Jazz/soul/funk/fusion band founded by Navasha Daya (vocals) and James Collins (keyboards), with Marcus Asante (drums). They released debut album “Field Songs” on their independent Blackout label to critical acclaim. The group performed the local college circuit and night clubs. Their popularity grew in Baltimore and, on the strength of their record releases, spread through the east coast and worldwide. Subsequent members included Joel Mills (guitar), Mark Prince (drums), Craig Alston (tenor sax), Freddie Dunn (trumpet), and Ekendra Das (percussion).
Local shows at Pier Six with Frankie Beverly & Maze, 9:30 Club (DC), Blues Alley (DC)… They have shared stages with Wynton Marsalis, Hugh Masekela, Chaka Khan, and many others. Their song “Lover Man” was included on the “Invisible Sound Studios Sampler Vol. 1” CD.
Dunn also plays with Lafayette Gilchrist’s New Volcanoes…
Fertile Ground CD releases:
1998(CD) Blackout Field Songs
2000(CD) Blackout Spiritual War
2002(CD) Blackout Seasons Change
2004(CD) Blackout Black Is…
