please contact Brandy Sanders at brandy@kierrahevents.org