Highlight: Independent Artist Samuel Prather

Meet Jazz Band Leader Samuel Prather

Where are you from? Now?

DC born and raised

What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishments thus far?

• I opened for Thundercat at DC Jazz Festival

• Played w Hugh Masekela, Cyrus Chestnut, Raul Midon

• I won a student downbeat award

• Was named 2nd best album of 2014 by capitalbop

Who is an artist that you would love to work with?

I’d love to work with Sput Searight. Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock are more of a dream than somebody I could imagine working with lol

Why do you feel it is important for your work to be heard/seen?

I think my take on jazz through the lens of different groove oriented styles of music uniquely puts the history of our music in a place accessible to the next generation of musicians and listeners. It proves that Groove and fun don’t have to be sacrificed for depth.

Who is one of your favorite artists? Past or present.

I love Stevie Wonder. He has done it better than just about anybody else

What is the best way for you to be contacted for prospective work/opportunities?

I love text messages when I know the sender lol but I also have a gig page on my site that is great for folks that don’t have my info.

What drives you to pursue your dreams?

One thing that drives me is a belief that I have a unique contribution. I have some ambitious ideas that I’m pretty sure no one else will do if I don’t bring them about :)

List 3 items you have to have to complete a project?

Friends

Funding

Fans

Where can people find you on social media?

IG: @samuelprather FB: Samuel Prather & Groove Orchestra

Website: www.samuelprather.com

What's next?

New Album drops in March! Album release party at Blues Alley March 13th