Meet The Band
Brandon Newsome (Percussionist)
Brandon Newsome is Grammy/Stellar/Dove Award winning percussionist who was born and raised in Chicago,
Illinois. Via being exposed to various styles of music and listening to his parents records, he developed a love and respect for music at an early age. By the age of 13 Brandon was playing full-time at his home church in Chicago, where he learned to further understand accompaniment. At the age of 17 he played his first professional artist gig, soon realizing that he wanted to play music as a professional! Over the years Brandon has played on countless notable recordings, he's also shared the with/opened for: Amy Grant, Cece Winans, Matina McBride, Ronnie Milsap, Alexander O'Neal, Brandy, The Driftors, PJ Morgan, Herbie Hancock, Mint Condition and many others. When asked to give words to other musicians he smiled and said: "To groove is to love so fall in".
Hazel Bedell (Vocals)
Hazel Bogard Bedell was born and raised in Little Rock, AR the youngest of 7 siblings. Hazel relocated to Dallas TX in 1978 and pursued her career in the nursing field, but quickly realized it was not her passion. Hazel worked in the corporate world for over 25 years in management until retiring in 2018. After marrying her husband Larry Bedell, who has been an entertainer his entire life, and Hazel a great cook, they decided to open their own restaurant with Live entertainment. “Larry B’s Rhythm Room featuring Hazel’s Gourmet Chicken & Waffles which was an immediate success. Hazel never thought in life that she would ever have the opportunity of performing/singing on stage, but in the back of her mind, it was always a desire. This led to singing duets with her husband and solo performances which seem to be a big hit with fans! To be in a position to work with so many gifted and talented musicians with the Tribute Band, is truly a blessing. I am now at a stage of my life that only one could dream of. Just performing on stage as Tammy Terrell with my husband Larry as Marvin Gaye, we not only get to sing songs of love for all to hear, but blessed to show it as well! I thank God for his guidance and unconditional love he continues to give.
Fredrick Weathersby (Mastro Trumpeter)
Nashville School of The Arts and Tennessee State University Alumni, Fredrick Weathersby, is a Music City Native who has distinguished himself as a Maestro Trumpeter and Educator in his local community and across the country. During the stillness created due to the 2020 Covid-19 Quarantine, Fredrick decided to independently release his long-awaited Contemporary Jazz album entitled, “The Real Deal”, a collaboration with Native and fellow TSU Aristocrat of Bands Alumni, Saxophonist and Producer, Stefan Forbus. Weathersby is utilizing his musical success to help build the community is with his global musician database, MUZIXITY, LLC, that allows him to connect musicians with housing, performance, and session work opportunities while also offering management, and strategic marketing services.
Erskine Ford, Jr. or EJ (Keyboard, Vocals)
EJ as he is known, hails from Bessemer, Alabama. He displayed musical talents early in life, beginning piano lessons at the age of 5. For the next several years he earned his stripes playing piano in numerous churches in his hometown, in Birmingham, and other neighboring cities. In 1997 he moved to Nashville to attend college at Tennessee State University, continuing his musical education by marching as a snare drummer with the Aristocrat of Bands and playing bass guitar with TSU Gospel Choir. In the years following college, he has worked with some of Nashville's who's who of soul, blues, and R&B. He began recording in 2005, coproducing the "Your Reflection" album for R&B singer Justice. The album landed in the top 40 of independent albums in the US, and in the top 10 in Japan. He instructs private piano and guitar lessons at Oak Hill School in Nashville and at The School of Rock in Franklin. He serves his church as music director, performs regularly with blues, soul, funk, R&B and country bands, and was a cast member on the television series "Nashville Unleashed" which aired in the United States, Europe, and New Zealand. According to E.J., "hopefully this is only the beginning
David Bedell (Drums)
David Bedell is a professional drummer, instructor, and recording artist. Touring the world granted him large endorsements with major companies such as Pearl Drums, Soultone Cymbals, and Scorpion Drumsticks to name a few. David is also an accomplished songwriter/producer with multiple placements in Warner Chappell, from Top 40, Hip Hop, Pop, R&B to Country makes him a chameleon songwriter. David has played it all and understands what makes a good song. For more on David go to www.Warnerchappellpm.com search David Bedell
Colin Wells (Guitar, Vocals)
Calvin Settles (Bass, Vocals)
Stefan Forbus (Sax, Flute)
Razz-ma-tazz Entertainment Group Inc.