Artist description TRANSCENDENTAL FUNK Music should be a journey where you explore your emotions in various ways. Whether it is played fast and loud or soft and deliberate, every note should take you to places you thought you could never experience. Transcendental Funk brings together different musical elements that take your soul on an unforgettable ride. Founded in 1996 in Atlanta, GA, Transcendental Funk has smoothed its way onto the local jazz music scene. With songwriter/saxophonist extraordinaire DeWayne Martin as the band's visionary, this phenomenon started off small - only playing for the entire world to see in the 1996 Summer Olympics. During those magical two weeks, the band played host to singer/songwriter and percussionist Vinx. Also, the band was joined by J-Dub of Def Jam Music who served as their keyboardist during these performances. From their "humble" beginnings with the Olympics, Transcendental Funk continued their ascension by playing with such notable artists as Wayman Tisdale and Jay Spencer in 1997. Transcendental Funk continued to hone their skills and their sound through a number of local performances. Martin, the fiery saxophonist/band leader whose influences include Grover Washington, Jr. and Miles Davis, continued to work hard to put Transcendental Funk on the map. In 1998, Martin teamed up with a tremendous talent from Chicago named Alexander J. Lattimore who brought exciting contributions to the group as a songwriter, arranger, lead vocalist, and instrumentalist. Lattimore blends R & B roots with jazz flavors in the influential styles of Luther Vandross and Will Downing. Collectively, Martin and Lattimore bring together a wealth of experience. From opening for Earl Klugh and Tina Turner to being on stage with The Rippingtons, Groove Collective, and Roy Ayers, Martin and Lattimore have come to the table with their plates full of experience, knowledge and love for their craft. On this forthcoming project entitled "Transcontinental," both Martin and Lattimore create a masculine, savvy approach to the ballads "The Reason I Love" and "Paradise " that would make any two single minds find common ground. Lattimore is noted for his powerful, yet subtle and sweet, yet emotional vocal lines while Martin captures listeners with his melting prowess of melodic curvetures and groove-oriented riffs in the more up-tempo songs. Currently, Transcendental Funk is releasing their recent recording of a smooth jazz styled tune entitled "Lullaby." Previously featured on Atlanta's premier jazz station, WCLK (91.9 FM), this enticing love ballad is sure to be a hit as Transcendental Funk makes its debut on the jazz scene. This song will follow in the tradition of Transcendental Funk, a powerful entity whose stylish and emotional music is soulful and deeply rooted in the jazz tradition. Having most recently played with R&B sensation Luther Vandross, Transcendental Funk is on their way to being a force to be reckoned with across the globe.

Music Style Contemporary Jazz/R&B

Musical Influences Luther Vandross,Will Downing,Grover Washington Jr. Marcus Miller,John Coltrane

Similar Artists A cross between Will Downing and John Coltrane

Artist History TRANSCENDENTAL FUNK BIO-FACTS (Group founded in 1996. Members: DeWayne Martin & Alexander Lattimore) May 1996 Summer Olympics Atlanta, GA Ø Played host to singer/songwriter and percussionist Vinx for a show that ran for two weeks. January 1997 Catfish Station Atlanta, GA Ø Played host to contemporary jazz bassist Wayman Tisdale for two performances. May 1997 Lakewood Amphitheater Atlanta, GA Ø Opening act for Tina Turner. January 1998 Variety Playhouse Atlanta, GA Ø Opening act for European Soul groups Groove Collective and D-Influence. June 1998 Bally's Casino Riverboat New Orleans, LA Ø Opening act for contemporary jazz group The Rippingtons. October 1998 Crowe's Nest Megaplex College Park, GA Ø Accompanied by singer/songwriter India.Arie. July 1999 Bally's Casino Riverboat New Orleans, LA Ø Opening act for American R & B Funk group Cameo. November 1999 Center Stage Atlanta, GA Ø Opening act for Groove Collective. February/April 2000 Yin Yang Café Atlanta, GA Ø Accompanied by contemporary jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers. May 2001 Deux Plex Atlanta, GA Ø Accompanied by singer/songwriter Luther Vandross. May 2002 MJQ Atlanta, GA * Premier solo act/CD Release Party June 2002 MJQ Atlanta, GA * Opening act for jazz bassist Marcus Miller

Group Members Alexander J. Lattimore, DeWayne Martin

Instruments Co-writer/tenor saxophone:Dewayne Martin--Co-writer/vocals/trumpet:Alexander J. Lattimore

Albums Listening Pleasure (2002)

Press Reviews Featured in Creative Loafing as best live band to dance to by Ryan Cameron's Personal Pick. Atlanta,GA.--2000

Location Atlanta, Georgia - USA

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