| Band Members |
Calvin Snowden (Guitar, Lead & Background Vocals) has been playing guitar
since the age of six. Wanting to become a solid musician Calvin left his hometown of Mobile, AL to attend Xavier University where he received his Bachelor's of Music with a concentration in classical guitar. After receiving his bachelor's degree in music, Calvin received a grant from The Louisiana Jazz & Heritage Foundation where he was able to study under jazz great Mark Whitfield.
Armed with his musical knowledge and just pure talent, Calvin then went on to play at numerous venues around the country and the world such as, The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, The Essence Festival, The Newport Jazz Festival and The Benson & Hedges 100 Nights Festival to name a few. Calvin brings a journeyman's bag of guitar licks to Az-IzZ.
George Wiley (Keyboards, Lead & Background Vocals)
started his journey in the Windy City of Chicago, IL in a local band named Point Blank, playing many five-star hotels including Ceasar's Pocono's Palace in Pennsylvania. Soon afterwards George moved on to Atlanta, GA looking to share his gift with the world. There he met Ian Hayes & Antoine Ealy and they joined a vocal group together named D'Xposure that highlighted the world famous Underground Atlanta. Opening for well knowns such as The Whispers, Midnight Star, Tevin Cambell and Jay-Z. Soon after they all went on looking again for more.
Displaying all his talents with countless and powerful sequences, George was recruited into an International group named "The Hitsquad" touring all over Asia. George now uses his keyboarding, technical knowledge and sweet sounding vocals to thicken the new sound of Az-IzZ.
Carl J. Baham (Drums, Lead & Background Vocals)
hails from New Orleans, LA. Carl started his career as a drummer at the age of two. He began his study of music at age nine and was heavily influenced by a family and city of music. Guided by his mother, a Professor of Music at Xavier University of Louisiana, Carl knew at an early age that he was destined to perform.
Attending St. Augustine High School of New Orleans, Louisiana (one of the most written about and most commercialized school bands in the country), he played for Pope John Paul II, two Superbowls and two Presidents. Carl attended Xavier University where he had the rare opportunity to perform with Stevie Wonder. He is one of the world's most versatile drummers because of his ability to switch from jazz to pop to funk, and from hip-hop to latin to caribbean all in one night. Carl has learned to express himself musically which makes for a perfect fit into the Az-IzZ mode of spreading worldly expression thru the music.
Carl has performed with several of New Orleans' greats such as Irma Thomas, The Nevilles, Willie T., Lance Ellis, Clarrence Johnson, Donald Ramsey, Big Al Carson, Anthony Brown, the Marselis family and the list goes on and on. Carl's ability to play just what is needed at the right time makes him one of the most successful drummers to come out of New Orleans. His talent has taken him around the world four times. From Africa to Brazil to Canada and Europe, Japan and nearly 30 states across the U.S. There is no doubt that the many years of performing, and a strong character in faith is what drives Carl. He has established a solid foundation and pocket within the sound of Az-IzZ, and will continue to drive the group's music with a spirit like no other.
Jason Brown (Bass)
attended Northside High School of the Performing Arts in Atlanta, GA as a member of the jazz band, orchestra and world renowned touring show. After high school, he went on to study at the University of Tennessee under the direction of jazz educator Jerry Coker, and playing along side of jazz legends, Joe Williams, Sir Roland Hannon, Keter Betts and Freddie Cole, to name a few.
After receiving his degree, Jason soon found himself in Chicago playing with recording artists Ghalib Ghalab-Cira Records and Flame -Epic Records. Jason also started a jingle house with Lionel Cole, nephew of the late great Nat King Cole. Jason returned to Atlanta, GA and joined the international touring band, The Hitsquad wowing audiences all over Asia and recently played for Usher, J-Pat Productions and Clive Davis in a showcase of new artists. He is a true asset to the sounds of Az-IzZ.
Ian B. Hayes (vocalist - Choreographer)
Ian, started performing in front of family and friends at the age of 6 in his hometown of Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. He soon realized that performing in front of people was a gift that God had given him.
While using this gift he has touched many lives and performed on many stages from musical plays throughout High School to performing in live bands throughout the United States, Japan and
Indonesia sharing the stage with nationally known acts such as LL Cool J, Fat Boys and Whodini. He graduated from Milwaukee College of Business with a degree in financing and accounting. Ian brings to the stage hypness, charisma, and a lot of energy as a front man for Az-IzZ.
Antoine Ealy (Lead & Background Vocals, Choreography)
hails from Milwaukee, WI. This "Brewtown" native has been performing on stages all his life. His mother is his greatest influence. He role models the smooth musical sounds of Stevie Wonder, dance styles of Fred Astaire, James Brown, Gregory Hines, Michael Jackson and M.C. Hammer.
Antoine has played in major shows all over the world and has provided his choreography and rhyme skills to many artists like the Whispers, JT Money, Ying Yang Twins, Earth Wind and Fire and many more. Antoine brings to Az-Izz his expressive lyrics and electrifying choreography with a quality of energy and excitement that can only be taken to the Next Level.
Carl Casey Jr. A.K.A C.C. (Drums &Vocals)
C.C. found his love for music at the tender age of 8 years old. Growing up in Atlanta, he has been inspired by his mother (A gospel singer) who has shared the stage with many great musicians such as Derrick Spivey, Victor Alexander, Terry “Bam Bam Jemison” Marcus Williams to name a few. Being exposed to such greats gave him the desire, talent and abilities to produce and make wonderful music. He has had the opportunity of playing with various individuals such as Drefus C. Smith and the Wings of Faith Mass Choir, Kevin Styles & Psalms, Deleon Carr & Sound Ministry, a phenomenal saxophone player by the name of John Wilson, Dorothy Norwood, Nat George along with many others. Now as one of the newest members of Az-Izz, C.C. is showing the world just how versatile he is.
C.C. attends Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where he is currently working on his bachelor’s degree in History, with a minor in music and will be completed with his field of study Dec 2008. The world has yet to see the best this guy has to offer. We present to some and introduce to many others…
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