When you grow up in a household where the record needle never collects dust,
it is only natural to dedicate your life to the art. Ab made up his mind to walk
this musical path in his early years when he developed a love for the piano and
a knack for playing his favorite songs by ear.
Before you knew it, Ab was participating in the music
ministry at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. As the head
musical coordinator for the Annual Easter Program during his late teens, Ab
re-energized the program through unique vocal and instrumental
arrangements. His dedication to challenge himself and others in music
was evident then and served as the first sign of things to come.
Once Ab landed in Washington, DC to pursue a degree in
music from Howard University, the focus to excel in this art was
undeniable. Majoring in jazz piano/business but inspired by Sly and the
Family Stone, Rufus and Chaka Khan, Shuggie Otis, L.T.D, and the Ohio
Players, Ab began to hone his eclectic sound and performance techniques.
Working with Three Keys Entertainment, Ab was introduced to the business
side of the music industry. Thus, he began to realize that the art of music is
wonderful, but the business of music is necessary.
As an artist and businessman, Ab believed it was time to put his musical talent
before the public. Thus, he produced, wrote, published, and provided lead
vocals for his debut CD, Lyrically Inclined 1.3: The Odyssey, which was
released in November 2005.
After graduating Howard University in May 2005, Ab has pursued his love of
music by performing throughout the DC metropolitan area. He has performed
continuously since graduations in such places as Cada Vez (Washington, DC),
Cooper's Union (New York City), Twins Jazz Club (Washington,DC), and at
Howard University's homecoming. Currently, Ohio University in Athens, Ohio
and The Chocolate Monkey in Brookly, NYC are just some of the places Ab has
included in his upcoming 2006 performance schedule.
This is only the beginning of a wonderful musical adventure for Ab. He is
ready to journey into his musical future.
