Dwayne Kerr

Artist Information

Biography

Dwayne's unique rhythmic percussive approach to playing the flute is what first caught the attention of (4)Four-Time Grammy Award winning Motown/Universal Recording
Artist Erykah Badu in 1998. Since that time Dwayne has gone on to appear on multiple CD'S, television and concert tours throughout the world with Ms. Badu.

Playing in Africa, Italy, Japan, throughout Europe and Scandinavia, on the all-female artists Lilith Fair Tour and television appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, MTV’s Real World, The Oprah Show, Live! With Regis and BET Live.

Dwayne has also added his unique sound to recordings including Ms. Badu’s version of the Chaka Khan hit, “Hollywood,” which is on the soundtrack/CD to the Spike Lee movie, Bamboozled, on and Erykah’s song, “Today,” which is on the Red Star Sounds compilation CD on Epic records. Kerr played on Erykah’s CD'S, Worldwide Underground, and her previous CD, Mama’s Gun, on Motown Records.

Raised and still residing on Long Island, New York, Kerr attended New York colleges Nassau Community College, SUNY-Stony Brook and SUNY-Old Westbury, where he was trained classically and in jazz.

Recently Dwayne has been working with (G.M.I.C) GUO flutes to endorse the Grenaditte C-Flute.
The Grenaditte is a plastic flute made from composite materials. www.gflute.com/en2

When not touring with Ms. Badu, Kerr is active in his venture as a solo artist recording (2) solo CD'S Flutation, Kerr's debut CD and High Calling his most recent.

Dwayne can also been seen live in concert locally on Long Island appearing in the Winterfest Jazz on the Vine concert series as well as his own concerts during the year!

Instrumentation

Dwayne Kerr-(Flute)
Jeff Feinstein-(Keyboards)
Hubert Eaves IV-(Bass)
Daryl Grone-(Guitar)
Tony Allen-(Drums)
Marc Branker-(MC)

Discography

Recording as a Solo Artist

*Higher Calling(current release on DManns) Produced (3) three smooth jazz radio singles.

"Ain't No Sunshine" guest vocals: Erykah Badu charted (14)wks on Smoothjazz.com movinig to #35. R&R Indicator (13)wks reaching #17.

"Smooth" second single released charted (15)wks on Smoothjazz.com reaching # 30. R&R Indicator (13)wks movinig into #12.

DManns released Dwayne's (3rd) single Being With You-guest appearance by Kirk Whalum Aug.09
Being With You charted @ #1 for Most Added on smoothjazz.com / R&R Indicator Top 30 Chart & groovejazzmusic.com week of 08/17/09.

Flutation (debut CD on DManns)


Recordings with Erykah Badu
*Four-Time Grammy Winner

Worldwide Underground/Motown Records (Woo)

Mama's Gun/Motown Records(Green Eyes, Hey Sugah, Kiss Me On My Neck, Orange Moon)

CD "Bamboozled," from the soundtrack to the Spike Lee movie/Motown records.(Hollywood)

Compilation CD "Red Star Sounds"/Epic Records(Today)

Overseas release Misia Respect Album/Universal Motown Records(Everything)

Recordings with other Artist

Street Jazz (the single, on CD "Nu Civilization," Permanet Records/SGP Music) Glenn Sweety "G" Toby

Matt Marshak:This Time Around /"Nuance Music,"(good evening)

Links

• Smooth Video
• Higher Calling Video
• MySpace
• Dwayne Kerr
• DManns Music Group
• Promotional Video Grenaditte C Flute

Audio

• Ain't No Sunshine guest vocals: Erykah Badu
  Listen  
• Smooth
  Listen  
• Being with you guest artist: Kirk Whalum
  Listen  
• Yeah
  Listen  
• Chamelion (Beatbox) Style
  Listen  
• Higher Calling
  Listen  

Video

Dwayne Kerr - First song.mov

Dwayne Kerr - Second Song.mov

Photo Gallery

Press

• Kirk Whalum/ Rendezvous Recording Artist [+ Show ]
  

  "The fact that this CD is so melodic and inspired was no surprise to me...I wish I could send him o..."The fact that this CD is so melodic and inspired was no surprise to me...I wish
  I could send him on a tour around the country to impact thousands of others who lack
  his focus and character, not to mention diligence as an artist."
  Kirk Whalum, Rendezvous Records
  

• Erykah Badu/ Motown Recording Artist [+ Show ]
  

  "I don't know which is sweeter his tone or his soul." ..."I don't know which is sweeter his tone or his soul."
  Erykah Badu, Motown Records

• Scott O'Brien /Review [+ Show ]
  

