On Purpose featuring Dwight Houston
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On Purpose featuring Dwight Houston

Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Band Jazz Funk

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""The Purpose" Unfolds"

Birmingham, AL., MARCH 20, 2007 – One of Birmingham’s premier, yet best kept secrets is preparing to release one of the most skilled, soulful and vivacious jazz albums around. The phenomenal jazz group Dwight Houston featuring On Purpose is preparing to release its very first Album “The Purpose”. Although the eclectic group has performed for more than a decade, they’ve truly made the album well worth the wait. On Purpose is a group of talented, versatile artists for whom music is a way of life. On Purpose can prepare a delicious blend of sounds guaranteed to satisfy your musical appetite, ranging from Jazz Fusion, Funk, and Soul to Smooth Jazz and R&B. On Purpose can provide a range of moods from the chill out vibes you want for relaxing to up-tempo grooves you need for dancing. Lead by the phenomenal Dwight Houston, A multi-faceted musical artist, Dwight Houston started playing professionally at the age of 13 after winning a statewide talent search with a group he organized, and then three months later the prodigy was on stage performing with B.B. King. Since then, he's never looked back, and has garnered over 37 years in the music industry. This veteran musician has played professionally with a roster of legends including Nancy Wilson, Pearl Bailey, Herbie Hancock, Gladys Knight, Lattimore, and Millie Jackson. Dwight has also toured with the Isley Brothers, Isaac Hayes, and the Weather Report. Additionally, he has performed in the pit orchestra for a number of Off-Broadway productions including Cats, Ain't Misbehavin', Man of LaMancha, and West Side Story. While On Purpose can play almost any cover that you request, their original compositions are unique and are beautifully arranged. The vibe and groove of this album truly display that there success is absolutely intentional! With more than a dozen tracks to absorb, “The Purpose” satisfies the listener with each one. The group has slated the release of the album for April 20, 2007 at the social hotspot “Ona’s” 423 20th Street South @ 9:30pm. The band is presently accepting inquiries for all media outlets.

For Interviews or Press Inquiries, Please Contact:

Marc Raby
PO Box 11853
Birmingham, AL 35208
mraby@amraevision.com
- AMRAE ENT.


Discography

"The Purpose" CD, released April 2007, can be downloaded on iTunes, and it can be purchased online at CDbaby.com. Complete songs from the CD can be heard by visiting the group's website at www.onpurposemusic.com

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Bio

A multi-faceted musical artist, Dwight Houston started playing professionally at the age of 13 after winning a statewide talent search with a group he organized, then three months later the prodigy was on stage performing with B.B. King. Since then, he's never looked back, and has garnered over 37 years in the music industry.

A Woodwind Specialist, Dwight has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance with a minor in Composition and Arranging from Texas Southern University where he studied improvisation under Arnett Cobb and did arranging under Howard Harris and Lanny Steele.

Although Dwight's principal instrument is bassoon, he has mastered the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone as well as the clarinet, oboe, flute, and wind Midi.

This veteran musician has played professionally with a roster of legends including Nancy Wilson, Pearl Bailey, Herbie Hancock, Gladys Knight, Lattimore, and Millie Jackson. Dwight has also toured with the Isley Brothers, Isaac Hayes, and the Weather Report. Additionally, he has performed in the pit orchestra for a number of Off-Broadway productions including Cats, Ain't Misbehavin', Man of LaMancha, and West Side Story.

In addition to his live performances, Dwight is a studio musician and producer, and his original music has been used as commercial jingles for television and radio. An educator, Dwight also works as a woodwind / brass instructor.

On Purpose is a group of talented, versatile artists for whom music is a way of life. On Purpose can prepare a delicious blend of sounds guaranteed to satisfy your musical appetite, ranging from Jazz Fusion, Funk, and Soul to Smooth Jazz and R&B. On Purpose can provide a range of moods from the chill out vibes you want for relaxing to up-tempo grooves you need for dancing. While On Purpose can play almost any cover that you request, their original compositions are unique and are beautifully arranged. On Purpose is the band for any occasion, because success is always...intentional!

Members of On Purpose:

Marlon Spears, keyboardist and songwriter, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Music from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. While matriculating, he performed as the keyboardist for the renowned UAB Jazz Ensemble. Marlon was also a featured performer with the Lincoln Center Jazz Ensemble in New York City.

Lenora Ramsey, is a vocalist / keyboardist who's performed around the club circuit in New York City and has worked as part of Anita Ward's ("Ring My Bell") band. A graduate of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, she sang with the University Concert Choir and was selected Most Outstanding Soprano of the Gospel Choir for two consecutive years. The Birmingham native is also a songwriter.

Tony McNeal has been playing drums since he was four years old when he was trained by his father, Ray, who is also a drummer. Tony is a very talented musician, and he has perfected his skills through his vast experience while playing drums behind artists including Candace Davis, Carl Thomas, Syleena Johnson, Logan, Tekneek, and many others.

Bernay Johnson is the bass player of the group. The best way to describe Bernay is to say that he's a bass player's bassman. A steady, constant, thumping, driving, funky bassman who loves being low key - the man in the back. A master of the six-string bass, he's the heartbeat of the group

Band Members