Dru Hill

Still in high school, Jazz, Sisqo, Nokio and Woody are four young men with very mature, smooth and soulful harmonies. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, you've already heard them if you've been to Baltimore's trendy inner Harbor on a summer afternoon. In past summers, they were well known for their fun and clever harmonies at the Harbor's Fudgery where they sang, made fudge and had lots of fun. The young men were the main attraction at the Harbor each summer, drawing large crowds with their free-style fudge fanatics. Now signed to Island Records/University Music Entertainment, they are the fresh new vocal quartet - Dru Hill.

Dru Hill have taken their name from the historic Druid Hill Park in Baltimore. "Because Dru Hill is 'the spot.' It represents Baltimore and that's what we want to do--put Baltimore on the map," exclaims Sisqo. And with their perfect four-part harmonies, versatility and many musical talents, be sure they will do just that. While each of the four members are singers and songwriters, they are also capable of being their own orchestra, as each member plays several different musical instruments.

Jazz
Jazz is, of course, a jazz fan. He sings second tenor and plays keyboards, trumpet and piano, among many others. Studying at the Frederick Douglas Music Academy, Jazz is part of the concert band and has sang and studied classical, gospel and opera. Influenced by the music of his parents, Jazz has patterned his style after the falsettos of groups like Blue Magic and the O'Jays of the 80's. Growing up in the church, gospel influences are heard in his music as well as hints of jazzy scatting and improvising. And you can guarantee that the bluesy, heartfelt lyrics and vocals on the LP will come from Jazz, who also loves the blues.

Nokio
Nokio, which stands for Nasty On Key In Octave, is known for his deep and insightful lyrics and is the 'smooth' baritone you hear in the group's vocals. Also a music major, Nokio plays classical trumpet, keyboard and piano. Nokio is the serious production man in the group, with aspirations to go on to study music business and production.. Studios are like home and beats come very easily to this talented, young man. "He's amazing," boasts Sisqo. "He's so versatile, he can flip styles and moods from rock to hip hop to gospel to R&B. He sets the mood of the song with the track and takes the listener where he is."
Woody
Woody is described as the melody man. Where Nokio creates the tracks, Woody comes up with the melody. Influenced by Stevie Wonder, Jodeci, Boyz II Men as well as his deep roots in gospel, Woody's vocals, lyrics and melodies are designed to simply "make you feel good," he says. "Woody is like our angel--we even call him Gabriel sometimes. He's our spiritual link. He watches over us, prays for us and keeps us in line," says Nokio. Always in good spirits, Woody is the energy that keeps the guys going when times get rough. Woody plays the drums and keyboard and aspires to study entertainment law.

Sisqo
After 13 years of singing with his church gospel choir and listening to only gospel music, Sisqo began singing along with the popular music on his radio and discovered his passion for the likes of Jodeci, Intro, Take 6, Faith and Boyz II Men. Sisqo became a student of music, studying everything from Mozart to rock n' roll to hip hop. "I like everything. I like the complexity of Mozart and the versatility of Intro's soulful grooves and smooth harmonies," says Sisqo. "I tend to be the trendy one in the group. I like what's popular." Describing himself as a "sweet, yet strong" singer, the former dancer sings at the top, plays keyboard and bass and is involved in the arrangement and production.

No studio musicians, Dru Hill is about quality music. Their refreshing lyrics are about life and love, not guns and gangsters. Versatile tracks and breathtaking harmonies will take them far. With their many interests and talents, expect versatility and variety from their Island Records/University Music Entertainment debut LP. Their first release, "Tell Me," which will appear on the soundtrack for the Hollywood Pictures release EDDIE starring Whoopie Goldberg, is only a small sample of what they are capable of.

You never know what to expect from Dru Hill, so expect the unexpected.
from http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Palladium/1698/