The Motown Sounds

Rick is an amazing talent of Blues, Motown, Jazz, Classic R&B, whose guitar playing is often compared to that of B.B. King / George Benson & his uniquely talented voice to the sweetness of Sam Cooke's & Marvin Gaye's. Rick has a special rapport with the audience as the band's leader & MC, who just fall in love with his soulful engaging style during the course of our show. Rick works with Brian to realize his artistic vision, translating it into beautiful arrangements that he then collaborates with Sandy on their compositions for the band. Rick has opened for many industry giants in USA & abroad, including: Smokey Robinson, James Brown, The Four Tops, The Isley Brothers, Gladys Knight, Spyro Gyra, Chaka Khan, Bobby Blue Bland, The Spinners, Kool & The Gang, The Gap Band, LL Cool J, Jonathan Butler, Rachael Ferrelle, Betty Joplin, among many others. Rick is our beloved Maestro whose voice is a treasure, his guitar virtuosity a gift, & his positive vibe contagious!

Sandy is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist & extremely talented, smokin' rhythm guitarist, who also complements our brass section on trumpet. He was mentored by the Funk Brothers; Musical Director for Smokey Robinson & the Miracles road tour; Road Musician for Motown Records; has performed with The Miracles, The Originals, Freda Payne, Sweet James, The Fantastic Four & many others. Sandy also holds a Bachelor's & Masters degree in Music from Eastern Michigan University & Wayne State University, respectively. He continues to mentor musicians of all ages and teaches both guitar & trumpet weekly. As Musical Director, Sandy collaborates with Rick to provide our arrangements, charts & orchestration for The Motown Sounds in keeping with Brian's artistic vision for the band. Sandy keeps us all rollin' on track & in Key! His good looks & stage appeal are a crowd pleaser worthy of his terrific musical chops & unique sound!

The outstanding & extremely talented sax player, the legendary James Chaney is well known to the Detroit music scene. He has performed with the Funk Brothers, The Temptations, Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, Muddy Waters, Johnny Lee Hooker, New Birth, Little Milton. Tyrone Davis, The In-the-Pocket Band, Larry Lee & Back In the Day Band, among many many others over the decades. Our incomparable James Chaney leads our Brass section with his own special sound, extraordinary talent, inimitable charm & radiating charisma! We Love James, as does every listening audience - as they (& we) love us all; which is what our band is all about - bringin' that Motown sound of Love that emanated from our great City of Detroit, beginning in the 60's, to the world at large!

A prolific composer, Rich is creating music for theatrical productions, accompanying vocalists, producing / arranging & developing recordings and charts for clients. He was the first to work with the young Aaliyah, preparing her and arranging the music for her "STAR SEARCH" debut. During those early years Rich and Aaliyah performed together on local gigs, where he helped her hone her vocal skills. He has accompanied Kimmie Horne, Norma Jean Bell, flautist Althea Rene and several others. Although Rich is classically trained, he is versed in various other genres including Motown, Blues, Jazz, R&B, and Gospel. Rich's fluid motions & his quick, laid-back fingering are his trademark on piano.

A seasoned accomplished bass guitarist of over 35 years, Lenny began his career in the '70s with CJ & Company in Detroit. He has performed with the legendary Platters, The Floaters, Ron Banks of The Dramatics, several Detroit local bands; recorded extensively in studio sessions; and has taught bass guitar to many aspiring musicians throughout the years. Lenny's funky strong beautiful sound is undeniable & his own. He is also featured as our guest vocalist on some very special songs that only he can do in his own signature way.

Chris has been playing the drums since childhood, beginning in Church. As he grew, he began listening to different styles of music which influenced his later professional development. He currently is also a member of the group Raydio - featuring Arnell Carmichael. In addition to performing with many of Detroit's classic artists, he's played with many recording artists, such as Bunny DeBarge, Chico DeBarge, KJon, Case, Troop, Andre Ward, Dave Bank, & Enchantment. Chris keeps our heartbeat goin' with his steady, very personable upbeat persona & impressive rhythmic chops. Our only challenge with Chris is handling all his female fan-mail!

Brittney, our amazing special guest artist, is an extraordinary emerging talent & Detroit based vocalist in the spirit of Aretha Franklin & Etta James; who has performed with many of our ensemble and Detroit greats! With her strong, beautiful, powerful voice and equally beautiful captivating stage presence, Brittney leads our vocals together with Rick. Her duets with him are magical; her solos - unforgettable! Brittney complements and completes our Motown ensemble. Her future is bright in the world of musical performance and promises to become one of Detroit's great legendary voices & performers. She is our Queen, whom we cherish!

As The Motown Sounds' Artistic Director, Brian works with Rick, Sandy & the band to shape his artistic vision for the ensemble in every facet. As its Producer he also promotes the band, handles bookings, tours & special engagements. As its Choreographer, he brings his unique stylized touches to it that are his international trademark & signature which sets it apart. Brian has been privileged to work with some of the greatest international icons in the Performing Arts from around the world. He has always had a love for music & incorporates it into his theatrical & video productions wherever possible.

Hailing originally from Detroit, Brian was always surrounded by music in his home growing up - with his mother being a trained vocalist with a beautiful gifted voice who sang on the radio following the Depression years, then later in Latin for Church, weddings & special events. His father was a natural musical talent as well, who would play the clarinet while cruising the streets of Detroit with his buddy in his convertible during their youth. Brian's love of music manifested in his early years while growing up listening to and being influenced by the uplifting sound of all the great Motown artists of the 60's. He is committed to sharing that sound & positive energy that emanated from Detroit the world over!