|
ROBERT DAVIS, GUITARIST/COMPOSER
Robert was the founder of the Chicago based group "Cooly Cool", which
was originally formed with bassist Darryl Jones of the Rolling Stones,
and keyboardist/saxophonist Ari Brown of Elvin Jones' group. Robert has
since formed the group "Lake Effect" with keyboardist/composer Neil
Artwick. Robert has worked with CBS recording artist Patty Smyth and
Scandal, Polygram artist John Waite, and Nile Rogers Productions. Nile
Rogers introduced Robert to Felicia Collins of the "David Letterman Show"
band and together they wrote as a team for Nile Rogers Productions.
While living in New York, Robert had his own feature column in "Guitar
World Magazine" for over two years. Robert now lives and works out of
Chicago with "Lake Effect" and the new group "School of Cool" led by
Miles Davis alumni, keyboardist/composer Robert Irving III. Robert is the
featured guitarist on the video for John Secada's summer tour video on
the EMI Records Group label. This video has been shown internationally.
Robert has been touring in Europe and Japan with "School of Cool" and has
played the Montreux Jazz Festival 2000.
|
NEIL ARTWICK, KEYBOARDIST/COMPOSER
Neil was born in Tokyo,Japan, and although his family was there for
only a short time, the influence can be felt in his zen-like approach to
life and music. While getting started in the Chicago music scene, he
spent his days studying classical piano and composition at the American
Conservatory of Music, and his nights playing the clubs with local
artists as diverse as the blue-eyed soul of Nicholas Tremulis, the dance
diva Suzanne Palmer, and many other jazz, rock, and R&B acts. Chicago
guitar legend Richie Davis introduced Neil to Butch Stewart of JoyArt
Music, and his studio career was off and running. A top call session
player, Neil has played, written, or produced hundreds of commercial spots for
TV and radio, as well as scoring for A&E's Biography, American Justice,
many PBS series, and independent films. His keyboard work can be heard on the
Oprah show theme and "bumpers". Neil has also worked the "show biz" scene,
backing Broadway stars such as Bernadette Peters, Martin Short, and Keith
Carradine.
He has also recorded with Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson, Al Jarreau,
Mavis Staples and BeBe & CeCe Wynans. "Lake Effect" represents Neil's long
time collaboration with a great guitarist and friend, Robert Davis. Robert and Neil
have developed a unique blend of melody and groove within the smooth jazz
genre, that excites players and listeners alike. Enjoy the music, and look for
great things to happen with this fabulous group!
|