  Where shall I start as I share my enthusiasm for this sophomore release from one of the most talent...Where shall I start as I share my enthusiasm for this sophomore release from one of the most
  talented flutists in Smooth Jazz today? Ms. Badu says this: “I don’t know which is sweeter,
  his tone or his soul.” After listening to this album and researching Dwayne’s background and
  temperament, I can appreciate her dilemma. HIGHER CALLING (Biblically inspired) is
  absolutely captivating, by design...There are those rare occasions when all the elements
  of an album project come together so beautifully that the finished ‘whole’ is truly greater than
  the sum of its parts. Such is absolutely the case with Dwayne Kerr’s HIGHER CALLING.
  I give it my highest recommendation! ~SCOTT O'BRIEN....Smoothjazz.com
  

• KERR IS ON THE ROOFTOPS! 5.0 out of 5 Stars [+ Show ]
  

  Like the Pied Piper, Kerr's "Flutation" and "Higher Calling" soulful raspy fluty notes mesmerize you...Like the Pied Piper, Kerr's "Flutation" and "Higher Calling" soulful raspy fluty notes mesmerize you from cut to cut as sweet addiction. Like those famous guitar riffs of the Isley Brothers, The Brother's Johnson, and Hendrix, Kerr's fast flute mix will stand the hairs on your neck, on end as you become keenly aware, you are listening to a master among masters.
  Absolutely outstanding is Kerr and the arrangements are spectacular. The songs are sexy, alluring, and move well beyond your hearing and into those deep visceral recesses of your smooth jazz loving soul. Those who think the flute is too soft, too wispy, to delicate and cannot be as sexy or moving as the Sax or Trumpet - or as thumping as the Bass....are in for a surprise!
  In my opinion, Kerr is Dave Valentin and much much more!
  
  

• Review-Higher Calling [+ Show ]
  

  Dwayne Kerr - Higher Calling There's a lot of Funk from the windpipes of Mr. Kerr! No doubt, h...Dwayne Kerr - Higher Calling
  
  
  There's a lot of Funk from the windpipes of Mr. Kerr! No doubt, his music from Dmanns Music Group, Inc came to play! Lot's of great grooves, collaborations, connections & high quality productions takes centerstage. The track flow from beginning to end kept the interest level at an immediate high, especially while enjoying the adventurous flutist style of Dwayne Kerr...
  
  Track Listing:
  
  ~ Ain't No Sunshine (feat Erykah Badu)
  ~ Smooth
  ~ The H-Factor
  ~ Daughters
  ~ Yeah
  ~ Being With You (feat Kirk Whalum)
  ~ Chillin' (feat Matt Marshak)
  ~ Higher Calling
  ~ Keep It Right There
  ~ Daughters (Unplugged)
  ~ Chameleon Style (Beatbox)
  
  Opening track "Ain't No Sunshine" was slightly different as a cover to the main deal. I appreciated the differences for the better, not the worse. As stated in many of my reviews, I truly expect to hear an artist(s) raise the bar whenever a cover is at hand. Mr. Kerr did a fine job reproducing it!; "Smooth" is exactly how the song sounds, endless beat looping & spectacular flute playing; "The H-Factor" is for the serious groovemeisters! Yeah!!; And when I said Yeah....Ya'll might as well slide right down to the track with same name - "Yeah!" - Straight Funky!; Kirk Whalum steps onto the B-Ball court & laces a nice solo deal in "Being With You"; A hypnotic beat emerges in "Chillin'", produced by Matt Marshak, as well as his contributions to the guitar playback. This one jammed!!; Slowing it down a tidbit, track "Higher Calling" surfaces a nice groove, contemporary jazz style.
  
  This project is not for the sensitive at heart, meaning its full of groove vibe, infectious rythmns & R&B elements....which leads to this:
  
  The one track that REALLY stood out however is "Chameleon Style (Beatbox)". Now this one was certainly different because Dwayne dropped a beatbox background to his flute play, all at the same time!! Yes, he actually beatboxes while he is playing the flute. Now that's what I call SKILLS! Serious Skills!!!
  
  Grab it while its hot!!
  
  T

• Higher Calling-Review [+ Show ]
  

  Hip, sexy production + sweet playing + clever grooves = the unique and seriously happnin' flow of Dw...Hip, sexy production + sweet playing + clever grooves = the unique and seriously happnin' flow of Dwayne Kerr. His melodic, commercial, yet supercool approach to flute-driven jazz is perfect for my radio listeners as well as my club crowds! Fave trax on his tight CD "Higher Calling": "Being With You" and the super slammin' "Yeah".
  
