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Straight Ahead Band
Karen Alexander, Vocals Karen's entertainment career has its roots in the church-where she sang often with her family. A native of Charleston, SC, Karen is a graduate of the University of SC where she was an active member of the school's pop singing group, Carolina Alive. As a member of Carolina Alive she toured the United States and Europe. Her audiences have greeted her enthusiastically in places as diverse as Greece and Romania to the World's Fair (1982 in Knoxville, TN) and the Southeast's famous Heritage Golf Classic. Former Presidents Richard M. Nixon and Ronald Reagan are among the notables who have been entertained by her. During the summer of '95, she organized "Straight Ahead". A resident of Columbia, Karen travels frequently to her engagements while fulfilling her duties as a Digital and High Volume Marketing Executive for Xerox. Byron Counts, Keyboards This song writer. singer and producer displays the epitome of professionalism in his writing and production of songs. As a Columbia, SC native, he is well known for his entertaining gospel piano renderings. And yet, he is also accomplished in classical, jazz. and choral music. His music ranges from hip-hop to orchestral ballads. Byron has also won numerous talent shows. Two years in a row, he claimed the winning songwriting title in the Budweiser/Star Stream song writing contest. One can see his named listed as the writer of the song "I See Love" recorded by A&M Diva CeCe Peniston. He co produced this project with Devante Swing, member of the hit group Jodeci. Byron also shared his production and writing talents with David Bright and Angie B. of the A&M hit group Vertical Hold (Hit Song; "Seems You're Much Too Busy'). Coleman Sistrunk, Bass As a native of Orangeburg. SC, Coleman began playing bass at the age of 13. He started his career playing with the "Exotics", a Rhythm and Blues group. While with the "Exotics", he performed behind such acts as Peaches and Herb, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Solomon Burke, Bobby Burke, Jerry Butler, Peggy Scott, Jo Jo Benson, The Manhattans and others. He has an extensive Music Education background. His honors include a BA in Music Education from SC State College and graduate work at the University of SC. Coleman enjoys sharing his love of music with students. He has taught at Booker T. Washington, Eau Claire High School in Columbia; Maywood High School in Sumter, SC and Clark Middle School in Orangeburg, SC. In 1975. He began playing with the group, "Lotusfete". While with 'Lotusfete", he opened for acts such as Patti Labelle, Bobby Womack, Pieces of A Dream, Stanley Turrentine, Spyro Gyra, Noel Pointer, Teddy Pendergrass, The O'Jays and Ramsey Lewis. His motto is "Music is his life and the bass is his true love". Herschel Clark, Saxophone Herschel was born in Kansas City, Mo. By the time he was 12, he could be seen playing with local bands in Kansas City. His hometown band, the "'Friends of Darkness" performed constantly throughout the Midwest during the 70's, and had the pleasure of "gigging" on a luxury Caribbean cruise ship during his Senior year in high school. As a student at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL, Herschel toured with the Jazz lab band for two years; playing with renowned trumpeter Nat Adderly. He performed in programs that included appearances by Ramsey Lewis and Pat Metheny. After graduating with honors in 1981, He took up residence in Charlotte, NC, where he has remained. Working full time in the computer sales field keeps him on the road; but he still finds time to enjoy his favorite pastime, playing music. Whether he's playing traditional jazz in a smoke-filled room, or R&B dance tunes to a jamming floor crowd, one can see by his energy that music is his passion. Charles Williams, Percussion Charles began studying percussion in St. Louis, Missouri in 1974. Under the watchful eye of Glen "Papa" Wright, at the Community Association of Schools for the Arts. During his four year tenure, Charles completed Classical training and Music theory. At the same time, he began to develop his talent as a member and featured soloist of both his high school orchestra and jazz ensemble. In 1979, Charles entered Morehouse College, and became a member of the jazz ensemble. While at Morehouse, he was influenced by a number of Atlanta's "Old School" Jazz Circuit Players. Charles returned to St. Louis in I 983 and began playing with "Nightwind", a popular local variety band. After college, Charles played with numerous bands; most recently "Straight Ahead' of South Carolina. Charles plays a range of styles and loves his craft. |
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