Artist description Marcia Davis & Outro The New York based international reggae band, Marcia Davis & Outro, was originally formed by former bandmates Kofi Bannerman, David Delgado, and Marcia Davis, in 1999 as an ofshoot of the band, The Cornerstones. Born in England to Jamaican parents, lead singer and songwriter Marcia Davis has had her roots steeped in reggae music. Encouraged from an early age by her family members which include cousin Burro Banton of "Boom Wha Dis" fame, Ms. Davis has continuously strived to embrace and enhance the quality of reggae music. With the addition of Carla Kelly and Simone Gordon and recently Debbie Bennett as back-up vocalists, the band now features some of the most dynamic and crucial female reggae voices in the industry. Their vibrant and fresh music, coupled with Ms. Davis' sweet yet sonorous contralto, enabled the newly formed band to become successful, playing popular New York venues such as Lion's Den, Joe's Pub, Shine and the renowned SOB's. As their popularity grew, promoters soon called upon them to open for some of reggae's most prolific artists including The Abyssinians, Gregory Isaacs, and Burning Spear. The band is comprised of eight members of many nationalities from Kingston, Jamaica to Tokyo, Japan. Their self titled mini-album, "Marcia Davis & Outro", features 4 of their most popular songs and is available for sale via Outro, Inc. The band members are: Marcia Davis - Lead Vocalist/songwriter Carla Kelly, Simone Gordon & Debbie Bennett - Background Vocals Abda - Bass Neil Sanders - Drums Yasto Taga and featuring Norman "Smurph" Murphy - Guitars Robert Mansfield - Keyboards For bookings, performance schedule and CD's please contact Outro, Inc. at: 718-241-2662 or 646-281-1117

Music Style International Roots Reggae

Musical Influences Studio one, Roots Reggae, English Lovers

Artist History Lead Singer/songwriter MARCIA DAVIS was born in Liverpool, England. There she attended theatre school were she honed both her acting and singing skills and performed in a number of theatrical productions. She created and ran the Catalyst Dance & Drama program for inner city youth and her first play as a writer "Ella" was performed at both the nationally acclaimed Everyman & Liverpool Playhouse theatres. Ms. Davis emmigrated to the US in 1987 and after taking time off to raise her family, began pursuing her vocation once more. She met former band mates David Delgado at a band audition and later bassman Kofi Bannerman. Together they formed a unit named "The Cornerstones" which, after Kofi and David’s departure and many additions to the "family", became known as MARCIA DAVIS & OUTRO. New bass man, ABDA is a native of Greneda, West Indies. He emmigrated to the US in the early 80's. Where he firmly established himself with the band Spice Roots. Opening successfully for major acts like Third World and Steel Pulse, the band was constantly bombarded with requests to back most of the touring reggae artists such as Admiral Baily, Frankie Paul, Tinga and Roman Stewart and Lt. Stitchie. Abda's reputation as the "Ace of Bass" is one to be reckoned with.YASTO TAGA, Lead Guitarist, hails from Japan. His illustrious career includes performances with some of the reggae greats including Frankie Paul, Sammy Dread and the roots band SoulJahs, where he was noted by his peers for his striking guitar licks. Yasto also performs with the harmony band 5 out of 12. SIMONE GORDON (vocals) emigrated at an early age from Kingson, Jamaica to Miami, Florida, there she began her training in singing and acting. Before entering the reggae arena, Simone, a veritable multi octave singer,could be seen performing in various off broadway and regional theatrical productions, including the highly acclaimed "Rent". Simone is enjoying "coming back to her roots" in joining Marcia Davis & Outro and her unique style gives MD&O another level to appreciate. CARLA KELLY (vocals) is a native New Yorker. Born in the Bronx she studied vocal music at LaGuardia Performing Arts School, where she received extensive training in classical and jazz music. Carla also sings with the neo-soul group "Heavy" and has written a collection of material for her solo project. She joined MD&O in November 2001 and brings her r&b/soul flavour with verve and panache. DEBBIE BENNETT hails from Montego Bay, Jamaica. During her musical career, Debbie has sang on the Jamaican hotel circuit, performing cabaret. Among her musical skills Debbie is also a proficient drummer. Now the newest member, her excellent vocal skills and sunny personality vibes well with MD&O. NORMAN "SMURPH" MURPHY features on rhythm guitar. Known on the circuit as ORIGINAL SMURPH, Norman, a consumate singer, musician and sing-jay, performs on a regular basis throughout the Tri-State region. Drummer NEIL SANDERS is the band's theoretical and practical genius, a newcomer, Neil has made his presence known in the band with a great big BANG! He has recorded with gospel great, Rev. Hessakiah Walker among other prominent gospel bands. He has explored various styles of music and has chosen the reggae field in which to excell. Neil is majoring in music theory at Rutgers University. Keyboardist ROBERT MANSFIELD is known throughout the New York area as "Dubwise". He made his bones in the early eighties playing for reggae great Pablo Moses among others. Robert's melodious arrangements and conscious heartical vibe are now a staple part of the Marcia Davis & Outro experience.

Group Members Marcia Davis - Lead vocal/songwriter, Simone Gordon - vocals, Carla Kelly – vocals, Debbie Bennett – vocals, Yasto Taga - Lead Guitar, Abda - Bass, Neil Sanders - Drums, Robert Mansfield - Keys, and featuring Norman "Smurph" Murphy - Rhythm Guitar.

Albums Marcia Davis & Outro - mini album

Location Brooklyn, New York - USA

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