Level One Band

“A Southwest Soul Band” A reputation for performance, quality, consistency And getting the good times to roll!Level One Band got together in Houston, TX in 2000; soaking in the style of vintage Aretha Franklin, Motown, Disco, Jazz and Old School Funk. The Level One Band developed a following that has kept them in constant demand with Houston’s hottest venues as well as private parties and festivals across the country.Level One has earned a reputation for excellence not only for their music and performance but also for their personal approach to work with their clients. Today Level One Band is committed to being a professional entertainment organization which continuously improves the services they deliver. Take advantage of our pre-event consultation; Preparation is the key to smooth and successful celebration. Relax knowing that the entertainment and music have been designed to suit your specific needs in advance.By choosing the Level One Band you gain access to a team of professional entertainers characterized by artistic maturity, solid vocal and instrumental skills. What does this mean to our clients? More energy, more flavors to sample, more harmonies, variety, depth, and a great performance from one of Houston’s Best Variety Band.
Members:
Reginald Wheatley: Owner, Drummer
Drummer, Reginald Wheatley developed a penchant for music at an early age. He began taking drum lessons in the sixth grade and played percussion throughout high school, where he recieved scholarship offers from numerous colleges. After settling on Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi, he studied under Dr. Russel Thomas, a jazz band director and president of the National Jazz Association. While performing under Dr. Thomas, Reginald was privileged to perform with entertainment icons such as Clark Terry, Roy Ayers, Slide Hampton and James Williams. Reginald also worked with artists from Malaco and Ace Records. He ultimately developed a strong following that kept him in constant demand with R&B artists throughout the country. Reginald, born Jan. 23, 1963 is a native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and has been with Level One Band since it's inception in 1991.Reginald Nelson: Musical Director, Keyboard/ Vocals
Performers in the gospel, R&B, funk and jazx genres influenced keyboardist and vocalist Reginald Nelson. His musical talents began at at young age when he developed and interest in the piano. He would eventually broaden to the keyboard and synthesizers and become one of Houston's premiere soulful musicians. Aside from singing and playing the keyboard for Level One Band, Reginald is president, CEO and producer-manager of MGRecords.TJ Jenkins: Electric Bass/ Keys/ Sound Engineer
Electric bass extraordinaire, Terry Jenkins, underscores his career as a background vocalist for Level One Band. The native Houstonian began playing bass guitar at age 10 and instantly began honing hi multi-talented skills with other instruments. While attending Cullen Junior High School, he began mastering the trumpet and then at Jack Yates Senior High School, he learned to play several brass instruments. While at Texas Southern University in Houston, Terry majored in Music and Electronics. During his stint at TSU, he performed with the TSU Jazz Ensemble and accumulated four years of recording experience. His growth was meteoric as he provided musical support to artists such as Arnet Cobb, Conrad Johnson, Paul Jackson Jr., Buba Thomas, Eddie Harris, Kirk Whalum, Kyle Turner, Mikki Blue, Billy Paul, Melba Moore, Ronnie Laws, Dexter Wanzel and many others. Jenkins, a musical producer, also appeared on Ed McMahon's "Star Search" television show with the vocal group "Heaven" the Band which won five times advanced to the semi-final round. Mike Untermeyer: Lead Guitar/ Vocals
Mike brings a wealth of experience to the table! He grew up in the Houston / Austin area where he played in various rock, country, and blues bands in his teens and early twenties. He became interested in jazz and worked the jazz club circuit in and around Houston and Austin. Mike eventually moved to Chicago where the "weather was cold but the music was hot". He spent thirteen years there working in all kinds of musical venues, including session work. Mike came back home to Texas in 1999 where he enjoys playing all kinds of musical styles. His considerable skill and versatility as a guitarist keeps him busy with recording sessions, teaching, and live performances in the Lone Star State and across the nation. Mike is a graduate of Groves School of Music (School Without Walls). He has shared the stage with artists such as Louise Mandrell, Charlie Daniels, Pam Tillis, Kirk Whalum, The Lovin' Spoonful, Jim Peterik and the Ides of March, Lonnie Brooks, and Hank Williams, Jr. Mike has been heavily influenced by guitarists such as Larry Carlton, Robben Ford, Eric Johnson, Steve Morse, and Wes Montgomery.Joy Angele: Vocalist
Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Joy Angele's sound is representative of the Crescent Citys unmistakable culture and artistic flair. Growing up as a preachers kid, her gospel roots are undeniable. Throughout the years, classical vocal training and numerous performance opportunities fashioned the voice now distinctively known as that of artist Joy Angele. Her stage presence exudes energy and creativity - an exchange between herself and her audience that defies verbal description. Joy Angele has shared stages with artists Vashawn Mitchell, John P. Kee, Tonex, Mike Phillips, Chris Black, Nikki Ross, Dwele, Dean James, Austin Biel, Aaron Hall, Mary Griffin, Bishop Paul S. Morton and other awesome performers. Performances include the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, The Bayou Classic opening concerts for artists Patti LaBelle and Confunction and the Essence Music Festival. Joy Angele was also one of the top ten semi-finalists for 106 and Park's "Mimi I Wanna Sing Contest" sponsored by BET. Joy Angele currently resides in Houston, TX since relocating from New Orleans after the devastating hurricane Katrina. In addition to being a lead vocalist in the Level One Band, Joy also is a background vocalist for artist Mary Griffin and Kai "Cookie" Hicks.Mona Diamond-Ballard: Vocalist
A native houstonian Mona has an explosive voice. This powerhouse vocalist started singing at her church at the tender age of 2. Hailing from a long line of preachers, evangelists, musicians and singers it's not surprising that she became a singer at such a young age. As a teenager she began singing in community choirs throughout the city of Houston. Rubbing shoulders and sharing the stage with gospel greats like Beau Williams, The Clark Sisters, Nikki Ross, Kim Burell, Rhonda McLemore, Michael Stevens, Alvaneeta Nelson , Bettye Ransom Nelson and La Ron Gaddie. She also was a member of the Sounds of Levi and U.N.A.C. choir under the directorship of the late great Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. Although deeply rooted in gospel Mona's tastes have turned toward R&B. Preferring the old school hits such as Neither One of Us and Tell Me Something Good. No one sings Dr. Feelgood quite like her! Mona's sultry and soulful singing has been compared to artist like Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston to name a few. Mona's on stage performances are exhilarating to say the least. No stranger to hard work Mona can often be found in the audience singing and dancing during the show. Mona is definitely a vital and valuable member of the Level One Band!