JAZZ BAND, PHAZE II

Talking Smooth Jazz

Since 1997, PHAZE II has been providing Smooth and Funky Jazz sounds on the local music scene in the Washington, DC area, by honing its craft of delivering quality music to their listeners. PHAZE II has embarked on a journey to show the world the many talents that this jazz band has to offer. In 2001, PHAZE II released its first CD entitled, Options, which Smooth Jazz 105.9 radio personality, Al Santos, described as a very credible debut CD. The Options CD embraced creativity, powerful producing, collaboration, and above all, the musical gift that each band member offers. Backtalk, the sophomore CD released in 2004, has a unique style and versatile sounds that range from Latin Jazz to R&B. A stirring rendition of R&B artist, Musiq Soulchild’s Half Crazy, will surely put you in a mellow mood. Determined to broaden their vision, PHAZE II entered the 13th Annual Capital Jazz Festival2005 Capital Jazz Challenge Competition. This competition was sponsored by Washington DC’s Smooth Jazz 105.9 and Baltimore, Maryland’s Smooth Jazz 104.3. The final competition consisted of 6 bands chosen from 600 competition entries. Phaze II was chosen the winners of the competition received a monetary contribution and had the opportunity to open the next day on the Capital Jazz Festival’s main stage. PHAZE II has since performed at the Capital Jazz Festival for the past seven years with other national acts at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. This jazz ensemble has also been fortunate to back up various national artists such as; Jackiem Joyner, Marcus Anderson, Ken Navarro, Jimmy Sommers, Althea Renee, Paul Taylor, Jeff Golub, BK Jackson, Cindy Bradley, Bob Baldwin, Shelby Brown, Tony Exum Jr, Frank McComb, Lynn Fiddmont, Kevin Whalum and Lin Roundtree just to name a few. Phaze II has now become a very sought after band for artists when they come to perform in the Washington, DC area.