HIT CITY DIGTIAL – ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

HENRY TURNER, JR. & FLAVOR

Musician, vocalist, guitar player, composer, producer and promoter Henry Turner Jr. is an integral part of the Louisiana Music scene. He and his band, & Flavor, have toured extensively throughout the United States for the past thirty years.

He is well known for creating an intricate and syncopated style of music that has been branded – Louisiana Reggae, Soul, Funk and Blues. As lead singer for the band, his rich baritone voice adds warmth and depth to his touching and soulful ballads, as well as intense power for his upbeat dance songs. Turner’s guitar techniques incorporate blues, soul and funk styles, along with jazz chording to create mesmerizing and toe-tapping songs.

As founder of Hit City Digital records he and the band have released sixteen singles and eight CD’s. Their songs have been featured in numerous compilation projects, independent feature films, commercials and top rated television shows. Henry estimates that he has written over one hundred songs.

With his quick wit and sharp mentality radio stations and live audiences gravitate toward his tongue-in-cheek and double entendre lyrics, as well as the unique twists he incorporates into his love songs. For his company he takes the production helm, signing and producing Louisiana artists in the Hit City Digital records’ recording studio. The small, yet diverse roster focuses on local roots music such as Country, Reggae, Neo Soul, Blues and Pop. All the company’s releases are funneled through international digital distribution networks.

Four years ago, in 2011, Henry Turner Jr. came up with the Ultimate Louisiana Party concept. His intention was to introduce mass audiences to the culture of his home state of Louisiana. On his annual tours these events, at select stops, feature local musicians, spoken word performers, artists and artisans. They also include ‘A Taste of Louisiana’ meal that includes catfish, corn bread, red beans and rice. They were an instant hit with audiences and are in the process of expanding into larger festival type celebrations.

Henry Turner Jr’s. Listening Room opened last year in Baton Rouge. The purpose of the venue is to introduce, encourage and support local and regional talent, as well as provide national touring acts an intimate and inviting place to perform. This too was an instant hit and the room is currently attracting musicians and performers from all over the country.

Additional accomplishments last year include being named an official Music Ambassador by the Louisiana Office of Tourism for his performance at the 53rd Annual Lions Club Watermelon Festival at Santa Anita Park in Southern California. Turner believes that one of his missions is to introduce and mentor new talent into the ever changing music industry.

As a show business veteran and entrepreneur his vision is and always will be to share the love he has for his home state of Louisiana, his hometown of Baton Rouge and to introduce the cultural diversity of his world into the world in general.

Drummer KEITH LEWIS is a New Orleans native and founder of the Keith Lewis Blues Revue. His band blends Southern Soul, Blues, R&B with a touch of jazz. Upon meeting Henry Turner Jr. he knew that their visions were similar and he decided to join the band in 2014. He has toured with King Lloyd and Thery Houseman, performed at Tipitina’s, Maple Leaf, the Ernie K-doe Mother-In-Law Lounge, as well as the Snake and Jake Bar, Beautiful People Lounge and Leroux’s Supper Club.

PATRICK (Pat) JOFFRION plays bass with the band in the local Baton Rouge area, as well as regionally when needed. He studied trombone in High School, switching to guitar and then bass. He worked with Henry Turner, Jr. & Flavor as a roadie many years ago and then went on to play with the rock band Mannkind. When not playing with the band he travels the highways and byways of Louisiana as a truck driver listening to the rhythm of the roads.

Bass Player JOSHUA CHANG goes out on the road with the band. A California native he now resides in Portland, Oregon. He has played with numerous groups such as the funk/fusion band Jonezer, the hip hip band The Blairalley All-Stars, a Reggae backing band The Escort Service, and accompanied additional acts that include Soul Medic, Norma Fraser, Marko, J Ross Parelli and Alcyon Massive. He has also hosted the funk radio show, J Swerv’s Kool Aid for the Brain on Free Will Radio.

Percussionist BRIAN DAVIDSON plays as many dates as he can with the band. As a talented and working chef he enjoys cooking with the band and firing up some hot licks when available.

Vocalist RAS WAYNE VICKS is the former lead singer for the reggae band Higher Heights. He grew up in an accomplished family of musician and singers. In 2009 Ras was signed to Hit City Digital and released the single “Set Yourself Free,” co-written by Henry Turner, Jr. An accomplished contemporary folk artist many of his hand crafted sculptures and paintings are valued by collectors around the country.

DIANNA MEDES was the main backup singer for the tour last year. Known as the ‘Mystic Lady’ her cool demeanor and tambourine playing adds an ethereal presence on stage.

JENESSA NELSON is a Baton Rouge native who began touring with the band in 2012. She is currently working on her songwriting skills and enjoys singing with the group. Her singing background includes a stint with Los Angeles gospel legend, Donald Taylor.		Special Guests: JOHNNY MIDNITE enjoys playing folksy blues tunes on his guitar. Originally from the West Coast he has always had an attraction to the sounds of Memphis and New Orleans. When available he plays various Ultimate Louisiana Parties and does original material along with cover tunes by The Rolling Stones, Neil Young and Otis Redding. As a promoter in the Northwest, he has booked the band at numerous venues. Additionally, he has a CD out entitled "Midnight Blue."