Bio

The Back Story

How It All Started

David started out his musical career as an MC/DJ during the iconic era of Sugar Hill Gang, Kurtis Blow, and Grandmaster Flash. Having spent many of his early years producing rap acts, like all producers from the era, Williams sampled soul, jazz, and funk records from the 70s.

With a thirst to re-create his own original soul and jazz music, he went beyond just sampling musical compositions. As the years passed by, the talented artist found himself finally free to do the music he always wanted to do and just the way he had in mind. Having worked in the industry his entire adult life for various independent record labels, he was able to understand the driving mantra of “brand before the band”. With the Funktastic Players’ band, Williams is focusing on constructing an immortalized brand image both nationally and internationally. The group released their first CD, ‘Generations’ six years ago and are only moving onwards and upwards.

 

Kevin Croom

The Back Story

As a producer, songwriter and audio engineer Kevin Croom has few peers. His musical journey began at the age of 12 when he learned to play the bass.  "I would listen and learned to play old school funk and R&B like Cameo, Parliament, Slave and jazz artists like Billy Cobham, Stanley Clark and the Yellowjackets". A local singer/keyboardist took him under his wing and taught him music theory and concepts. He gave him an opportunity to get experience by playing in local nightclubs and jazz lounges. Realizing he had a talent for composing, Kevin learned to play keyboards. He graduated from the Omega School of Applied Recording Arts and Sciences to further round out his skills. Since then, Kevin has played professionally with a host of musicians and bands. He uses that experience to write and compose music that people can relate to, enjoy, and feel.

Marcus H. Mitchell

The Back Story

“Social Music Artist “ Marcus H. Mitchell is not only an established saxophonist, he is also CEO and President of 24th Music, a division of MHM Entertainment Group, a multi-faceted entertainment company .  

Marcus has worked with many artists such as Mike Phillips, Kim Waters, Peter White, Destiny's Child, Marcus Johnson, The Rippingtons, Paul Taylor just to name a few. He performed at the 3rd Annual Jazz Festival at Cooper's Field in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.   Marcus has also headlined at the legendary Blues Alley Jazz Club in Washington, D.C. on several occasions and other prominent venues world-wide. Marcus’ CD entitled Jumpin is the first release under 24th Music and is being distributed worldwide along with other 24th Music projects from flautist Trey Eley and critically-acclaimed super group “THE JAZZ BOYZ”. Marcus’ most profound release 20 features Gerald Albright, Jeff Lorber and a host of others with 100,000+ streams world-wide.

David Prince

The Back Story

 Playing guitar, creating, and sharing tunes with others, are what I like to do. I grew up listening to Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, and the Isley Brothers. Strangely, one of my biggest musical influences is James Brown (and the great musicians with whom he worked). Now, I have to add Kool and the Gang, Earth, Wind and Fire, Chicago and the Ohio Players (love those horns). And yes, even folk: John Denver, James Taylor, and Carol King. Where would any of us be without Stevie Wonder? That said, I like music to be innovative, so I give "props" to the hip-hop community, in particular, J Dilla - one of the most creative artists ever (incredible bass lines)! For now, I share with everyone: "Generations," a compilation of music ideas spanning forty years created by co-producers Chris Williams and Kevin Croom. Please enjoy, and remember: "Music is the Message"!