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Every now and then an artist bursts onto the scene, changing the rules and challenging the status quo. Eric Darius is one of those artists fearlessly pushing all musical boundaries. He’s one of the most exciting musicians to enter the contemporary jazz scene in the last decade. His explosive arrival as a recording artist at the age of 17 caused a frenzy. Not surprising as the ambitious musician eventually shared the stage with everyone from Prince and Wynton Marsalis, to George Benson and Brian McKnight. Fast-forward to a 1 Billboard Contemporary Jazz hit and several more top ten’s, and the votes are in – Eric Darius continues to be a force that is unequaled in today’s new musical landscape. The Tampa-based urban instrumentalist, producer and composer further solidifies his place as one of contemporary music’s brightest stars with his Shanachie Entertainment debut, ON A MISSION, due out on June 29, 2010.
Eric Darius’ Haitian/Jamaican roots run deep, bringing his passion and resolve into clear focus… he’s ON A MISSION. Highlights include his profoundly personal and emotion-filled “My Prayer for Haiti” and inspiring tracks like the sun-drenched reggae number “Back to My Roots” and the electrifying dance mix, “Let’s Go”. The new project features Darius’ stunning chops with an introspective take on Herbie Hancock’s classic “Butterfly”, joined by trumpet veteran, Rick Braun.
ON A MISSION is without a doubt his finest effort yet, joined by an A-list of heavyweights from across the music industry, including five distinctive producers; Rex Rideout (Ledisi, Angie Stone, Jill Scott and Luther Vandross), R&B/Hip Hop producer Micah Otano, Chris Andrew, James Lloyd (Najee, Pieces of a Dream) and Rohan Reid (Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley’s Wailers). The album was mixed by award winning producer and engineer Peter Mokran, whose collaborators include Michael Jackson, Prince, R. Kelly, Christina Aguilera, Snoop Dogg, and the legendary Quincy Jones.
“Contemporary jazz is the genre that has fueled my early success, but I’m ON A MISSION to celebrate every style of music from Jazz, R&B, Pop and Reggae to Hip-Hop, Rock and Gospel. “I want my music to be a vehicle for change, transcending all boundaries regardless of age or race. I believe my music can make a difference in the world,” says Darius with his warm, trademark smile.
