Category Archives: NY Musicians

Francis Mbappe – an unstoppable natural musician from Cameroon!

Francis MbappeA native of Cameroon, Francis Mbappe is an unstoppable natural musician who released his third album under his name, after having graced the stage with musical greats such as Herbie Hancock, Manu Dibango, Fela Kuti, Ashanti Tokoto, Francois Louga, and Ernesto Djedje.

Before becoming one of New York’s most sought after bass players, Francis also co-produced and arranged the album “Guido Vittale” for Koning Plank, featuring Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, as well as working on music for the film “Young Maestro,” featuring Elizabeth Taylor and directed by Franco Zeffirelli.

A regular player at NYC’s “The Zinc Bar,” Francis has been deemed “a shining star” in the NYC world music scene. He has livened up all of the New York hot spots for many years as well as continued with his work as a producer under his music production company “FM GROOVE INC.”, bringing people of different origins, educations and backgrounds together, in an attempt to unify people through acts of artistic expression (and put out some damn good music in the process!).

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Sylvain Leroux – the Fula Flute Expert

Sylvain Leroux 2Sylvain Leroux (alto sax & fula flute) was born in Montréal. He studied classical music at Vincent d’Indy School of Music and at the University of Montreal. He attended the Creative Music Studio in Woodstock, NY where he was exposed to World music, participating in workshops led by world class artists.

In 1978, in Montréal, he worked with Yaya Diallo in performances and recording of the LP “Nangapè.”

In 1981 Sylvain founded the group Mysterioso, dedicated to the music of jazzman Thelonious Monk and performed at the Montréal International Jazz Festival, 1983.

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Swiss Chris – The Music Man With A Mission “World Peace!”

Swiss Chris 2Swiss Chris , who is originally from Switzerland, just finished four years as Music Director and Drummer for five time Grammy winner, John Legend, one of the most talented singer/songwriters in the world today. Swiss is now moving on and doing his own solo work as producer and artists on CPR Records.

He is not just a drummer, but also an educator, activist AND a musical genius with a positive vibe and a passionate supporter for world peace.

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Damon Banks & JAZZ THEATRE WORLD PREMIERE – “RESISTANCE: a maroon story”

Damon Banks

Damon Banks

Greetings dear Doo Bee Doo Bee Doo readers!

I hope you can come out and support my first grant supported multimedia piece. The piece features actor Curtis Shaw, performance artist/ choreographer/ dancer Francesca Harper and visual artist Randy “Wolf” Simon.
The live band: Graham Haynes (cornet/effects), Gwen Laster (violin, vocals), Manu Koch (keyboards), Rajeev Maddela (drums) and Damon Banks (bass).

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