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[email protected] J. MCRAEMusician, Producer and Songwriter Warren J. McRae was born in Jamaica, Queens New York. He was always surrounded and inspired by other great musicians from the area, Marcus Miller, Omar Hakkim and Lenny White to name a few. He continued his love for music and has spent more than 15 years playing for various artist. From R&B artist such as Keith Sweat, Freddie Jackson, Janet Jackson and Lionel Richie, He then turned to Funk and Rock & Roll. Going on to do multiple tours and produce records for Nona Hendryx and Little Steven. He was then recruited in 1992 by Roger Davies to work with Rock & Roll Legend Joe Cocker. Warren went on to do 4 consecutive world tours and 3 live albums with Joe. It was then that he meet Tina Turner. Tina later ask that Warren replace her long time bass player in 1997. He has work with her ever since. Doing her fair well tour in 2000. The largest tour of the year.He was hired by Kelis, to put the “bottom†back into her live show. He did just that. In early 2006 Warren was again recruited by Fernando Gibson (Manager) and Craig Kallman (CEO of Atlantic Records). The task this time, to be Musical Director, Producer for R&B, Soul Artist Governor. They have just completed his tour. Warren will also be writing and producing for Governor’s next CD.Warren always had his eye on writing and producing. Doing multi records in between his touring schedule. Grammy Award winner, Ric Wake signed him to the then W&R Group as a writer and producer. He wrote and produce 4 singles and 4 songs on two of their artist, Audrey Martells and Billy Porter. Billy did a cover of Glenn Jones’ “Show Meâ€, which reached number 15 on the R&B Charts. A&M Records then went under and so did Billy’s record. He’s also written and produced songs for Patti Labelle “ Release Yourselfâ€, and Chaka Khan’s “ Free Yourselfâ€. Warren is currently writing and producing for his company Black Opal Entertainment which he formed with long time friend, Vini Miranda. They hope to get multi placements and all they’re acts signed in the coming year..VINI MIRANDAGuitarist Vini Miranda has spent nearly a decade playing for a diverse array of performers in the studio and on stage. His chordings, flourishes and thoughtful, emotive soloing are the result of years living through the instrument. His approach to guitar was shaped by his early years as a self taught drummer. He attended the prestigious High School of Music and Art and the
Manhattan School of Music Preparatory Division. It was in his search for chordal and melodic expression that he began to teach himself to play guitar. Local cover bands and New York club gigs allowed him to hone and shape his musical facility. It wasn't long before he hooked into New York's R&B circuit, playing with D Train, Colonel Abrams, Deja and Johnny Kemp.While passionate about funk and R&B, he longed for the chance to move in another direction. His chance came in 1988 when he was handpicked by Little Steven Van Zandt to play in the Disciples of Soul. This was in support of Van Zandt's groundbreaking album, Revolution, a politically charged musical salvo that blended straight-ahead rock with driving, keyboard-laden funk. The two-year Van Zandt association proved to be a critical turning point in his career. It opened the door for him to perform and record with pop,
rock and blues luminaries: Danielle Brisbois, Grayson Hugh, SheMoves, Billy Porter and Joe Cocker. He has toured with Arista Recording Artist Dido as musical director and guitarist, including some television appearances with rapper Eminem. Through his work with Dido, Vini has expanded his musical palette to include electronica, folky trip-hop, drum and bass, and ambient experimentation. It is this openness and willingness to push the envelope that keeps him in a rarefied class of cutting edge musicians.
