The Lion’s Den & Liner Notes

The Lion’s Den

Can be found:

Itunes

GooglePlay

CdBaby

Amazon

The “Lion’s Den” was released in 2015

Pre-Production was done at R Street Studios (Holly Bayhnumn engineer) in Washington, DC

Production was done at House Studio DC (Jake Grotticelli engineer) in Hyattsville, MD

Mastering – Kyle Murdock

Spain:

Arranged: Aaron Myers

Song by: Chick Corea / Al Jarreau 

 

So, who takes a jazz standard by the great Chick Corea, and puts a 21st century spin on it including: Opera, Jazz & Rap?  This dude!  We’ve taken Spain and incorporated the original Spanish language from the Concerto de Aranjuez sung by Aundi Marie Moore (who blew everyone away in the studio), combined it with the lyrics from Al Jarreau sung by Aaron Myers, adding the realness of rap by Pacman Slim, bringing the whole story together.  

Tyler Leak (Drums)

Dave Kane (piano)

Percy White (Bass)

Aundi Marie Moore (Soprano Vocals)

Pacman Slim (Rapper)

Aaron Myers (Voice)

Herb Scott (Saxaphone)

Aaron’s Blues

Composed & Arranged by Aaron Myers

 

This blues came by accident.  For years when I sang at the Black Fox Lounge, I was asked to sing a blues to open up my shows (mostly for sound check purposes).  After a while, I developed some consistent lyrics that stuck.  After a few years, my pianist (Oren Levine) suggested I go ahead and record it before someone else did…so here it is!  My blues or “Aaron’s Blues.”

Aaron Myers (Vocals)

Ollie Wright (Piano)

Percy White (Drums)

Warren G. Crudup (Drums)

Herb Scott (Alto Saxaphone)

Lionel Lyles (Tenor Saxaphone)

Almost Like Being in Love

Composed By: Frederick Loewe 

Lyrics by: Alan Jay Lerner

Arranged By Aaron Myers

I first heard Sammy Davis Jr. sing this song and fell in love.  Then year after year, I heard other legendary singers add their spin to this song.  I attempted to sing this song at one of my shows, and to my surprise I could see many people moving their lips to the song…I wasn’t alone, it was their favorite too.  On this project, I decided to add my interpretation, with a  mixture of Jazz & Soul.

Aaron Myers (Vocals)

Lionel Lyles (Tenor Sax)

Ollie Wright (Piano)

Waren G. Crudup (Drums)

Percy White (Bass)

One More Minute

Written/Arrange by Aaron Myers

This song was written about how I would imagine the situation would go if I were about to leave a significant other.  How I would imagine I would feel during that process, one more minute, one last time.  After living through these words, I must agree that my assumption was true, but it surpasses just intimate relations with others…but with many close friends and family members..we all want one more minute, before we have to say goodbye.  That is, if the love is true.

Aaron Myers (Vocals)

Lionel Lyles (Tenor Sax)

Ollie Wright (Piano)

Waren G. Crudup (Drums)

Percy White (Bass)

Percy’s Intro

Aaron Myers & Percy White

 

I‘ve known Percy for years now, he knows my deepest darkest secrets, and if I decide to run for President, he’d have to be my Vice-President so that my secrets will stay safe.  This is not our first rodeo!

Why I Sing the Blues

Written /Arranged by Percy White

 

This is ONLY A SONG as stated by Percy.  I will not profess the same for me.

 

Aaron Myers (Vocals)

Ollie Wright (Piano)

Waren G. Crudup (Drums)

Percy White (Bass)

The Conversation

Aaron Myers & Geneva Renee

Geneva has a voice as I’ve described it, “when Disney met God!”  We’re both Leo’s and at times, we get into a mess of trouble together, but we make such good music together as well.   This conversation is a conversation we’ve had many times…on both sides.  One day we’ll find “THAT” special someone.  I’m sure her Prince will come soon!

Strong Confident Woman

Written by Aaron Myers & Geneva Renee

Arranged by Aaron Myers

This song was inspired by one of the strongest girls I’d ever met in College.  “MK” (for short) stood her ground, stuck to her morals, and did not take any crap from the college boys (or men).  She befriended me, and did not hesitate to call me on my crap when I needed it, but also with her beautiful voice, offered me a shoulder to cry on at times, but believed in me.  MK…you’ll always have my heart!

