Today we’d like to introduce you to Higher Level Band.
Hello Higher Level Band, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From weddings, parties, restaurants, and bars to large corporate events and international stages in the US, the Caribbean, and the Persian Gulf, the Higher Level Band “experience” is perfectly reflected in its name. Doing the bare minimum, giving the status quo, or phoning it in is never an option. This band does it all at a “higher level”. A higher level of entertainment and showmanship, of business and professionalism, and musicality and presentation.
Wowing audiences wherever they play, this band has quickly risen to the top of the Bahamian entertainment industry as the go-to entity for quality musical products and exhilarating live shows. Meet the Bahamas’ own, Higher Level Band.
Since its origin in the early 2000s, the name and entity, “Higher Level”, has made its way through several iterations and components to find a resting place in the beloved collective we know today. Made up of Co-leaders Samuel Murphy (Drums/Audio), and JD Stewart (Keys/Vocals), the band possesses highly skilled musicians and technicians, all contributing to its edge in the music industry. Other members include Anja Bowe (Lead Vocalist), Jamaine Johnson (Bass Guitar), Javon Taylor (Keys/Arranger), and the music veteran Colyn McDonald (Lead Guitar/Vocalist).
Behind the scenes assisting the team is Rashad McPhee (Sound Engineer). The Higher Level Band boasts many a member passing through its ranks from inception to the present day, yet the entrancing sound honed by today’s band can only be attributed to the individual elements presently producing it. Higher Level’s music is undeniable. Its vibe is electric. Once you experience it, you can’t help but participate in the excitement brewed by this one-of-a-kind group.
Having gathered from the corners of the Bahamian music scene, the members of Higher Level were incubated and cultivated in the churches and numerous live bands and stages that dot the map of our bejeweled island archipelago. From Abaco to Exuma they assembled to create “greatness”. Originating out of live bands like Page 99, Xtra Band, All 4 One, Jukebox Live, The Falcons, and Visage, they converged on the musical force known as Ira Storr & The Spank Band; It’s through the Spank Band that this family of musicians came together, developed their sound and now.
Having migrated from their native musical habitats, magnetized to the united goals of raising the bar of musicianship, affecting positive change in entertainment business practices, and revolutionizing our present Bahamian entertainment landscape, to take a superior Bahamian cultural product to the whole world. Consequently, through the catalyst of the world’s most recent health crisis in the form of the Global Pandemic, the members transitioned into the Higher Level Band and now make a name for themselves as one of the Bahamas’ top-up and-coming bands.
During its quick rise to prominence, the Higher Level Band served as backing band for many, if not most recording artists that presently make up the Bahamian Music scene: Geno D, Phil Stubbs, D-Mac, Lady E, Ira Storr, Avvy, Funky D, Blaudy, Veronica Bishop, Sweet Emily, KB, Stileeto, Simeon Outten, Nishi L.S, Alia Coley, Rik Carey, Dyson Knight and Wendi are just some of the many recording artists to which Higher Level Band has accompanied.
International recording artists also make up the list of persons with which the Higher Level Band, individually and collectively, have either accompanied or shared stages. They include Ricardo Dru, Kim Burrell, Bebe Winans, Debbie Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Margaret Bell, Denise Belfon, Tarrus Riley, Bunji Garlin, and Phylissia Ross, just to name a few. Gracing the stages of the Bahamas Independence Celebrations on multiple occasions, Sir Sidney Poitier Memorial Tribute, the World Expo 2020 in Dubai as well as many other regattas, homecomings, and festivals (i.e. Best of the Best and Junkanoo Summer Festival) make up small portion of the wealth of experience garnered by this outstanding group.
The Higher Level Band also boasts a client list ranging from major resorts like Atlantis and BahaMar, to large local companies like BTC, as well as our very own government, (Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, and The Bahamas Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture). You can rest assured, that whenever called to stage, The Higher Level Band will always deliver an awesomely energetic, engaging, entertaining, and professional show.
Covering many music genres, the Higher Level Band specializes in the indigenous sound of the Bahamas in Rake’n’Scrape and Junkanoo while other genres include Reggae, Soca, Calypso, R&B, Soul, Afro Beat, Jazz, Oldies, Pop, Hip-Hop and Rock. The band is not relegated to these genres alone but tackles any client’s music and entertainment needs whenever the job calls for it.
The Higher Level band expects to release future recording projects as well as keep its seat as the elite band of choice for all the Bahamas’ top events. “Whenever you call on The Higher Level Band, you can rest assured, they will entertain at a higher level.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, yet the band has weathered each storm that came its way and is still an elite force to reckon with.
Higher Level Band experiences its share of misunderstandings, varying opinions, and personality differences, but the band’s grouping of easygoing individuals, determined to work through its interpersonal and business differences with patience, understanding, and fostered familial bonds, keep the issues to a minimum and camaraderie a top priority.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We are a cover band residing in The Bahamas.
We specialize in performing Bahamian music (i.e. Rake’n’Scrape and Junkanoo) as well as being able to play many genres of music for a diverse array of occasions and events. We are known for our distinct and professional sound no matter the performance.
We are most proud of the opportunities we get to perform our native Bahamian music in our travels, putting our country on display for the world to see. We always seek to represent our country to the best of our ability.
Our undeniably tireless and perfectionist work ethic drives us to always do better.
How do you define success?
Success is the accomplishment of whatever one sets their mind to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.instagram.com/higherlevelband
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/higherlevelband
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@higherlevelband
