Makeda Taylor Singer-Songwriter, Piano & Accoustic Guitar
Session Musicians:
Al Cross - Drums
Fergus Marsh - Bass & Champman Stick
Michael Occhipinti - Lead & Accoustic Guitar
Jonathan Lindsay - Lead Guitar
Doulgas Romanow- Keyboards, Accordion
Jeanine Noyes - Background Vocals
Q Sheba Sound
Indie Record Label & Music Publisher
Influences
Oprah, Nelson Mandela,
Bob Marley,
Sam Cooke,
Bob Dylan,
Diane Warren,
Carole King,
Beatles,
Michael Jackson,
Ron Sexsmith,
Neil Young,
Joni Mitchell,
James Taylor,
John Mayer,
Regina Spektor,
Lucinda Williams,
Prince,
Dixie Chicks,
Eva Cassidy,
Jeff Buckley,
Warren Zevon,
Stevie Wonder,
James Brown,
BB King,
Frank Sinatra,
Led Zepplin,
Dire Straits,
Bonnie Raitt,
Eric Clapton,
Stevie Ray Vaughan,
Jimi Hendrix,
Carlos Santana,
Janis Joplin,
Tracy Chapman,
Sarah Mclachlan,
Chantal Kreviazuk,
Elton John,
Billie Joel,
John Legend,
Jill Scott,
Quincy Jones,
Willie Nelson,
Johnny Cash,
John Denver,
Gordon Lightfoot,
Mariah Carey,
Whitney Houston,
Queen,
Rush,
Rolling Stones,
Dave Matthews Band,
Coldplay,
Green Day,
Bruce Springsteen,
John Lennon,
Paul Simon,
Etta James,
Lauryn Hill,
Ella Fitzgerald,
Oscar Peterson,
John Coltrane,
Art Tatum,
Charlie Parker,
Miles Davis,
Ray Charles,
Melissa Etheridge,
K.D. Lang,
Mahalia Jackson,
Elvis Costello,
Aretha Franklin,
Jann Arden,
Billie Holiday,
Sarah Vaughan,
Smokie Robinson,
Sounds Like
Unique vocal nuances. Collage of musical influences. Multi-genre performance abilities.
Born in Birmingham UK, to Jamaican parents and now a Canadian living in Toronto, Makeda fostered her soulful musical talents from early childhood in a gospel setting. She is a well seasoned singer songwriter with over thirty years of performance experience. Her music is regarded by most to be a melting pot of musical genres. Piano, Keyboards and Guitar are her performance instruments. Music is her life passion but Makeda is also a dedicated Nurse and a social justice advocate. The influence of over two decades of nursing care resonates deeply in her songs of love, loss and the value of life and time.
Makeda's debut CD "In Your Honour" was an ep dedicated to the Nurses who battled the Toronto SARS epidemic. She is in the final stages of completing an epic recording project. Makeda loves to perform and can be heard at various Toronto establishments. She is a regular performer at Fat Albert's... Toronto's longest running open stage. Makeda has recently branched out into student music mentoring performances for the Toronto District School Board. She feels honoured to have the privilege to inspire the next generation of music creators.
Makeda's desire is to inspire positive change for our planet one song at a time. She values her artistic independence but is open to exploring creative or music industry collaborations. Makeda appreciates your comments of support that help to sustain her on her rewarding but often challenging artistic journey.
In preparation for a music industry documentary Makeda researched various aspects of the Music Industry. Through her research she gained valuable promotional and marketing insights. Makeda shares these gems in her music industry blogs. Schedule permitting she offers artist management consulting, with focused expertise in the area of viral marketing in social networking platforms. (Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Delicious..etc).
Makeda supports various songwriting organizations (SAC, Songwriters Unite, NSAI Toronto, and Humber College Songwriting Workshop). She is the owner of Viral Indie Promotions and Q Sheba Sound an Indie Record label and Publishing Company.
Hi There...Comin by to check on you!... Hope you're ok Makeda, I haven't heard from you in a while?...I know you are busy lady... Ok honey, Take Care & Have a Wonderful Weekend. ~ Miss Betty ~*
I've been thinking about you Makenda and I know I don't say it often enough,but I appreciate all you do.Ya Muzik so nice and uplifting inspire and encourage me and You make me want to try harder. Take care...
Hi, what's up? I just released a new song called "I Won't Take This Anymore". I hereby officially invite you to come and listen to it. /Namaste raybeam
Just thought I'd come back and see if I could get your opinion on the quality of my recordings. They are all made in my living room using my iMac... if you find the time I value your ears.
Hi Sis Makenda, whats up? I wanted you to know that I'm thinking about you today and hoping the day brings many wonderful things your way. Keep Da fiah Bornin..Respect!
Hey Makeda!! My band is opening up a charity event for the Regent Park School Of Music at the Silver Dollar Room tomorrow night!! i hope you can make it out!! we are the opening band, on at 9:30pm!!