Sonny Emory brings it all together on Soul Ascension
After decades of galvanizing the groove playing with Earth, Wind & Fire, The Crusaders, Al Jarreau, Steely Dan and Bette Midler, drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Sonny Emory is on one of the greatest creative rolls of his career.
In Soul Ascension – his first official solo album in more than 15 years – Emory is building on his success following two ensemble projects – Cachet and Full Tilt.
Vibing gracefully, and most assuredly with funk and groove, his latest project features a killer crew including Ronnie Garrett (bass), Vance Taylor (keys) and Lenny Castro (percussion), as well as special guests the likes of Bob James, Patrice Rushen and Bobby Lyle.
Emory does it all from infectious urban jazz to breezy Latin, spirited rhumba, trippy EWF-styled R&B/fusion and even a hypnotic tribute to Herbie Hancock.
A native of Atlanta, who received his first drum set at the age of four, graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor in Jazz Performance. He began his transition into becoming a professional drummer playing with Joe Sample and the Crusaders. With more than 30 years of live performances and studio work behind him, Emory maintains a busy schedule.
Though probably best known for his groundbreaking drumming with Earth, Wind, and Fire, Emory is known for innovative visual effects during live performances that include exciting stick-twirling and back-sticking techniques.
…host of the Just Jazz radio show, writer, and occasional voice over artist.
