BlackPerl

Music:

Member Since: 6/25/2006
Band Members: Bryant on lead vocals and band songwriter. He's originally from Los Angeles, California. He holds his Master's degree and is a Clark Atlanta University Alum. He is also gospel-trained singer and songwrite player who happen to lead this talented rock soul band. Bryant also juggles leading BlackPerl with the needs of the military. He's an officer in the U.S. Army.Arthur Turner, co-songwriter and backing vocals, is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He's a classically-trained pianist. He received his bachelor's degree from Carnegie Mellon University in music theory and composition and his master's in Jazz Composition from the New England Conservatory; he's a Bad Cat! All his life he grew up playing in the church. Today he continues to play in the church, but has added contemporary and rock soul to his plate. Arthur's influence on the band is indelible.Nick Williams on Drums. Originally from Oakland, California, he holds his Master's in theology from ITC Atlanta. Nick is a gospel and rock-trained musician. He grew up playing in the church and he plays rock soul. For nearly 9 years Nick's sound and timing has defined the quality of BlackPerl and its fine musicianship. Nick is a well sought after drummer, having played in some of Atlanta's premier churches. He holds it down from Atlanta to the national music scene, and has been a long time band member of St Paul AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia.Billy Odum on lead guitar. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Billy is a classically and gospel-trained musician, adding rock soul to his repertoire. Billy's roots hail from the Chronicle in Atlanta to some of the biggest names in the music industry. Since 1999, Billy's signature sound has become a "BlackPerl Signature" that has only flourished over the years.Ted Stevens on Bass, originally from Atlanta, Georgia. He's just crazy on a 5-string. Ted is an instumental figure in the Atlanta gospel music scene. His church background is also extensive and a long time band member of the Ben Hill United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georiga.Jermaine Rand, a founding and supportive member of BlackPel. This man is a phenomenal guitarist who defined BlackPerl's guitar voice. A fine singer, songwriter, he is a songwriting machine with accomplished albums. Jermaine understood the "BlackPerl" sound when many did not. His contribution to the band continues to inspire this band's sound and new songs today.
Influences: Our major musical influences are our heavenly Father, our folks. Charlie Parker, Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Marvin Gaye, Sly & The Family Stone, Anita Baker, Marvin Winans, Donnie Hathaway (The Ghetto), Etta James' "Ball & Chain," and Whild Peach--Our influences continue on to Lenny Kravitz, Sting, Sade, Santana, Pharrell and the Neptunes. Stevie, The Ohio Players, The Police, Van Morrison, Ottis Redding, Christian Rock and Contemporary, and Gospel...Others who have supported us: Carmen, please continue to motivate me as you have. You could have easily thought this music thing was a fad, but you didn't. Your spirt reflects all that I do. After all these years, our friendship continues to grow. And we also thank others who have been in our corner: Arthur, his family, Nick's wife and family, and thanks to WoodChuck and his famuly. Chuck your support continues to amaze me. Brian keep making good music, man! Thank you for the site! You were one of the first to be as vocal as you were about BP, and supportive of my song writing. You believed. That means more than you know. If I were a music executive, I would have signed you years ago. Keep up the grind to all others whom I have missed. We will up date this list as time moves forward.
Sounds Like: BlackPerl., Rock Soul.
Type of Label: Indie