BIOGRAPHY
Dru Hill
Jazz, Sisqo, Nokio and Woody are four young men with very
mature, smooth and soulful harmonies. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland,
you've already heard them if you've been to Baltimore's trendy inner Harbor
on a summer afternoon. In past summers, they were well known for their
fun and clever harmonies at the Harbor's Fudgery where they sang, made
fudge and had lots of fun. The young
men were the main attraction at the Harbor each summer,
drawing large crowds with their free-style fudge fanatics. Now signed to
Island Records/University Music Entertainment, they are the fresh
new vocal quartet - Dru Hill.
Dru Hill have taken their name from the historic Druid
Hill Park in Baltimore. "Because Dru Hill is 'the spot.' It represents
Baltimore and that's what we want to do--put Baltimore on the map," exclaims
Sisqo. And with their perfect four-part harmonies, versatility
and many musical talents, be sure they will do just that. While each of
the four members are singers and songwriters, they are also capable of
being their own orchestra, as each member plays several different musical
instruments.
Jazz
Jazz is, of course, a jazz fan. He sings second tenor and
plays keyboards, trumpet and piano, among many others. Studying at the
Frederick Douglas Music Academy, Jazz is part of the concert band and has
sang and studied classical, gospel and opera. Influenced by the music of
his parents, Jazz has patterned his style after the falsettos of groups
like Blue Magic and the O'Jays of the 80's. Growing up in the church, gospel
influences are heard in his music as well as hints of jazzy scatting and
improvising. And you can guarantee that the bluesy, heartfelt lyrics and
vocals on the LP will come from Jazz, who also
loves the blues.
Nokio
Nokio, which stands for Nasty On Key In Octave, is known
for his deep and insightful lyrics and is the 'smooth' baritone you hear
in the group's vocals. Also a music major, Nokio plays classical trumpet,
keyboard and piano. Nokio is the serious production man in the group, with
aspirations to go on to study music business and production.. Studios are
like home and beats come very easily to this talented, young man. "He's
amazing," boasts Sisqo. "He's so versatile, he can flip styles and moods
from rock to hip hop to gospel to R&B. He sets the mood of the song
with the track and takes the listener where he is."
Woody
Woody is described as the melody man. Where Nokio creates
the tracks, Woody comes up with the melody. Influenced by Stevie Wonder,
Jodeci, Boyz II Men as well as his deep roots in gospel, Woody's vocals,
lyrics and melodies are designed to simply "make you feel good," he says.
"Woody is like our angel--we even call him Gabriel sometimes. He's our
spiritual link. He watches over us, prays for us and
keeps us in line," says Nokio. Always in good spirits,
Woody is the energy that keeps the guys going when times get rough. Woody
plays the drums and keyboard and aspires to study entertainment law.
Sisqo
After 13 years of singing with his church gospel choir and
listening to only gospel music, Sisqo began singing along with the popular
music on his radio and discovered his passion for the likes of Jodeci,
Intro, Take 6, Faith and Boyz II Men. Sisqo became a student of music,
studying everything from Mozart to rock n' roll to hip hop. "I like everything.
I like the complexity of Mozart and the versatility of Intro's soulful
grooves and smooth harmonies," says Sisqo. "I tend to be the trendy one
in the group. I like what's popular." Describing himself as a "sweet, yet
strong" singer, the former dancer sings at the top, plays keyboard and
bass and is involved in the arrangement and production.
Dru Hill
No studio musicians, Dru Hill is about quality music. Their
refreshing lyrics are about life and love, not guns and gangsters. Versatile
tracks and breathtaking harmonies will take them far. With their many interests
and talents, expect versatility and variety from their Island Records/University
Music Entertainment debut LP. Their first release, "Tell Me," which will
appear on the soundtrack for the Hollywood Pictures release EDDIE starring
Whoopie Goldberg, is only a small sample of what they are capable of. You
never know what to expect from Dru Hill, so expect the unexpected.
Source: Internet and Entertainment News