"THE NEXT BIG THING IN NEO-SOUL"
- Michael Baisden, The Michael Baisden Show
"Mixing elements of jazz, funk, and R&B to bring soul back to its rightful place."
- ND McCray, Nu-Soul Magazine
"A cross between neo-soul, funk, and jazz...
Elijah and his band give a great show!"
- Micheline Bowman, FOX DC
Elijah Bland brings a refreshing new dimension to the modern world of soul music. Coupled with powerful lyrics and soulful grooves, his silky smooth delivery is a gift that has already touched many around the world. His sound fuses elements of funk, jazz, and R&B to create a unique brand of soul music.
With a healthy blend of passion, purpose, faith, and love, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer, and musician embodies a humble expression of soul that fits the mold of a true artist. Largely influenced by old jazz and soul records from his childhood, Bland is a self-taught musician who has been tuning his uncanny ear for music since anyone can remember. He credits his parents as the founders of his musical journey: "They provided the opportunities for me to explore my gifts and create; I could never thank them enough!"
Elijah was born and raised in Hackensack, New Jersey, where he generally kept his artistic abilities under the shell of being a lifetime athlete. After a successful college basketball career and receiving his bachelor's degree, he turned to his creative side and focused much of his time on songwriting and production. In writing for other artists, however, he realized a voice of his own that would become the tool he used to pursue his career as an independent artist. It was then that he decided to follow his passion and turn his life over to music.
Elijah's debut album "Just Me..." (April 2007) quickly earned him the respect of music lovers everywhere! With a very fitting title, E. Bland was at the helm of all writing, production and recording. His first musical effort boasts of an immediate international reach, including sales in Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Spain, and more.
His sophomore release "Soulcentric" (August 2008) has received rave reviews! It includes the hit singles Necessary, Talk To Me, and Sugar High (featuring Grammy-nominated soul singer, Wayna). With an overwhelming response since its release in November 2007, "Necessary" quickly became a MySpace.com favorite and has been in rotation on Internet, satellite and mainstream radio stations around the world. In 2009, "Talk To Me" made its debut on the nationally syndicated Michael Baisden Show and "Necessary" was nominated for Best R&B Song in the 9th Annual Independent Music Awards.
On stage, he leads "The Soulcentric Band" as its primary keyboard player and has been known to play nearly every instrument on stage at some point during the show. His performances continue to touch countless lives with positive, uplifting music. To date he has performed throughout the east coast of the U.S. at venues in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and more, while looking to broaden his horizons whenever possible.
Anyone who knows this man can attest to his undying passion and love for creative expression. He is also a talented graphic designer and voiceover artist. Elijah Bland has dedicated his life to the arts and is committed to sharing his gifts with the world, one soul at a time.
BIO
NEWS
December 10, 2009
The hit single "Necessary" is nominated for an Independent Music Award in the category of "Best R&B Song."
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March 20, 2009
Michael Baisden introduces E. Bland as a "B-Side Artist" on his nationally syndicated radio show! The award-winning "Bad Boy of Radio" put the single "Talk To Me" in heavy rotation, sparking an overwhelming response throughout the 65 cities in which the show airs. Shortly following the debut of his single, Bland joined Michael Baisden and co-host George Willborn on the air for a live interview. He was featured on the weekly artist spotlight segment, entitled "The B-Side," which has featured a number of well-known artists, including Brian McKnight, Robin Thicke, Chrisette Michele, Raphael Saddiq, Angie Stone, Dwele, Ledisi, and even the late, great Michael Jackson. The Michael Baisden Show airs weekdays, 3-7pm EST. You can call and request "Talk To Me" at 877-622-3269. Visit www.michaelbaisden.com/stations to find your local station.
March 7, 2008
He may only be known to underground neo-soul music fans around the world, but to the students at Hackensack Middle School he is nothing short of a superstar. A native of Hackensack, NJ and a product of the city's public school system, soul musician E. Bland volunteered his afternoon on Friday, March 7, 2008 to give a private concert for over 300 students at his eighth grade alma mater. The attending students were invited to the special event as a reward for achieving academic honors in the preceding marking period.
E. Bland and his band performed for almost an hour, sharing a selection of his original tunes as well as a cover song by the late, great Ray Charles that had the entire crowd on their feet, dancing and singing along. Toward the end of the show, Bland invited two of the students to join him on stage as backup singers. The two girls happily agreed, and helped sing his song "Necessary" while proudly sporting their E. Bland "Soul" t-shirts and a pair of smiles.
It was inevitable that an auditorium full of seventh and eighth graders would enjoy a visit from a professional musician (from their hometown, nonetheless). The experience, however, touched many of them in ways that transcended the mere thrill of entertainment. One student wrote to Bland through his website saying, "You've set an example for me to do well I know now that I need an education to get where I want and make it big. Thank you deeply." Hackensack Middle School Principal, Andrea Oates-Parchment called the performance a "mountain-top experience" and spoke on behalf of the students, faculty and administration: "He is a positive role model for our students and he reinforces this message in his lyrics, which support love and family. We are especially thrilled that he wanted to give back to his community in such a unique way." Regarding his impact on the students and staff in attendance, the humble artist simply stated, "This is why I do what I do."
SHOWS
Friday, 2/19/2010 - 9PM - 1AM
MOBAY UPTOWN
17 W. 125th Street (btwn Lenox & 5th Ave)
New York, NY 10027
www.mobayuptownnyc.com
Saturday, 3/20/2010 - 6-9PM
LOUNGE 501
499-501 Bloomfield Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07042
MUSIC
Buy Now
PHOTO GALLERY
DOWNLOADS
CLICK ICON TO DOWNLOAD AN ITEM
Downloadable Press Kit COMING SOON!
Ringtones - NEW FEATURE!!!
Text 'EBLAND' to 69937
to download ringtones from
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ARTISTS
Patrice Covington
www.patricecovington.com
Chester Gregory
www.chestergregory.com
Rossen Nedelchev
www.rossennedelchev.com
Redfootz
www.redfootz.com
Wayna
www.wayna.net
Anthony Wayne
www.awayne.com
AFFILIATES
The Michael Baisden Show
www.michaelbaisden.com
Mobay Uptown Restaurant
www.mobayrestaurant.com
Nu-Soul Magazine
www.nu-soulmag.com
One Nation Under The Soul Shack
www.onutss.com
Soul Tracks.com
www.soultracks.com
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