Artist Bios

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Artist Bios

Mark Lomax, II

Drummer, Composer

Mark Lomax, II was born in Blacksburg, Virginia and showed early signs of his musical gifts. He started playing the drums at the age of 2 after his family relocated to Columbus, Ohio where he would play in churches from the age of 6. Having been called to the music ministry, Lomax has made it a point to express his heritage and spirituality through the music of jazz in the traditions of John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, and Ornette Coleman.

Informal study started with his mother, Cynthia Gowens who, herself, is an accomplished composer of gospel music suitable for young ages. She not only exposed Mark to a great deal of music of the religious sect, but also to jazz at an early age. Lomax next studied composition, arranging, and music ministry formally with Raymond Wise, an accomplished pianist, composer, and founder of the Center for the Gospel Arts where Mark now teaches. Lomax also studied at the Fort Hayes Performing Arts Program while in high school and continued his education at The Ohio State University where he is currently pursuing his bachelors in music education as well as a masters degree in Compositon.

Lomax feels very blessed to have played with many great musicians both locally and nationally having recently finished touring with Marlon Jordan. Mark has also worked with Clark Terry, Billy Harper, Ellis Marsallis, Bennie Maupin, Wessel Anderson, Victor Goines, Azar Lawrence, Gene Walker, Hank Marr, and Pharez Whitted, as well as various gospel choirs around the country.

Mark is most humbled by the gift of composition which he feels was given to him to communicate a message of true spirituality, oneness with God, and strong knowledge of self. He has penned over 150 compositions ranging in styles from Afro-Chamber Musik (jazz) to Gospel as well as modern European Classical music. His groups, Blacklist, The Mark Lomax Quartet, and the Trio, are the voices that communicate that message wherever Lomax performs.

LMark is also very proud of his beautiful wife Ruth and daughter Amirah.

Stephen Lomax

Saxophonist/Composer

This young saxophonist first started to play seriously at the age of 11. Primarily self-taught on the alto, and tenor horns, and flute, he has since grown into a very gifted improviser and promising composer. His major influences include John Coltrane, Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, Kenny Garrett, Victor Goines, and Wessel Anderson. Music has become a way of expression and escape for Stephen.

Stephen started playing in the Columbus Public School system (Columbus, Ohio) in 5th grade and has since made a name for himself on the local scene having played with some of Columbus' finest musicians. The local list includes pianists Kenny Banks, Lavell Bradford, and Bobby Floyd, trumpeter Pharez Whitted, and saxophonist Edwin Bayard. He has also played with well known musicians Clark Terry (Basie, Ellington), Victor Goines (Ellis Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Diane Reeves), and Wessel Anderson (Wynton Marsalis), Ron Westray (Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra), and Marcus Printup (Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra). Stephen is currently playing with a local Hip-hop jazz group called MSB, performing his own compositions as well as those of the other members in the band.

Stephen is already a respected musician in Columbus... we expect that he will soon be respected in America's Jazz scene as well.

Ansyn Banks

Trumpet, Arranger

Ansyn received his B.M. from Ohio Weslyan University, a Masters degree from Indiana University's School of Music and is currently pursuing a DMA in trumpet pedagogy at IU. Serving as an Associate instructor to I.U.'s African-American Arts Institute, he maintains an active teaching and performance schedule. Having studied with Bill Adam, Edmund Gord, Dr. Larry Griffin, and Jon Faddis, Ansyn has developed a sound foundation in the art of trumpet performance.

Edwin Bayard

Tenor Saxophonist

This very gifted, and exciting, reedman has been playing for over 10 years! In those very short years he has become one of the countries most talented young lions. He has toured Europe with various jazz groups, and has recently shared the stage with the likes of Marlon Jordan, Gary Bartz and Donald Byrd. Edwin has played with alto saxophonist Wes Anderson (Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra), the late great jazz vocalist Betty Carter, and trumpeter Pharez Whitted among others. His deep sense of self, history, and philosophical view of life permeates his music in a way that touches all who hear. Edwin Bayard is currently gearing up for his first recording as a leader as well as playing with various groups around the country.

Steven "Paco" Grier

Percussionist

Steve Grier's extensive professional career as a musician began during the 60's in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio playing with a percussion group comprised mostly of family members. This experience was interrupted by 2 years of service in the Navy during the Vietnam conflict. Sometimes addressed as "Paco," due to his association with the Latin bands in the Los Angeles area (60's), Grier has gained wide acceptance in the Jazz world. He has performed with Azar Lawrence (McCoy Tyner), three tours of Europe with international Jamaican jazz pianist, Monty Alexander, John Faddis (Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra), Clifford Jordan, Louie Bellson, Eddie Daniels, Arturo Sandoval, Tito Puente, and James Moody among others.

