PERFORMING ARTISTS Higher Level Band

By Yolanda Hanna Photograph Courtesy Of The Higher Level Band

Ahigher level of entertainment, showmanship, business, professionalism, musicality, and presentation is the master plan behind the Higher Level Band.

Doing the bare minimum and giving Bahamian audiences “the status quo” is never an option for this group of talented performers. Everything about this band is strategic – from the moment the show begins, from the first note to the last, and every dance move in between, this stellar band does it all at a higher level.

The Higher Level Band is made up of co-leaders Samuel Murphy (drums/audio), JD Stewart (keys/vocals), highly skilled musicians, and technicians who all contribute to the band’s edge in the music industry. Other band members include the lovely, energetic Anja Bowe (lead vocalist), Jamaine Johnson (bass guitar), Javon Taylor (keys/arranger), and the music veteran Colyn McDonald (lead guitar/vocalist). Behind the scenes assisting the team are Rashad McPhee (sound engineer) and Mannix Evans (Stage Technician).

Make no mistake, there is something different about the Higher Level Band.

Their music is undeniable. The vibe is electric. Once you experience it, you cannot help but participate in the excitement brewed by this one-of-a-kind group. They “wow” audiences wherever they play and have quickly risen to the top of the Bahamian entertainment industry as the “go-to” entity for quality music and exhilarating live shows.

Since its origin in the early 2000s, the band has made its way through several iterations and components to find a resting place in the beloved collective we know today. The members have united from various corners of the Bahamian music scene, cultivating their skills in the churches and numerous live bands like Page 99, Xtra Band, All 4 One, Jukebox Live, The Falcons, Visage, and the musical force known as Ira Storr & The Spank Band.

It is through the Spank Band that this family of musicians came together to develop their sound and eventually transition to the Higher Level Band with the common goal of raising the bar of musicianship, effecting positive change in the entertainment business, and revolutionizing the Bahamian entertainment landscape to take a superior cultural product to the world.

During its rise to prominence, the Higher Level Band has served as a backing band for many recording artists that presently make up the Bahamian music scene including Geno D, Phil Stubbs, D-Mac, Lady E, Ira Storr, Avvy, Funky D, Blaudy, Veronica Bishop, Sweet Emily, KB, Stileet, Simeon Outten, Nishie L.S., Alia Coley, Rik Carey, Dyson Knight and Wendi, just to name a few. The list of international recording artists that the band has worked with individually and collectively includes Ricardo Dru, Kim Burrell, Bebe Winans, Denise Belfon, Tarrus Riley, Bunji Garlin, and Phylissia Ross.

The Higher Level Band covers many genres; however, it specializes in the indigenous sounds of The Bahamas – namely rake ‘n’ scrape and Junkanoo music. The band has graced the stages at numerous national celebrations, major events, and cultural festivals in The Bahamas, and has also performed internationally.

Future projects are on the horizon. However, should you have an opportunity to see this band perform, rest assured that they will deliver an awesomely energetic, engaging, entertaining, and professional show at a “higher level”. UA

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