RiShon Odel

RISHON ODEL NORTHINGTON is perhaps one of the most creative talents in this era, having recently enjoyed the titles of #1 MOST ADDED ON SMOOTHJAZZ.COM and #1 ON BILLBOARD’S SMOOTH JAZZ CHARTS for his writing on “XX” (Brian Culbertson) and “You, Me & Forever” (multi-GRAMMY® award-nominee Najee). In addition to appearing in such major motion pictures such as Marshall and Breathe, the multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer is most known for his high energy and charisma onstage.

Having such a vast love of music, Odel started his musical career with a few trips to the music store, only to expand into drum workshops and videos with drumming legends Liberty DeVito, Dom Famularo and LaDell Abrams. Within his first year of playing, he got his first professional gig with Malaco recording artist Georgia Mass Choir, filling in for Alex Evans (Patti Labelle).

RiShon Odel has toured with smooth-jazz icon Brian Culbertson and legendary saxophonist Najee, and he is the Musical Director for Canadian pop sensation Julius Wilson. Odel has also travelled and recorded with a pastiche of great artists throughout his career, including Cissy Houston, Marvin Winans, Riley Richard, Phil Perry, Me’Lisa Morgan, Donnie McClurkin, Special Gift and (Love & Hip-Hop star) “Stevie J” Jordan.

Odel is a member of the 148-462 Local. He is also a member of the International Society of Bassists. While still pursuing a Music Education degree at a SUNY College, Odel burst onto the music scene in 2006 with an arco bass piece performed at the opening of the JoAnn Faletta International Guitar Competition alongside the Buffalo Select Chorus. After conducting his first orchestra in 2009, Odel composed music for the Eastman String Quartet, Buffalo State College Symphonic Band and The Ieda String Ensemble, which he used to score the film Less Than Perfect (produced by film legend Reuben Santiago).

He is the Musical Director for Canadian Pop sensation Julius Wilson and one third of the Walter Kemp 3Oh!. Odel has also travelled and recorded with a pastiche of great artists throughout his career, such as: Cissy Houston, Marvin Winans, Riley Richard, Phil Perry, Chanté Moore, Donnie McClurkin, Special Gift and (Love & Hip-Hop star) “Stevie J” Jordan. When he is not touring or composing, he conducts workshops and clinics throughout the US, Canada and other territories. His teaching record consists of vocal and instrumental students that have gone on to Howard University, Berklee College of Music, Buffalo State College, Michigan State, and more.

• Collaborations with Aria, Jacob Moon, Faab Choir, Rey Scott (The Sun Ra Arkestra), Bobby Militello (Dave Brubeck Quartet), Donnie McClurkin, Dom Famularo, Marvin Winans, “Stevie J” Jordan, Ron Winans, Steven Ford, Special Gift, B. Chase Williams, Dawkins & Dawkins, The Clark Sisters, Kay Morris, King Heritage, Kuzh, William Murphy, Jaman, J. Moss, Ricky McKinnie (five blind boys), The Fantastic Violinaires, Orlando Wright, R.W. Shambac, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Deneice Williams, Najee, Brian Culbertson, Dodo Green, Jimmy Gomes & The Jazz Example, Dan Hull, Meli’sa Morgan, Sydnee Winters, Alex Bugnon, Ella Robinson, GMWA, Quincy Fielding, Derrick Milan, Iona Locke, Bamm Davis, Oleta Adams, Boyd Lee Dunlop, Scott Tixier, Walter Kemp 3, O’Mega Red, Karen Clark-Sheard, Mick Hayes, Miss Fly, Higher Vibe, Odelia Dunlap, Jazzy Pha, Tom Browne, Courtenay Frazer, Nick Colionne, Elan Trotman, Marcus Anderson, Adrian Crutchfield, Riley Richard, Carlton Pearson, Harlem Boys Choir, Douglas Ewart, Jhené Aiko
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  HOT STEPS [REMIX] – RiShon Odel

  Musical Director for Julius Wilson
• Author of Odel’s Book of Bass, Vol. 1 (2019)
• Music featured in Marshall (2016) and other films
• Professional music educator since 1998

https://www.rishonodel.com
RiShonOdel.bandcamp.com
Soundcloud.com/rishon-odel
Musicians.allaboutjazz.com/rishonodel
music.apple.com/us/artist/rishon-odel