Currently "Paco" is performing with several notable jazz ensembles and big bands, as well as being called upon to accompany some of the most talented African-American poets in the Columbus area. This powerful percussionist brings a high level of excitement, spiritual intensity, and ethnicity to music that makes him a welcome addition to any musical situation.

William Menefield

Pianist/Composer

Pianist William Mennefield began his musical career on the cello at the age of 6 in his home town of Cincinnati, Ohio. Turning to the piano three years later, he’s never looked back! William has grown into one of the countries most exciting pianists in his generation. His playing includes influences such jazz masters as Wynton Kelly, Erroll Garner, Herbie Hancock, and McCoy Tyner, and it shows in his hard-swinging, highly expressive, and intense yet sensitive approach to jazz improvisation. This, a true young lion of the new generation of jazz, has lent his talents to such internationally known jazz artists as saxophonists Steve Wilson, and Don Braden, as well as local and regional artists trumpeter Mike Wade and drummer Melvin Broach. You can also hear William on his 2003 413 Records release “Will’s Revenge.”

Dean Hulett

Bassist/Composer

Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Dean Hulett has grown to an exceptional level of mastery on the bass over the last 13 years. Being one of only a few of his generation to achieve a sound that is his own, Hulett has the unique ability to ground the music as well as challenge and push the soloist and the ensemble to greater heights through his melodic and harmonic inventiveness. His melodic approach to jazz bass recalls such varied influence as Jimi Hendrix, Stanley Clark, and the great Charles Mingus. Dean has shared the stage with many well-known jazz artists including trumpeter/composer Hannibal Loukumbe, drummer Greg Bandy (Pharaoh Sanders) and regional favorite Pharez Whitted. Dean’s sound can be heard on numerous local recordings including Hamilton Hardin (Resurrection Suite), Bruce Mennefield (My Steps of Faith) and two soon to be released recordings by drummer James Gaiters (Pentateuch), and saxophonist Edwin Bayard (Reaction).


