Khari Simmons, Forrest Robinson, Chanda Bailey, Alex Lattimore and Rhonda Thomas.
Influences
Prince, Stevie Wonder, Burt Bacharach, Steely Dan, Bluey Maunick, Me’Shell N’Degeocello and our own Bugz In The Attic and Mark Clive de Lowe, Sergio Mendes, India Irie
JIVA are a collective of passionate individuals whose mission it is to create a feel good atmosphere and send out positive messages with their music. Our moniker ‘JIVA’ translates as “the spirit within” and is a perfect reflection of our manifesto as a band and the music we create.
Alongside myself, Khari Simmons, JIVA are Forrest Robinson, Chanda Bailey, Alex Lattimore and Rhonda Thomas. Robinson alongside myself help make up the trusted band for neo soul chanteuse India Arie. Adding to the unit is Chanda Bailey who grew up playing keys at her father’s church and met Simmons while studying and jamming in Atlanta. Alex Lattimore from Transcendental Funk brings to the dance his soulful vocals. The final link in the chain is Rhonda Thomas, famed for her scatting abilities and backing vocalist for Issac Hayes. Rhonda has also performed with the legendary Luther Vandross and Roy Ayers as well as the inimitable Incognito.
Sun & Moon is our debut jazz infused album brimming with soul inspired lyrics, ethereal vocals and melodies. We use soul music as the thread that seamlessly binds together the Bossa and Brazilian influences within our album.
We do have people say that we are organic, but that’s because of the fact that there are no digital instruments on the album. We are more of a soul band with a love for Bossa Nova and lush arrangements.
whats up? i wanted to show this site to everyone its really cool...it tells you if anyone we go to school with has a crush on you, i was really suprised by some of the people who it said like me.
jesus christ! dude i just managed to win an iPhone, and really can't wait to get it, you can win one as well if you copy/paste the link www.appleiphonegivewaway.com
Hiya, Khari...when you gonna come out and jam with me at Halo? That Spiritual Vines cd still has your name on it, by the way. Nice work on 'Moon Bossa'...tell Julie I said hi!
So I'm listening to Donny Hathaway's live record...."The Ghetto" (my jam) n' what do I hear at exactly 6 minutes n' 16 seconds into the track?!?!
Check for yourself my friend, check for yourself.
I'll give you a clue....Sweet validation from an all time great for Mr. Simmons.
IN YOUR FACE SHELIA!!!
Ur music is definately what we need right now. Please keep it comming! I bought the album on Itunes and I have been playing it everywhere from my Pc to my workplace. Your all blessed and so are we for this fantastic album!
~Kevin
P.s. If you tour, make a stop somewhere Rochester, Ny =D
