Corey Breedlove is a singer/songwriter/entertainer born and raised in Dallas, Texas. Although never formally taught, Breedlove developed a strong connection with music through means of guitar and songwriting at a young age. After years of writing, recording, and performing with several original psychedelic rock groups throughout grade school, Breedlove developed a passionate interest with tunes from the Great American Songbook, following a spontaneous purchase of a $1 Sinatra CD at his local bookstore. "The music spoke with grace I had never heard." Immediately after, Breedlove began the formation of a group that would become his jazz combo.
Joel Cross developed a passion for music in the church, singing gospel songs with his seven siblings. After picking up his first guitar at age 12, it was evident that making music was his calling. His dedication to perfecting his craft eventually led him to the University of North Texas where he studied jazz guitar. After graduation, Joel made a name for himself playing gigs throughout the Dallas music scene. Whether original music or cover, his heartfelt approach showcased his ability to make each piece sound new, truly a sound all his own. One afternoon, while playing the Dallas Arboretum, Joel decided to appease the crowd’s unconventional request for a Taylor Swift song. A fan happened to catch his very soulful rendition of “Shake it Off” on video and uploaded it to YouTube. The next morning, over a half a million people had watched the video, and Joel’s face was on every major news source in Dallas.
Joshua Boyd started playing guitar at 20 and relates to Wes Montgomery as a huge influence because of his late start as well. Josh learned how to read music on his own, and played for RCC's top big band (jazz) as well as their classical guitar ensemble and marching band for hire. He has played with artists such as Mali Music, Travis Garland, Myron Butler, Kiki Sheared, Alex Isley, Eric Roberson, Syleena Johnson and various other artists. Boyd’s favorite style to play is jazz despite his proficiency in others.
Paul Metzger brings passion, intelligence, and creativity to music. Moved by the music of the 70s, Paul began learning guitar at 14. Although he trained to become a chef, his musical aspirations led him to the University of North Texas in 1991 where he studied Jazz Performance. Paul has performed with a wide range of artists including Arturo Sandoval, Robert Earl Keen, Lou Marini, and the Ft. Worth Opera. He is a regular in the DFW music scene, playing original compositions in his own projects and as a sideman for others. He currently resides in Denton, TX, where he also teaches as an adjunct professor at UNT.
A recent transplant from the Pacific Northwest and now loving life in the great state of Texas, Guitarist Randy Sloan plays instrumental Chill, Smooth Jazz & Classic Standards, perfect for wine bars, cafes, gallery openings, private functions, cocktail hours, and more. Randy loves setting just the right "vibe" with his guitar. Listeners will be treated to a mix of musical styles from classic jazz standards to smooth jazz and instrumental takes on pop songs and always served with a smile!
A multi-talented musical artist, producer, educator, arranger, composer, radio broadcaster, and author, Roger Boykin began his musical career in 1955, playing guitar in a blues band while still in high school. He has worked in just about every area of music including: blues, jazz, gospel, and rhythm & blues. He started his own record label, Soultex Records, in 1967 and has produced numerous singles and albums. He currently works as an educator and radio DJ. He is a sought after jazz musician and plays multiple instruments including Piano, Saxophone and Guitar. He served as the Artistic Director of the Sammons Jazz series from 1997 to 1999. He has been a driving force behind the jazz music industry in Dallas going back to the Woodman Auditorium and The Recovery Room and was part of the circle of musicians who popularized the “Texas Tenor” style made famous by players such as David “Fathead” Newman and Marchel Ivery.
I was born in Syracuse New York, I play some guitar and sing a bit. I got into music when I was about 5 yrs. old after hearing the music of Buddy Holly. Since then, I've been kind of fanatical about music. As I got older I was diggin' all kind of rock like most kids and started getting into more jazzy things after hearing rock/fusion stuff like Jeff Beck, Mahahvisnu Orchestra, Chick Corea, and Larry Carlton.
Then all the way after hearing Wes Montgomery, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, (had to have ALL their recordings) etc..so then I joined the high school jazz band (Enfield, CT) and then two years of music school at the Hartford Conservatory, then I moved back to Syracuse..and shortly after went on the road with Lucky Peterson for 3 years, then played with Kirk Franklin for another 3 years, Joe McBride and many other artists since then.
Tony Hakim has been a positive music force in the Dallas – Fort Worth jazz scene for over 25 years, playing both in solo performance and collaborations. His mellow guitar styles and winsome vocals have won him much acclaim and a devoted following worldwide. His first CD, “Postcards From You,” is packed with a delightful assortment of original tunes, while his latest CD’s, “Summer Place” and “Two For The Road,” show off his definitive style as he interprets the works of the legends of the music world. A regular player at the Mansion On Turtle Creek Bar, an exclusive in fine dining, Tony Hakim is also a great artistic force in and around the Dallas area. His selections of tunes range from easy listening, jazzy Brazilian, Frank Sinatra, to Nat King Cole, James Taylor, Beatles, and the good old 60’s and 70’s popular songs. Tony has entertained for many types of events, ranging from intimate weddings and birthdays to Holiday parties and corporate functions.