The Seal Breakers: “Brooklyn” Is Where It’s At
The Seal Breakers were formed in January of 2001 but its musical heritage has roots that were planted many years ago. The Seal Breakers leader Craig Williams wanted to bless music lovers with the brass horn music that he heard in his church and the influence of legendary bands like Earth, Wind and Fire, The Ohio Players, Chicago and Sly and the Family Stone. Having written, produced and performed with many notable artists in the 90’s Craig Williams sought to combine his early musical influences with the contemporary gospel, jazz, soul-R&B and hip-hop that have been part of his musical history.
The Seal Breakers primarily employ the use of brass horns, keyboards, guitars and percussion to bring listeners to their feet in raucous celebration.
Since Craig Williams began The Seal Breakers they have been blessed to perform and/or record with many notable soul, jazz and gospel artists nationally and internationally. In March 2007 the band was also honored to record a soundtrack for a documentary film “Bowl of Dreams” at the insistence of Dr. Bill Cosby who was literally blown away by The Seal Breakers’ performance at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn N.Y. The band travels throughout the U.S. playing at concert halls, schools, music festivals, colleges/universities and civic functions, spreading the message of love and hope through music. Every time The Seal Breakers play they affirm the words of Bill Cosby that he shared with his audience on that chilly November morning, “This music is our heritage, our life, our story through music.”
Musical Talent The Seal Breakers Pays Homage to their Hometown, Notorious BIG, and Jay Z with their New Single “Brooklyn”
May 8, 2013—NEW YORK, NY— The musical band The Seal Breakers pays homage to their city, and the two highly acclaimed rappers Notorious BIG and Jay Z with their new single “Brooklyn”. The digital release of the single was May 7th 2013 on ITunes, Amazon, Spotify and wherever digital music is sold.
The Seal Breakers are really proud of this song because it represents the many facets of the bands musical tastes. Fat horns, great singing (by singer Paula Shaniece), hip hop vibe and lyrics reminiscent of the best in the soul music tradition. One music critic said it best when he said of the single “it just feels good.” The song “Brooklyn” highlights the tenacity of the people of Brooklyn. With this song, writer/producer Craig Williams says he wants to convey to its listeners “that Brooklyn is more than just a borough, it’s a lifestyle. It means having the strength and will power to overcome obstacles no matter where you’re from. As the lyrics of song says ‘it ain’t been easy, but I wouldn’t trade it cause that’s how I made it.’” The Seal Breakers grew up in the gritty streets of the city, and they still appreciate their experience because it has made them and their music what it is today. The song pays homage to their city, fallen hip hop artist Notorious BIG, (who was a friend of Seal Breaker leader Craig Williams) and hip hop icon Jay-Z who grew up in the same tough projects as many of the guys in the group. If it wasn’t for their involvement in music, many in the band would have fallen victim to the crime, poverty and violence of the tough urban jungle.
The Seal Breakers were formed in January of 2001 under the name, The Eagles but its musical heritage has roots that were planted many years ago. The Seal Breakers leader Craig Williams wanted to bless music lovers with the brass horn music that he heard in his church and the influence of legendary bands like Earth, Wind and Fire. For more information, contact leader Craig Williams at www.facebook.com/thesealbreakers . Contact: Lester Jenkins
Hot Vybe Artist: Jana Mashonee
There is no question about it. Jana Mashonee has a voice. Maybe even the voice. One listen to her performance on her newest recording, Stay With Me Baby, will tell you that. Knowing Jana Mashonee and her music is an incredible adventure that’s worth the listen. First signed to Curb Records, her single, Ooh, Baby, Baby was picked as Billboard’s single of the week and went on to become a radio and sales success. More than Life followed, selling over a million copies on its own and as part of numerous compilation albums. A controversial version of Led Zeppelin’s epic, Stairway to Heaven, came next, earning her the honor of being the first Native American to top the Billboard dance charts.
Exploring her cultural roots, Jana then released American Indian Story, a brilliant concept album that garnered her a second GRAMMY nomination. The video for the single, The Enlightened Time, won awards at major film festivals around the world as well as a NAMMY for Best Short Form Music Video. Music from the album is featured on the Discovery Channel’s new hit series, Flying Wild Alaska.
Her first book, American Indian Story – The Adventures of Sha’kona, based on the GRAMMY nominated album of the same was also recently completed. The fantasy filled mystery-adventure is the uplifting story of the young heroine, Sha’kona, and her journey of self-discovery and courage. Fans and critics alike have praised this young adult novel for its characters, magic and message.
Jana continued to pay tribute to her heritage with the exquisite, American Indian Christmas, an extraordinary work featuring ten classic Christmas songs sung in ten different Native American languages accompanied by a full orchestra and traditional Native American instruments. A critical and commercial success beyond her wildest imagination, the album won her another NAMMY award. On December 16, 2011 she featured some of these songs in an emotional and intimate performance at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York.
A soul-stirring collection, steeped in R&B and gospel roots, New Moon Born brought Jana back into the mainstream spotlight. She debuted the featured track, an emotional cover of Sam Cooke’s classic, A Change Is Gonna Come, at the American Indian Inaugural Ball for President Obama. This was her second performance for a First Family. A year earlier she sang at the First Lady’s Luncheon for Laura Bush. The song went on to win her an eighth Native American Music Award for Song of the Year and the video took the Best Music Video prizes at the prestigious Indie Film Festival and at the American Indian Film Festival. In March of 2012 she was named Best Female Vocalist by Rockwired Music Awards.
In December 2012 she co-headlined a show at Carnegie Hall with Sarah McLachlan for a magical evening.
With all she has going on and with a tour schedule that has brought her to forty nine of the fifty states as well as overseas, Jana has still found time to give back. Her Jana’s Kids Foundation has been helping Native youth achieve their dreams through its programs and scholarship offerings for almost as long as she has been an artist. In recognition of her efforts, Jana was named 2011 Woman of the Year for her philanthropic work.
In February 2012, Jana’s new movie in which she stars, Raptor Ranch, debuted at the Berlin Film Festival and has been working the film festival circuit before its release.
Those are the facts, but to find out who Jana Mashonee really is, give a listen to Stay With Me Baby. That will explain better than any words could ever hope to.www.janamashonee.comwww.facebook.com/janamashoneewww.twitter.com/janamashoneewww.janaskids.org
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