Cornelius White singer/songwriter/performer Cornelius White, considers himself a "work in progess" for the various genres he embraces
A prime example is the audio selection (a song penned by Cornelius and epiphanized for singer Nancy Wilson) called "Someone Like You", which he debuted Live at the Tampa Tribune Friday Extra Concert series for Brighthouse Cable Networks in Tampa, FL and most recently recorded, along with the "toe-tappin'", "head boppin", improvisational "Bird Song" dictated by a bird, he has yet to identify.
The last of the selections offered, (the finale to "Boat dat's leavin' soon from "Porgy And Bess" with the Opera Delaware and Symphony), shows a glimpse of the classical/music theater trained performer who's performed various music genres with critically acclaimed performances being described as "lyrical", and "powerful".
With his Bomani Project"He is currently moving toward the music that allows more freedom...smooth jazz and pure jazz artistic style...with a little soul/r&b included.
Biographically first began singing jazz standards with the late saxophonist Jackie McLean, where he was often requested to sing Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life". He sang at the Metropolitan Opera in "Porgy and Bess" at a age 22 with Soprano, Grace Bumbry and Bass Baritone Simon Estes (season of 1984-86). Toured nationally and internationally with, including performances at the Theatre de Chatelet (Paris), Prince Albert Hall (London), Deutsche Oper(Munich), Theatre Des Westens (Berlin).
Debuted at City Opera of New York in Anthony Davis' opera, ""X" and recorded the Grammy nominated work for Grammavision records. He was featured in musical Harlem Symphony for MBS television in Osaka, Japan. Received critical reviews for the role of "Sportin' Life" in George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" throughout the U.S., Canada and South America. Left music in 1994 became an award winning Project Coordinator for Bellsouth Telecommunications in Atlanta, Ga. Taught music at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater Florida and became a performance consultant for young artists. Returned to performing in the City Center Encore! Production of "Purlie" starring Blair Underwood and Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls). Only recently has the decision been made to concentrate on the freedom of songwriting and performance in the smooth jazz idiom.
Cornelius is proudly sponsored by the Department of Culturual Affairs for the State of Florida, an Individual Artist Grant recipient of Hillsborugh County Florida and is a staunch advocate for new rising independent artists while maintaining the role as founder for Creative Mind Entertainment.