	Blacklisted Musik \| home Mission Statement \| Schedule \| In the Works \| FAQ \| Artist Bios \| Record Store \| Gallery \| Arts Organizations \| Contact Us \| Links \| Mailing List \| Support Blacklisted Musik \| Letters Artist Bios Mark Lomax, II Drummer, Composer Mark Lomax, II was born in Blacksburg, Virginia and showed early signs of his musical gifts. He started playing the drums at the age of 2 after his family relocated to Columbus, Ohio where he would play in churches from the age of 6. Having been called to the music ministry, Lomax has made it a point to express his heritage and spirituality through the music of jazz in the traditions of John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, and Ornette Coleman. Informal study started with his mother, Cynthia Gowens who, herself, is an accomplished composer of gospel music suitable for young ages. She not only exposed Mark to a great deal of music of the religious sect, but also to jazz at an early age. Lomax next studied composition, arranging, and music ministry formally with Raymond Wise, an accomplished pianist, composer, and founder of the Center for the Gospel Arts where Mark now teaches. Lomax also studied at the Fort Hayes Performing Arts Program while in high school and continued his education at The Ohio State University where he is currently pursuing his bachelors in music education as well as a masters degree in Compositon. Lomax feels very blessed to have played with many great musicians both locally and nationally having recently finished touring with Marlon Jordan. Mark has also worked with Clark Terry, Billy Harper, Ellis Marsallis, Bennie Maupin, Wessel Anderson, Victor Goines, Azar Lawrence, Gene Walker, Hank Marr, and Pharez Whitted, as well as various gospel choirs around the country. Mark is most humbled by the gift of composition which he feels was given to him to communicate a message of true spirituality, oneness with God, and strong knowledge of self. He has penned over 150 compositions ranging in styles from Afro-Chamber Musik (jazz) to Gospel as well as modern European Classical music. His groups, Blacklist, The Mark Lomax Quartet, and the Trio, are the voices that communicate that message wherever Lomax performs. LMark is also very proud of his beautiful wife Ruth and daughter Amirah. Stephen Lomax Saxophonist/Composer This young saxophonist first started to play seriously at the age of 11. Primarily self-taught on the alto, and tenor horns, and flute, he has since grown into a very gifted improviser and promising composer. His major influences include John Coltrane, Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, Kenny Garrett, Victor Goines, and Wessel Anderson. Music has become a way of expression and escape for Stephen. Stephen started playing in the Columbus Public School system (Columbus, Ohio) in 5th grade and has since made a name for himself on the local scene having played with some of Columbus' finest musicians. The local list includes pianists Kenny Banks, Lavell Bradford, and Bobby Floyd, trumpeter Pharez Whitted, and saxophonist Edwin Bayard. He has also played with well known musicians Clark Terry (Basie, Ellington), Victor Goines (Ellis Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Diane Reeves), and Wessel Anderson (Wynton Marsalis), Ron Westray (Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra), and Marcus Printup (Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra). Stephen is currently playing with a local Hip-hop jazz group called MSB, performing his own compositions as well as those of the other members in the band. Stephen is already a respected musician in Columbus... we expect that he will soon be respected in America's Jazz scene as well. Ansyn Banks Trumpet, Arranger Ansyn received his B.M. from Ohio Weslyan University, a Masters degree from Indiana University's School of Music and is currently pursuing a DMA in trumpet pedagogy at IU. Serving as an Associate instructor to I.U.'s African-American Arts Institute, he maintains an active teaching and performance schedule. Having studied with Bill Adam, Edmund Gord, Dr. Larry Griffin, and Jon Faddis, Ansyn has developed a sound foundation in the art of trumpet performance. Edwin Bayard Tenor Saxophonist This very gifted, and exciting, reedman has been playing for over 10 years! In those very short years he has become one of the countries most talented young lions. He has toured Europe with various jazz groups, and has recently shared the stage with the likes of Marlon Jordan, Gary Bartz and Donald Byrd. Edwin has played with alto saxophonist Wes Anderson (Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra), the late great jazz vocalist Betty Carter, and trumpeter Pharez Whitted among others. His deep sense of self, history, and philosophical view of life permeates his music in a way that touches all who hear. Edwin Bayard is currently gearing up for his first recording as a leader as well as playing with various groups around the country. Steven "Paco" Grier Percussionist Steve Grier's extensive professional career as a musician began during the 60's in his hometown of Columbus, Ohio playing with a percussion group comprised mostly of family members. This experience was interrupted by 2 years of service in the Navy during the Vietnam conflict. Sometimes addressed as "Paco," due to his association with the Latin bands in the Los Angeles area (60's), Grier has gained wide acceptance in the Jazz world. He has performed with Azar Lawrence (McCoy Tyner), three tours of Europe with international Jamaican jazz pianist, Monty Alexander, John Faddis (Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra), Clifford Jordan, Louie Bellson, Eddie Daniels, Arturo Sandoval, Tito Puente, and James Moody among others. Currently "Paco" is performing with several notable jazz ensembles and big bands, as well as being called upon to accompany some of the most talented African-American poets in the Columbus area. This powerful percussionist brings a high level of excitement, spiritual intensity, and ethnicity to music that makes him a welcome addition to any musical situation. William Menefield Pianist/Composer Pianist William Mennefield began his musical career on the cello at the age of 6 in his home town of Cincinnati, Ohio. Turning to the piano three years later, he’s never looked back! William has grown into one of the countries most exciting pianists in his generation. His playing includes influences such jazz masters as Wynton Kelly, Erroll Garner, Herbie Hancock, and McCoy Tyner, and it shows in his hard-swinging, highly expressive, and intense yet sensitive approach to jazz improvisation. This, a true young lion of the new generation of jazz, has lent his talents to such internationally known jazz artists as saxophonists Steve Wilson, and Don Braden, as well as local and regional artists trumpeter Mike Wade and drummer Melvin Broach. You can also hear William on his 2003 413 Records release “Will’s Revenge.” Dean Hulett Bassist/Composer Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Dean Hulett has grown to an exceptional level of mastery on the bass over the last 13 years. Being one of only a few of his generation to achieve a sound that is his own, Hulett has the unique ability to ground the music as well as challenge and push the soloist and the ensemble to greater heights through his melodic and harmonic inventiveness. His melodic approach to jazz bass recalls such varied influence as Jimi Hendrix, Stanley Clark, and the great Charles Mingus. Dean has shared the stage with many well-known jazz artists including trumpeter/composer Hannibal Loukumbe, drummer Greg Bandy (Pharaoh Sanders) and regional favorite Pharez Whitted. Dean’s sound can be heard on numerous local recordings including Hamilton Hardin (Resurrection Suite), Bruce Mennefield (My Steps of Faith) and two soon to be released recordings by drummer James Gaiters (Pentateuch), and saxophonist Edwin Bayard (Reaction).