Let’s take them to a ‘Higher Level’
Mic check one-two. Lights up! Everybody in place! Drum roll please. Ladies and gentlemen be prepared to be taken to a whole new altitude with the heavy loaded, highly soulful, Higher Level Band.
As I sat with 3 of the 8 members of this dynamic group I couldn’t help but ask how they create such an electrifying sound every time they take a stage and band leader Ghaly Swann II sat upright to deliver his answer.
‘Everything affects your music, from the time you practice, the day you practice, when something is going on at home or what’s going on in your personal life. It’s not totally about the music; rather it’s about the person as a whole.’ Swann went on to say that he makes it his business to create a cohesive environment for his musicians in which they can function as a unit.
During its inception in 2000 the band went by the name Phenomenon. They played Christian music with a dose of Reggae, soca and R&B to name a few. By 2004 the band played for Christian Massive’s Album Release concert and decided to change the name to match the transition and growth of the group. It was deemed ‘Higher Level Band.’
‘Higher Level means to me a band of great musicians; ones that are talented and professionally trained,’ Swann stated. One member of the group has attended Berklee School of Music in Boston and another attended Oral Roberts University. The name ‘Higher Level’ was well deserved for this vivacious group of men.
VIEW VIDEO OF THE HIGHER LEVEL BAND BELOW
The band members were sure to point out the importance of continuous practice before they hit the stage as another hype band mate, Samuel Lightbourne [A.K.A Sammy], walked in with all smiles. The laughter rang out above the noise of the restaurant.
With talent like the one that renders from this group the question arose about preparation before a performance and what they expect from each show. Band mate Keiran Roker was sure to point out the importance of prayer before each performance and because of their love of music the Higher Level Band members want to make sure their listeners are completely satisfied.
‘I want someone to be blessed by what we did,’ Swann stated. ‘There also needs to be a connection between the band and the artist to deliver a good performance and in turn your performance dictates how your audience responds.’
Because of the growth of the music and entertainment industry bands like this one are granted the opportunity to play and continue in their endeavors in the music industry. This band is not only prepared to bring you a Higher Level sound but also want to encourage growth and education as they are re-opening a music school this summer.
‘The age entry starts at 4 – 80 years old,’ Keiran stated. ‘If you come at 80 we can work. The Higher Level band members will serve as trainers in the school. Those band members include Ghaly Swann II (base), Samuel Lightbourne [AKA Sammy] (guitar and base), Keiran Roker (saxophones and keyboard), Ken McKenzie, Samuel Murphy and Mannix Evans (drums) John Dennis Stewart [AKA JD] and Dale Ellis (keyboards).
With the mastered sounds this group can render I couldn’t help but ask: ‘plan on playing back up for Beyonce anytime soon?’
‘Well if Beyonce calls!’ Ghaly comfortably noted. But in the mean time the group is prepping to play for popular R&B artist Alia Coley on May 7th at Luna Nightclub for her album release right here in Nassau.
When asked if they are living out their dreams by being in this band, collectively they declared: ‘what we are experiencing now is inevitable. This had to come! The dream part isn’t quite here yet. When we are performing for millions of people, then it will be a dream.’
Don’t let this plane take off without you. Get to your computers and check out Higher Level Band on face book by the same name or send them an email to play at your event at higherlevelband@gmail.com.
Before the energetic men left I asked them to whip me up a killer recipe for a Higher Level status. Grab your notepads and jot these helpful notes:
- A full dose of connection between the band and performer for a spicy performance
- Practice is key for a good serving of musical satisfaction.
- If you are halfway through whipping out master sounds and half your audience is headed to the bar, chances are: ‘you ain’t sayin nothin!’
- ‘If you love what you do God will provide you with ways to do what you love. I can’t see myself doing anything else’ – Keiran Roker
- Full listening, full practice, full discipline!
- Get with a teacher and a band on a Higher Level
This is your captain speaking; we are ready for take off to a Higher Level!
By Aneka Stewart
