Navasha Daya (Vocals, Percussion); James Collins (Keyboards, Synth Bass, Production); Freddie Dunn (Trumpet, Fluglehorn); Craig Alston (Saxophones);
Ekendra Das (Percussion); Joel Mills (Guitar); and Mark Prince (Drums).
Influences
Dizzy Gillespie, Randy Weston, Fela Kuti, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Lafayette Gilchrist, Duke Ellington, Bill Withers, Lonnie Liston Smith, Lee Morgan, Tony Williams, Prince, Koop, Earth Wind and Fire, Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Phyllis Hyman, Ella Fitzgerald, Amel Larrieux, Nina Simone, Esthero, Incognito, Poncho Sanchez, Sade, Bob Marley, De La Soul, Roy Hargrove, Cree Summers, Each Other
For Booking Inquiries please contact james@blackoutstudios.com
Although they're considered new artists, Fertile Ground has seven years, countless performances, and dozens of recordings to their credit. After 2 years of extensive touring, writing and recording, the group unveiled their fourth full-length masterpiece, simply entitled Black Is... The highly-anticipated CD, is the sequel to the acclaimed 2002 release Seasons Change. This fourth full-length album, contains a range of ethereal classics such as "Yellow Daisies", a soulful jazz waltz ballad full of affirmation, the joyful noise of "Live In the Light"; and the introspectively revealing song "Naked," which gives us an example of how to truly connect with and reflect each other.
Selling more than 125,000 albums , Fertile Ground has created the modern blueprint for independent music sales and become the leader of a movement. With a rebellious freedom and an undaunted genius Fertile Ground's founding leader and keyboardist, James Collins, started Blackout Studios to help get the band's music to listeners the best way possible. Where many artists believe the hype and opt to stand in the longest line waiting to be scooped up by a label, Blackout Studios recognizes that good music can be transmitted through the effective use of the underground.
Fertile Ground has shared the stage with such multi-platinum heavyweights as Cassandra Wilson, Hugh Masekela, Me'Shell N'Degeocello, India Arie, Wynton Marsalis, Jill Scott, Chaka Khan, and even Run DMC. The band is often classified as Soul-Jazz, but they spill out of any genre as a cross-cultural fusion of all things spiritual and funk-ridden. In this realm called good music, theatrics never replace integrity, nor does experience and success replace a creatively fresh approach to each project. Messages are heart-felt, conveying an unashamed spirituality, a firm political stance, or whatever the moment requires, and everything is heavily supported by raw, organic, often danceable compositions in the tradition of Fela Kuti, Stevie Wonder, Santana, and Earth Wind & Fire. With the requisite strength, depth and energy to electrify crowds, musicians, DJs, journalists, and promoters not just once or twice, but over and over again, Fertile Ground has been cementing their place as musical and social innovators.
You asked for video so here it tis
FERTILE GROUND Seasons Change 2001
FERTILE GROUND IN Vercelli 2008
Live in Baltimore "Artscape"
Amsterdam - Live at the Paradiso
Vienna - Live at Joe Zawinal's Birdland
Jazzy Summer Nights in Baltimore (Fan Video)
KICKING MYSELF!!! Had no idea you guys were performing in Miami recently. Heard about it after the fact. Love you guys music and hope I'll have an opportunity to see a live performance one day.
I just want to thank you guys for coming to Miami and blessing us with so much love and CULTURE! Even though only a few came out, it was much appreciated!! Miami just lacks the culture nessesary to support your talent. I SHOULD HAVE PROMOTED YOUR EVENT MY SELF!!! LOL Maybe next time....no love lost for Mocha soul...they did bring us Dwele and Kindred and the family soul with success!! PEACE AND POSITIVE ENERGY
I Love ya'll you guys have been my inspiration for four yrs. "Yellow Daisys" is my grandsons Lulliby..he is 4rs old and we sing the words together before he will even attempt to go to sleep.
Hi Guys, looking forward to playing with you @ Knitting Factory & Wunmigirl presents Live in NYC "Fertile Ground (Balitmore), Wunmigirl & Asiko".... Wednesday, Jun 3, 2009 // DOORS 10:00 PM // @ ADV $15// online http://ny.knittingfactory.com/show.php?event_id=123430
WOW was watchin Medium last night and heard "Be Natural" I couldn't believe it!!! Congrats on having a GREAT song selected to be featured on a GREAT tv show!!!!
