M20

If an art form does not evolve it dies...A purist will want to hear the native format. However, what M2O is doing is no different from what Charlie Parker or Dizzy did in the 40's, using the popular tunes of that day in a new and innovative jazz style, called "Bebop." You could say they have combined big band jazz classics and hip-hop! Call it "Hipbop!" What's fascinating is how much pure jazz and hip hop have in common. Hip-hop is nothing but an extension of Bebop. In hip-hop a person raps. In jazz you have a person improvising.

The rhythmic structure between the two is similar. In other words, what Charlie Parker did in the 40's is no different than what Busta Rhymes is doing in the 90's. By mixing the past and the present M2O bridges the gap between two generations. To put it simply, B.B. King said to Jody Mayfield at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, "Let me tell you something boy, if you can't pat your foot to it, it ain't music...I don't care if it's classical, country western or rock and roll!" Speaking of Jody Mayfield, M2O's musical concept has been led by this very influential and talented jazz keyboardist. Mayfield calls this experience, "A modern renaissance music!" He says: "By bringing together classic jazz tunes with modern urban beats, we make 'this music' accessible for this generation.

The form hasn't changed--just the groove. We are building a bridge from the past to the future, so that this modern generation will be exposed to the rich musical heritage called Jazz. Music can't be music unless it's heard and experienced. This generation must be given the opportunity to hear." By blending pure jazz with modern urban music, without compromising either one, M2O recognizes its responsibility to keep jazz alive and well, as the group participates in the creative evolution of these newer art forms (babies) that come from her (jazz).

Bruce Pleasant, Jazz Historian

Heidi (pronounced "hi-dee") began performing with the Clark-Atlanta Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Mr. James Patterson. It was there that she cultivated her love and ear for jazz. Various appearances were made with the Clark-Atlanta Jazz Orchestra, including two appearances in the Atlanta Jazz Festival, one with the legendary Mary Lou Williams. Heidi later spent six years performing in corporate conventions and gatherings throughout the U.S. with the Atlanta-based group, Johnson and Company. She took to the dramatic stage as a featured vocalist in the production of Who Is The King? She was selected as lead vocalist for a corporate award ceremony that was broadcast live via satellite worldwide. She was later selected as lead vocalist for both the opening and closing ceremonies for a national corporate convention held at the Georgia Dome. Presently, performs with the popular jazz group, M2O. Her association with the group has provided opportunities to appear in several venues and events, including the annual benefit concert, Jazz at the Met, and the Montreux-Atlanta Jazz Festival.

Christopher Johnson is one of most prolific drummers to come along in the latter half of the 20th Century. His heavy funk and soul influence along with bassist Aaron Reid is the driving force behind the groove machine behind the M2O sound. Christopher is one of the arrangers of M2O. His approach to pure jazz is an innovative one. In a recent radio interview, he was hailed as the newest sound in Jazz since Max Roach, Billy Cobham and Sonny Emory. Christopher has performed with B.B. Winans, Mark Jefferson of So-So Def Productions, Darryl Coley, James Lloyd of Pieces of a Dream, Peter Moore of LaFace Records.

This critically acclaimed composer and musician has his roots in Atlanta. Jody Mayfield is a unique and formidable talent. A native of Atlanta, he studied and earned his degree in music performance from Clark Atlanta University. Jody has had the privilege of performing with musical greats such as Dizzy Gillespie and Grover Washington at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland, as well as, James Llyod of Pieces of A Dream, Frank Foster, Mary Lou Williams and Illinois Jaquet. He has also opened concerts for Sarah Vaughn, Dexter Gordon, Rodney Franklin and Lionel Hampton. Jody has also worked with top hip-hop producers, such as Organized Noize, Top of the World Records. He was the music director/composer of the critically acclaimed musical "Joseph and Mary, A love Story". Jody is partner of Regency Entertainment Group, which is a full service artist, production, management company with no limitations on any type of music.

Having studied jazz at the internationally acclaimed Jazz program at Clark College (Now Clark-Atlanta University in Atlanta, Ga.), it is expected that there would be some strong musical voices coming out of the capital city of the south and Charles Nix is one of those voices. His musical roots not only run deep into the Jazz soil, but also spread widely into the R&B and Soul sounds of the 1970's. Charles has performed on the road with his own band, opening for such acts as James Brown, Millie Jackson, The Barkays...etc. A recent example of his work in the R&B genre can be heard on the "Waterfalls" track on TLC's multi-platinum "CrazySexyCool" CD. His work on this track led to session work with other LaFace artists and also Hip-Hop producer Jermaine DuPree. But you can't get bitten by the Jazz bug and not be profoundly affected by it. This new CD is a reunion with former schoolmates, Jody Mayfield and Heidi McLaughlin. "This is the most exciting time ever in my musical development, not only do I get to play Jazz with old friends, but I'm now riding a real funky wave created by bassist Aaron Reid and Christopher Johnson on a slick jazzy surf board. With this combination of melodic jazz practitioners and funky hip hop players, look for more great music to come from M2O.

Aaron Reid is one of Atlanta's hottest hiphop/R&B bass players! Aaron has toured nationally and internationally with the outstanding vocal group Johnson & Company. Aaron, known as, "the bon", in the music industry, credits his unique bass style to his love of the 70's super group Earth, Wind & Fire and their bassist, Verdine White. "The bon", also gives credit to "Ready Freddie Washington" and Stanley Clark. Some of the many musical credits amassed by "the bon" are recordings with jazz artist James Lloyd of Pieces of a Dream, Rap artist Little Zane( with 112), Warner bros. Rap artist Bo Shez, Jazz Artist Prince Martin, M2O (jazz and all her babies), rap artist The Twins, Young Life vol.1 & 2, and PMAC LIVE. Aaron is also a great song writer who has been recognized by the Billboard song writing contest and the Georgia Music Industry Association (GMIA). Aaron believes in steady warm bass lines that create an atmosphere for birthing hits. He also believes in the M2O project and looks forward to continued success in the future.