Out of Brooklynemerges crowd pleaser, The Seal Breakers. Formed in 2001, the talented bandcombines diverse personalities and different backgrounds to offer a unified showmanship with the soul-stirring sonics of brass, gospel, R&B, and Hip Hop.The Seal Breakers (initially called the Eagles Brass Band) came about when their visionary founder, Craig Williams, wanted to create music reminiscent of what he heard in his church—as well as inspiration from bands like The Ohio Players, Chicago, and Sly and the Family Stone. A native of Bed-Stuy at a time when Hip Hop culture was taking prominence, Williams took his skills as a musician and entrepreneur and added them to his vision of enriching the lives of youths from his community—resulting in this remarkable seven-member ensemble called The Seal Breakers.
Having written, produced, and performed with many notable artists in the 90’s such as Notorious B.I.G., as well as music executive Stanley Brown on the New Jack City soundtrack; founder Craig Williams started out working throughout the Hip Hop arena.After honing his own talents over the years while building a career in the industry,Williams took a handful of teenagers from his Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood under his wing and taught them how to play brass horns and perform.The youths brought immense talent along with all the challenges and troubles that come with urban life. Yet through those obstacles, they still learned to use brass horns, keyboards, guitars, percussion, and amazing vocals to bring listeners to their dancing feet.Their tight rehearsal regimen and the discipline they employed in the early days of the band also created a haven for them as individuals, providing alternatives to the streets—like when a mandatory rehearsal saved a player from a bullet that killed his best friend. Success stories include a member that went on to study at Medgar Evers College on a music scholarship, while others became students at Johnson C. Smith and Berklee School of Music in Boston.
“Brooklyn”, the band’s breakout song and video introduced their self-styled “Hip-Pop-Soul” to the world in what is an uplifting tribute to the borough. Rich with horns and powerful vocals, the song caught the attention of WBLS’ program director that praised it and added it to rotation.Their music presents something for all ages and backgrounds and their EP entitled “Life as We Know It”, features a return to the alluring feel of classic R&B with the edginess of Hip Hop. The band effortlessly blends percussion, bass, piano, sax, trumpets, trombones, lyrics, and powerhouse vocals into a collection of dance floor tracks and feel-good anthems.
Broadening their audiences worldwide, with their music played as far as France; the band has also performed and/or record with many notable soul, jazz, and gospel artists nationally and internationally. Standout projects include the 2007 soundtrack for a documentary film “Bowl of Dreams” The group frequently travels throughout the U.S. playing at festivals, colleges/universities, and civic functions—spreading the message of love and hope through music. With the eclectic blending of R&B, a spoonful of Hip Hop, and a healthy dose of Gospel, The Seal Breakers continues their mission to entertain, inspire, and educate through their music.
Their music is found on ITunes and all other online retailers.
LINKS:
http://thesealbreakers.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Seal-Breakers/151126574968590
http://twitter.com/TheSealBreakers