Bio Perhaps you’ve seen or heard of them, but one thing is for sure, they have one of the most exquisite amalgamations of musical talent that the island of Jamaica has seen in a long time. Originally referred to as Sentimental Touch in the ‘jazz world’, C-Sharp came together in December 2001 with core members, Aeion “Yaaka” Hoilett, Dwain “Wiya” Campbell and Ordean “Bingy” Francis while studying at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. All hailing from the North Coast, the group began their journey in the renowned “Room 13” at the college, ‘jamming’ for hours after classes. Needing to satisfy their insatiable appetite for playing music, during the first two years of coming together, the guys played at weddings, school concerts and many other small events once the opportunity arose. During this time guitarist Lamont “Monty” Savory joined the group and C-Sharp formed alliances with great musical influences such as Ibo Cooper, of the famed Third World Band, that would later on prove very influential in their becoming the renowned group they are today. In perfecting their sound C Sharp changed faces by welcoming Randevon “Randy” Patrick as new drummer, and Chevaughn Clayton with his dynamic vocal skills as lead singer, both bringing a solid sound to an already eclectic five-man band. C-Sharp has evolved dramatically as the members either changed or became more committed to their calling as musicians. In six years they boost an impressive resume, having toured over fourteen European countries including France, Italy, and Germany and have represented the island in Suriname at The Caribbean Festival of the Arts (Carifesta) in 2003. Along with performing at Carifesta, the group was invited to share in Haiti’s milestone of 200th year of Independence in early January 2004 then in 2005 represented the country and reggae music at the Jamaican Independence Celebration held in Beijing China. . The group has worked closely with phenomenal; artistes such as Third World’s Ibo Cooper, Gospel Sweethearts Robert and Jenieve Bailey, Taurus Riley, Abijah, Queen Omega, Turbulence and were the touring band for Reggae artistes Tony Rebel and Queen Ifrica. They were the opening act for Rita Marley in Germany and Hungary during the summer of 2005. In February 2006 C-Sharp worked as opening act for the I Three singers in Ghana Africa. C-Sharp made a debut of some of their best tracks at Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest of 2005, showcasing a vibrant collection of sound and youthful melody. Their debut album “What a Day” graced the shelves in January 2006, clippings of which can be heard on their website, www.csharpmusic.net. The group’s hot new single “No More” released in 2007 is making a lasting impression on the air waves. The video has been released summer 2007 has been in the top 5 position on CVM’s Hit List. For 13 weeks. C-Sharp continues to tour, and as they build their musical reputation a Sentimental Touch is left with fans worldwide. Band Members Aeion Yaaka Hoilett (Bass Player) Like most musicians, Aeion, the last of four children, began his musical journey on the bandstand at his church in his hometown of Golden Grove St. Ann. He started out as a drummer and then moved on to play the organ. His fascination with the bass guitar started when he enrolled in the CLAJ (Caribbean Latin American Jazz) program at the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts, the Caribbean’s premiere arts college. While there he forged a lasting friendship with one of his greatest influences and incidentally also his tutor, Ibo Cooper of Third World Fame. Ibo became a mentor and a driving force behind much of his accomplishments. Lamont Monty Savory (Guitar Player) At the age of eight Monty developed his unwavering interest and passion for the guitar after seeing Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song” video. He would fashion his own guitar out of a sardine can, a piece of board and an elastic band. This resourcefulness continued until Monty discovered that his uncle owned a guitar. He would stop at his uncle’s house after church every Sunday to hear him play the G-Major scale which at the time rendered his uncle the greatest guitarist that he had ever heard. Monty’s passion for music continued throughout high school and upon graduation Monty decided that he wanted to learn more about the guitar and auditioned for the CLAJ (Caribbean Latin American Jazz) Program at the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts where he later met the other members of the band. Randevon Randy Patrick (Drummer) Randy discovered his talent for playing music at the age of six when he would make guitars from sardine cans, board and fishing lines. As he got older he learned to play the bass, which he played at church but later on committed to playing the drum which he felt most comfortable with. Graduating from the Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts in 2001, Randy started teaching at the Seaforth High School but soon became disenchanted , so when the position later opened up for a drummer in the C-Sharp band he quickly jumped at the opportunity to play with them. He relinquished his position at Seaforth High School to play music full time and hasn’t looked back since. Dwain Wiya Campbell (Keyboard Player) Growing up in a musical family, it was hard for Dwain to steer away from music as a career option. Every member of his family either sang or played a musical instrument, some did both. Dwain would play at church in his hometown in St. Mary. From the drums to the guitar to the bass, Dwain was no stranger to musical instruments. He however became fascinated with the keyboard only a few months before enrolling at The Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. He had a long standing passion to play an instrument that would give him the dexterity to sing and play at the same time, for him the keyboard seemed the obvious choice. For Dwain, the keyboard is a treasure trove with resources yet to be explored. Chevaughn Clayton (Lead Vocalist) Chevaughn’s musical journey, like most of his colleagues, started while growing up in church. Chevaughn started out as a drummer but would sing occasionally as well. Over the years he found that most persons would approach him to perform as a singer rather than as a drummer (though this did not say anything about his prowess as a drummer). He decided that he would capitalize on his singing potential and in 1997 entered the Tastee talent competition and won. In the same year he entered the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Festival and won; a title which he defended and held for 3 consecutive years (1997-2000). In January 2002, Chevaughn auditioned for a part in the Father HoLung and Friends ensemble and was welcomed to the group. Ashe, then in need of a drummer, approached Chevaughn and asked him to join the group. They later learned that he was an impeccable vocalist and asked him to audition for a new position, which not surprisingly he got. Throughout this time Chevaughn had been sharing stages with members of CSharp and when the band found itself in need of a new lead vocalist he was their first choice. So in August 2006, Chevaughn officially joined the band as lead vocalist. This coming together of Musical talents has touched many lives. For those who have had a personal experience with C-Sharp, you may have an idea as to what to expect. However for those who have never really met them, let us first start by welcoming you to CSharp’s World. From this point on, we can guarantee that you will have an experience that you may not be able to comprehend let alone explain. Here now we give you an opportunity to build a relationship with the band and their music. So fasten your safety belts as we travel through the musical halls, giving you a taste of what is and a preview of what is to come…….