 

Geneva Renee (Vocals)

Herb Scott (Alto Sax)

Ollie Wright (Piano)

Tyler Leak (Drums)

Percy White (Bass)

Black Lives Matter

Written & Arranged by Aaron Myers

 

This song is very simple.  BLACK LIVES MATTER!  I’m BLACK and BEAUTIFUL.  I was born Black and will die BLACK.  It is my hope that my life and death will not be determined BECAUSE of my color by society, but by my creator, in which according to some documents, I (and other Black people) have the right to LIVE.  It is my goal to DIE of NATURAL CAUSES…and not by the result of a bullet, strangle hold, or altercation with law enforcement of any kind.   #BlackLivesMatter   

Aaron Myers (Vocals)

Pacman Slim (Rapper)

Herb Scott (Alto Sax)

Lionel Lyles (Tenor Sax)

Ollie Wright (Piano)

Tyler Leak (Drums)

Percy White (Bass)

 

Dedication

Aaron Myers

Marvin Dunaway (Haywood) was and will always remain a friend.  I do not believe death ends friendship.  He took me in as a friend and was a true friend.  Also a Leo, he had spice, and had some of the best comeback lines I’ve ever heard.  One of my only friends who didn’t drink, but didn’t need it to have a great time.  To my knowledge, he didn’t have any enemies.  A gentle soul, and a great example of what a man should be,

 

Winter Ray

Written & Arranged by Aaron Myers

 

Winter Ray was written as I sat at my piano and watched the snow fall.  I tried to capture my feelings of loving the snow, but hating the cold.  Of loving the snow, but missing my family and the warmth of Texas.  Of loving the snow, but worried about those who could not actually be indoors in a safe space.  Of loving the snow, and still worried about those sliding across the ice in their cars.  Winter Ray is the first instrumental I’ve written and I was able to witness how the notes were interpreted by others.   

Dave Kane (Piano)

Tyler Leak (Drums)

Percy White (Bass)

Herb Scott (Alto Sax)

Lionel Lyles (Tenor Sax)

O How I Love Jesus

Written By: Fredrick Whitfield

Arranged by Aaron Myers

This song I dedicated to my Grandmother Velma Sanders.  She was in my first audience, and listened to me play this song on her upright piano for more hours than I could mention and she never complained.  She was a soul that possessed so much light, could ease the tension of any moment with a smile, and could make you feel safe with a simple embrace.  Because she was, I am.

Aaron Myers (Vocals & Piano)

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Jazz Vocalist Aaron Myers at Mr. Henry’s

Washington, District of Columbia September 22 — Friday night, patrons will be entertained by Jazz Vocalist Aaron Myers at Mr Henry’s Restaurant at his monthly Fourth Friday Jazz Show.  This show will be unique as he will be celebrating the release of his new album “The Lion’s Den” that will be released digitally October 2nd.  Physical “Pre-Release” copies of the project will be available for purchase at this time.

“Working with Mr. Henry’s has been a great experience,” Myers said. “It’s good to be apart of programming that continues a long tradition of jazz and live music.”

Myers debuted music from his new album “The Lion’s Den” September 9th at Blues Alley.  To a packed house, he introduced his version of “I Can Recall,” a vocal version of Chick Corea’s “Spain” with noted soprano Aundi Marie Moore and rapper Pacman Slim.   Myers will also kick off his Friday show with a blues he’s sang for years affectionately called “Aaron”s Blues” that is also included on the project.

A staple on the DC Jazz scene, Myers brought his show to Mr. Henry’s in June after the closing of the Black Fox Lounge where he served as Resident Artist for five years.  Now Resident Artist at Mr. Henry’s, he also serves as one of hosts of the Capitol Hill Jazz Jam every Wednesday night from 8pm – 11pm which was launched by saxophonist Herb Scott.  Mr. Henry’s will be introducing a new feature to the popular Friday and Saturday night jazz shows, a reservation component that will offer a special dinner menu and preferred seating.  This added element is unique and a fresh addition to typical no cover live music shows.

“I’m an independent artist that takes great pride in his art,” Myers said. “This venue respects that and we’ve worked hard to ensure that every aspect of the show experience is elevated, from the plate to the performance!”  Mr. Henry’s has served the community since 1966, known as the launching pad for artists such as Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway.

Aaron Myers, known as the “Class Act” and currently ranked the number one Jazz artist in DC on the Reverbnation Jazz Charts, brings his show to Mr. Henry’s the fourth Friday of every month.  Selected Best Singer in the Washington City Paper’s “Best of DC Readers Poll” for 2015, Myers has currently been selected as a contender in The Blade’s Best of Gay DC Readers Poll as “Best Singer of a Band,” an honor he’s very proud of.  Through his partnerships with charities, businesses, and politics, Myers has made an impression on the District that merges art with activism.  Visit his website at www.aaron2.me for more information.

Friday Night 9/25: Mr. Henry’s Restaurant 8pm (no cover) (No Cover – any questions email aaronmyers@aaron2.me) “The Lion’s Den” will be released on iTunes/GooglePlay/Amazon October 2nd.

Jazz Vocalist Aaron Myers Releases New Album “The Lion’s Den”

Washington, District of Columbia September 16th — After months of preparation and recording, Jazz Vocalist Aaron Myers announces the release of his new album “The Lion’s Den” that will be released October 2nd.  Digital copies are already being pre-ordered on Amazon, with the option to pre-order on iTunes and GooglePlay being available within the next week.

