Kevin "Griff" Griffin - Keyboards,
Jeremy Haynes - Drums,
Jermaine Hall - Bass
Influences
Sounds Like
Atlanta’s own Zon 3 (pronounced “Zone”) blasts onto the scene with a nuclear active self titled debut. The personnel include some of gospels most sought after musicians Jeremy Haynes, Kevin Griffin (keys), Jermaine Hall (bass), Ede Wright (guitar) and special guest Donald Hayes. Only this time they showcase their talent in the arena of contemporary and fusion styles of jazz as their setting, and an environment where they seem quite comfortable.
The album starts out on the upbeat with the fast paced tune 78 East, where Haynes uses his crafty chops to steer in and out of transitions with keen sensibility. Similar in nature is Cold, Warm, Hot, which carries some complex rhythmic interplay moving from 6/4 to 4/4 time signatures, but neglects to settle in on a central idea. Another notable tune is Homage, a tribute to Chick Corea and the Elektric Band that resembles well with its epic bearing cinematic theme.
Things simmer with radio savvied tunes like Coffee Shop and Sweet Dreamzzz.
Funkier outfits like No I.D. and Zon 3 are added to the multitude of styles present and true to its form.
This unit is equipped with the technical facility and the imagination to grip the attention of musicians all over, but may need to add a bit of water for broader audiences.
Isaac West - Urban Drummer Magazine
Emerging from Atlanta, the formation of ZON3 was a destined to happen. Three seasoned musicians found themselves doing session work together, gigging together, and eventually, even playing together at the same church. Jeremy Haynes was asked to do a small showcase for Paiste Cymbals. He decided to ask the two musicians that he had been working shoulder to shoulder with to accompany him to the showcase in Nashville, Tennessee. They needed some material to play live at the showcase, quickly writing and recording two songs to perform at the showcase. The trio of musicians which include drummer Jeremy Haynes, bassist Jermaine “Ray” Hall, and keyboardist Kevin “Griff’ Griffin, soon discovered a certain "chemistry" and musical affinity that led to their formation of ZON3. Upon returning home from the Nashville they composed, arranged and produced ZON3’s debut album.
Individually, the groups resume’ exceeds all expectations, having worked with an array of artists. Kevin "GRIFF" Griffin-keyboardist, composer, producer, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, began playing the Hammond B3, piano & synths at an early age at his uncle's church. Kevin has worked with Gospel legends such as Lashun Pace, Shirley Caesar, and Dottie Peoples to contemporary favorites such as Bebe & Cece Winans, Ann Nesby, Kelly Price, to the secular realm with such greats as Mary J Blige, Jagged Edge, and Maysa. Jeremy Haynes is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, was born into a musically gifted family. He began playing the drums at the age of two. By the time Jeremy was thirteen, he was playing professionally for such gospel greats as the Oneal Twins, Shirley Caesar, Milton Brunson, and the Thompson Community Singers, as well as various local artists. Jeremy's gift has been displayed with such artists as Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers, Kirk Franklin, Kurt Carr, Bishop T.D. Jakes and the Potters House Mass Choir, Marvin Sapp, Byron Cage, Yolanda Adams, and Donnie McClurkin. Jeremy is a Grammy, Dove and Stellar Award winner. Jermaine Hall, a native of Albany, GA began playing the bass guitar at the age of 8. His musical debut began at New Jerusalem C.O.G.I.C. with his father on lead guitar. At the age of 16, Jermaine became the official bassist for Celebration of Praise Ministries International in Albany. Jermaine has had the opportunity to play with Marvin Sapp, Rance Allen, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Kirby Brown and Smokey Norful.
Zon3 recognizes that all things are attainable through Christ, as each member’s roots came through playing in the church. All members acknowledge that all of their accomplishments have been blessings, and strive tirelessly to create an innovative, engaging, and distinct style of music, that incorporates Jazz, Funk, Gospel and R&B arrangements that sing without a lead singer.
ZON3’s debuts CD is powerful, original, organic, yet polished, compatible, commercial, very musical, intense, very well thought out, and mature. It captures the essence of all of the influences of their musical up bringing and at the same time exposes their musical maturity and independence in the industry. This CD will make you feel, think and move on any given day. The melodies are emotional as well as exciting. These young men are definitely ready for the world to hear their expression.
Header Banner Made with MyBannerMaker.com! Click here to make your own!
Hey ZON 3 what's going on? Hope you've been doing well. Listen, come visit me on my youtube page. If you have an account, please leave messages on my videos. Try to make sure they're positive. LOL. Talk to you later.
