|
Every
member of Straight Ahead is an accomplished musician in her own
right. Together, they bring a unique musical personality to the group. The
founding members, the "Rhythm Sisters" - Marion Hayden on bass,
Eileen Orr on piano and Gayelynn McKinney on drums, are joined by dynamic
vocalist Kymberli Wright and the electrifying flautist Althea René.
MARION HAYDEN - BASS
Born
in Detroit, MI, Marion Hayden is one of the nation's finest proponents of
the acoustic bass. She creates a rich, dark tone and a very advanced
rhythmic concept. Classically trained, she honed her skills in private
studies at the prestigious University of Michigan and Michigan State
University. An accomplished composer and educator, Hayden is bass
instructor in the jazz department of Tri-C College, Cleveland Ohio. She
has performed or recorded with such luminaries as Marcus Belgrave, Roy
Brooks, Kirk Lightsey, Ralph Peterson and James Carter.
EILEEN ORR
PIANO AND SYNTHESIZERS
Eileen entered the
jazz scene via the blues, working with many of the Midwest's finest blues
talents before immersing herself in jazz. Her rich, full sound was honed
in the traditional manner - "hanging out" - studying and playing
with "the cats." An
inveterate wanderer, she accepted an invitation to visit the Caribbean and
ended up living in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. Returning to
the states, she lived in Boston where she studied with former Jazz
Messenger and Grammy-winning composer Donald Brown, who said, "she's
funky, has a big sound and can swing!"
GAYELYNN MCKINNEY - DRUMS
Gayelynn, is a
member of a musical dynasty which helps to explain her powerhouse style!
Her father, the legendary Harold McKinney, is a formidable pianist and
composer. Her uncle Ray McKinney, an important bassist during the be-bop
era and her cousin Carlos McKinney, a brilliant young pianist on the
international scene. Her sound is a composite of swing, funk and African
polyrhythmics. Gayelynn is also a gifted composer who plays piano and
saxophone as well.
ALTHEA RENÉ - FLUTE
Althea is an
accomplished flautist who became a hit in Paris while living and
performing in that city. Althea attended Howard University, studying with
legendary educator/ trumpeter Donald Byrd. She is a first call soloist and
session player and joined Straight Ahead in 1997.
KYMBERLI WRIGHT - LEAD VOCALS
Kymberli is a gifted
vocalist who is accomplished in the areas of jazz and R&B styles.
Originally from Flint, MI - she has been recording since the age of 13 and
is among one of the top studio artists in the Midwest. Her approach to
jazz is highly influenced by the work of Nancy Wilson and Dee Dee
Bridgewater. Her tour credits include stints with Patti Austin, Mary J.
Blige, Omar Hakim, George Clinton and Earl Klugh. |
