Friday, February 15, 2008

Geoff McBride


Last Sunday, Mick O'Donnell played a classy piece of music on his Soul Discovery show by Geoff McBride with the Rhythm Allstars from their new album.


Geoff's label provides this bio:


Geoff has been likened to greats such as Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, to name a few. He was influenced by the greats listed above and James Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Dobie Gray, Dave Matthews, David Gray, etc.

His music career has spanned virtually his whole life, beginning at the age of three in the Holiness Church in Lexington, NC. His talent has taken him all around the world, performing for the Governor of North Carolina as a teenager and even former President Jimmy Carter.

Geoff was signed to Arista Records in the early 1990's. His album "Do You Still Remember Love" was produced by Gerald Levert. The album hit number 55 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. His single "Gotta Good Thing" hit number 14 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks in 1990. "No Sweeter Love" hit number 20 in 1990 and "Doesn't that mean something hit number 37 in 1991. He toured internationally & sang with some of the greatest performers, including a number of his influences.

Geoff McBride sang gospel music as a youngster, and possessed the kind of naturally soulful, dynamic, compelling voice that, with the right material, would be commercial dynamite. He's still seeking it, as he didn't find it on either his first Arista project or this followup. The vocal quality was certainly there, and often made the otherwise routinely produced, generic material at least worth hearing. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide

Just as Ron Wynn's review of Geoff's album had a ring of truth to it, Geoff took a step back from the scene for a while to take personal control of his music. During that time, while living in the Atlanta, GA area, he met & married his wife of almost six years. He sang on two of Amy Lee's albums (www.amyleesax.com), former sax player for Jimmy Buffet. He also sang for North Point Community Church (www.npcc.org) in various areas of service for six years and BigStuf Camps (www.bigstuf.com).

He co-wrote a number of songs with Ben Holst, music guru (www.benholst.net), formerly of Athens, GA, under the name Holst & McBride. They opened for Aaron Neville at The Variety Playhouse in Little Five Points on March 26, 2003. They also played at the Athens Human Rights Festival in 2003. He also sang with Guild of Sound, based out of Lawrenceville, GA, with Mark Copeland, John Sussewell, Steve Freeman & Don Klayman. Other credits include vocals on "Valentines: The Music of Jim Brickman" with Felicia Sorenson, various jingles including Dark & Lovely, MARTA, Coca-Cola, Chevrolet, etc.

Geoff and his family have relocated to NW FL, where he has been co-writing projects with Tim Jackson (www.timjacksonmusic.com) & Greg McCray.

After living in the Atlanta area for just under 20 years, making the break was a tough decision, but one that has breathed new life into Geoff's artistry. He has also been singing with the Fish House Band at Old Florida Fish House in Seagrove Beach, FL. He's performed at other venues with Tim Jackson including Ocean Club, Ruskin Place, Seacrest Beach, Alys Beach, Harbor Docks, just to name a few.

Geoff also sings with Rhythm AllStars, with members including Greg McCray, Eric Lampley, Stuart Redd, Joey Schalling & Chuck Ledford. They perform at various local & regional venues including the Billfish Tournament in Panama City, FL and the Hard Rock Cafe in Destin, FL for Breast Cancer Awareness month.Geoff's album entitled "Barebones," co-written & produced by Tim Jackson, will be available nationally soon. It is being sold locally in the NWFL area currently. Geoff has a long-awaited project that's almost completed.

Geoff has teamed up with the Rhythm Allstars for his new album. The Rhythm Allstars consist of:

Chuck Ledford (Keys & Horns)

Chuck, A.K.A. "The CHAIRMAN of the BOARDS" was a former band member of Louisville, Kentucky based band, The Night-N-Gales & has shared the stage with several artists over a 40-year tenure including The Drifters, Platters and Temptations.

Joey Shaling (Rhythm Guitar)

Joey played with several professional groups over a 20-year span. His most recent tour lasted 10 years with Junior Marvin and the Wailers, Bob Marley’s former lead guitar player.

Eric Lampley (Bass)

Eric has toured worldwide with great artists such as: CoCo Taylor, John P. Kee, Dorinda Clark-Cole and Dorothy Norwood, to name a few.

Stuart Redd (Rhythm/Lead Guitar)

Stuart is a true "PRODIGY" who starting playing the guitar at an age when some of us weren’t counting to well. His list of accomplishment starts with playing several years at half-time at the Pontiac Silver Dome, Top of the Marriott in New Orleans. He was featured on the entertainment sector for CNN news for his performance in New York’s Time Square. Stuart has shared the stage with Buddy Rich, The Mercer Ellington Band, and most recent Boney James.

Greg "Sticks" McCray (Drums)

Greg is the drummer who performed his first professional gig with The Late Great Rufus Thomas. Now, some 18 years later he is blessed to say that he has shared the stage with many greats such as: Solomon Burke, Gospel group The Clark Sisters, Jazz vocalist Sade, and most recently The King of Blues, Mr. B.B. King.

I also found this video of Geoff on MySpace which demonstrates his talent:

Georgia

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1 comment:

  1. Anonymous7:58 PM

    I am trying to reach you. Figured you lost our number in Atlanta....Hope to hear from you soon.
    Give my love to Lisa and the kids. You looked and sounded great on THe Voice. Im on facebook-Cheryl W

    ReplyDelete