  - Rafe Gomez, host/dj - The Groove Boutique (nationally syndicated cool jazz radio mix show)
  

• Review-Higher Calling [+ Show ]
  

  Dwayne Kerr - Higher Calling We should not underestimate the role of the flute in smoo...
  
  Dwayne Kerr - Higher Calling
  
  We should not underestimate the role of the flute in smooth jazz. Beside so prominent musicians like Alexander Zonjic, Nestor Torres, James Moody or Hubert Laws we can listen to numerous artists like Tim Weisberg, Praful, Darren Motamedy, Paul Rozmus and more. Today I write about a special flutist, the young Dwayne Kerr. Dwayne is since 1998 a member of Eryka Badu's band and toured with her throughout the whole world.
  Although the collaboration with such a great star like Eryka Badu might be satisfying and stimulating, the sideman is always standing in the shadow. Kerr played on Eryka's latest CD, Worldwide Underground, and her previous CD, Mama's Gun, on Motown Records. A starting point for his debut album Flutation (2003) and his newest album Higher Calling is Eryka's support by contributing as special guest musician.
  “I use my flute as a vehicle for my musical expression without regard of the usual limitations expected from a flutist,” Kerr said about his debut album. “I wanted this CD to take the flute through a range of musical expression. The listener gets an emotional experience that goes beyond me playing the flute.”
  Following the signs of time his newest effort Higher Calling presents an artist who is familiar with popular contemporary jazz and the strong influence of R&B.
  It's no wonder that Kerr selected as first track Bill Wither's mega hit Ain't No Sunshine from 1971. Kerr performs the song with tremendous feeling and vibration. He is using the multilayer technique with a rhythm part similar to beat boxing and a melody line. Eryka Badu adds her popular vocals while the flute remains the lead instrument.
  On Smooth the main melody is repeated in many variations. In contrast to the stomping beat flow Kerr's up-tempo flute loops. Special accents are set by keyboardist RC Williams who co-produced the track with Kerr.
  The H-Factor on Kerr's album is certainly bass player Hubert Eavas IV. Hubert, like Dwayne member of Eryka Badu's band, has also performed with Will Downing, Alex Bugnon, Glenn Jones and Barry Danielian. Hubert creates with H-Factor a hypnotic twist.
  The mid-tempo Daughters has a fascinating potential as a hit. The captivating power finds its fountain in Kerr's magic flute, the fine timbre of Daryl Grone's guitar and Carmeasha Williams' spell bounding vocals.
  Yeah follows the classic melody line splitting in diverse ramifications. Based on popular hip hop rhythms pushed by Shaun Martin's drum programming and Hubert Eaves IV's bass loops the flute always keeps contour.
  Being With You is a special track on Kerr's album. The uplifting song is featuring Kirk Whalum on tenor sax, Kerr and Whalum are devout Christians and their strong spirit finds its equivalent in their inspired music.
  The term Chillin' is very popular nowadays. Originally created in Italy, Germany, UK and Japan the wave has reached the States. Guitarist Matt Marshak, who also plays keyboards on this track, has co-produced the song with Kerr. Matt's latest album Groovosphere (2006) received high acclaims.
  It was a good decision that Kerr worked with renowned producers like Hubert Eaves IV, Jeff Feinstein, Daryl Grone, Matt Marshak, Shaun Martin and RC Williams. Most of them created the songs together with Kerr and performed their own parts. On the title song Higher Calling it's keyboardist Jeff Feinstein who has a good hand for blessed and splendid melodies.
  So we can only say: Keep It Right There. This song is featuring Daryl Grone and Matt Marshak on their Wah Wah guitars. A truly relaxed song with a high appeal.
  If you like Daughters you will love Daughters (Unplugged). This is double fun.
  Some of you will certainly seen the Beat Box flutists on You Tube. Dwayne Kerr delivers with Chameleon (Beat box Style) his own showpiece.
  Dwayne Kerr's sophomore album Higher Calling surpasses all expectations. A surprise attack on brain, heart and ears. Well Done!
  
  

• Press Review-Being with you [+ Show ]
  

  " The music of Dwayne Kerr and Kirk Whalum are an inspiration that really get me going unlike anythi..." The music of Dwayne Kerr and Kirk Whalum are an inspiration that really get me going unlike anything else I have ever known".
  -- Airomee Wind-- The Que 98.2FM
  

Setlist

Sets(2) are typically 45min-1hr each, song selection and times may vary depending upon the venue and situation.
Set list(s) would consist of songs from CDS Flutation & Higher Calling with some standard/cover tunes added.

Basic Requirements

Calendar