“Completing this album has not been an easy task!” said Myers, “But the product is something I’m proud of and displays the true collaboration between genres.”  “The Lion’s Den” offers everything from the song “Black Lives Matter” dedicated to the activists of today to a touching tribute to his grandmother Velma Sanders on the last track of the album.

Myers took a path that many independent artists are taking, he supported this project through the Crowdfunding site GoFundMe.  Crowdfunding is the practice of raising small amounts of money from large numbers of people, typically via the internet.  “I was told not to bother trying to crowdfund for a Jazz album because there was not enough support for the genre, so the pressure was really on!”  Exceeding his goal of $3500, Myers used the money to help complete his project at House Studio DC. House Studio engineer Jake “Vicious” Grotticelli stated, “Aaron Myers is an enigmatic entertainer.  From his writing, to his singing, to his playing and arranging, Aaron really took this project somewhere special.  It is an amazing project, and I was honored to be involved in a small piece.  It’s the kind of album where you will hear something new and great each time you listen.”

“Most people try to stay in their lane either musically, financially, personally, whatever it is.  That’s their comfort zone.” said Percy White, bassist on the project.  “When I asked Aaron about venturing out of his lane, he said you don’t have to stay in your lane when you own the road.  I believe he will own whatever road he goes down.  He is my friend and I will be right there with him…enjoying the ride whether he owns the road or is simply passing through.”  Myers honed is craft in the church growing up in Goodlow, Texas, a town of only 312 people at the time.  He took his love for music with him as he entered the Army and then on to Los Angeles, where he started working in entertainment.

Teaming up with other area musicians, Myers reached across genre boundaries tagging noted soprano Aundi Marie Moore and rapper Pacman Slim to join him for his rendition of “I Can Recall” or “Spain” known instrumentally by others.  “The Album is an experience waiting to happen from beginning to end” said Pacman Slim.  “Aaron Myers is a fantastic artist and it’s truly an honor to be apart of this project” said Moore.  Washington’s own Herb Scott, noted Saxophonist and founder of the Capitol Hill Jazz Jam whose featured on the project stated, “Aaron’s music is deeply rooted in the soulful gospel tradition that is the backbone of jazz and that’s why I like working with him.  He’s so warm and inviting, just like his music.

“When you’re working with musicians you like, fun is only the beginning.  Anything else that follows is pure magic” stated Myers.  “The Lion’s Den” is set to be released digitally October 2nd on iTunes, Amazon, GooglePlay and other music streaming sites.  Physical copies will be available in locations specified by his website.

Aaron Myers, known as the “Class Act,” is a native Texan who relocated to DC 7 years ago, and has made DC his home now serving as the Resident Artist at the legendary Mr. Henry’s and Minister of Music at Covenant Baptist UCC. Through his partnerships with charities, businesses, and politics, Myers has made an impression on the District that merges art with activism.  Visit his website at www.aaron2.me for more information.

“The Lion’s Den” releases 10/2: Mr. Henry’s 9/25 8pm No Cover w/ pre-release CD’s available.

Aaron Myers’ “The Lion’s Den” Album Pre-Release at Blues Alley

Aaron Myers at Blues Alley. Taken by Darwyn Dave

Wednesday September 9th will find audiences crowding into Blues Alley for the return of local Jazz Artist Aaron Myers.  Patrons will be given the first chance to hear music from his new album “The Lion’s Den” and also be the first to purchase hard copies of project that is set to be released October 2nd.

“This album has a lot of creative, fun, jazz & fusion on it,” Myers said. “it’s been a rough year for me, all of my pain and joy is in the music!”

Myers has been been working at House Studio DC finishing his project “The Lion’s Den” which displays his talent as a composer, arranger, pianist and vocalist as he collaborates with opera singers, rappers, and many local jazz musicians.  Wednesday’s show will offer live collaborations and also unique arrangements that span from Jazz, Soul, R&B, to Broadway and Funk.

Since June, Myers has served as the resident artist at Mr. Henry’s on Capitol Hill, first home of Roberta Flack, and introduced such stars as Donny Hathaway and Luther Vandros.  As Resident Artist, Myers has a featured show at the venue the Fourth Friday of ever month and serves as one of the hosts for The Capitol Hill Jazz Jam.

“Last year we sold out the venue,” Myers said. “And I hope I have the opportunity to display my art to a love filled audience!”  Teamed with stellar musicians such as: Bassist Tarus Mateen, Pianist Dave Kane, Saxaphonist Herb Scott, and Drummer Tyler Leaks, audiences can expect the musicianship to be superb.

Aaron Myers, known as the “Class Act,” is a native Texan who relocated to DC 7 years ago, and has made it his home. Through his partnerships with charities, businesses, and politics, Myers has made an impression on the District that merges art with activism.  Visit his website at www.aaron2.me for more information.