Bios: Richard Brown Sharon Montgomery Tommie Lee Jackson Bob Luna Támar Davis 
Richard Brown enjoys a multi- faceted career as an educator, professional musician and a businessman. He is Professor of Percussion at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music as well as Principal Percussionist of both The Houston Grand Opera and Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestras. He leads the Richard Brown Orchestra, one of Houston’s most popular dance bands that play large social galas, special events and weddings.
Richard began his musical career at the age of 18 playing with The Chamber Symphony of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Lyric Opera. After his stint with The United States Army Band, in Washington DC, he moved to Houston to join The Houston Symphony, a position he held for 8 years. To pursue another facet of his musical interests he moved to New York City as a freelance percussionist working on Broadway, playing such shows as West Side Story, Showboat, and Shirley MacLaine, as well as working in the recording studios and subbing with The Metropolitan Opera and The New York Philharmonic. During that time he also began working for Ann Margret performing with her for 15 years in all her live shows, both in Las Vegas and on tour.
In 1985 Richard returned to Houston when The Shepherd School appointed him as full time Professor of Percussion. He then began to play regularly with The Houston Symphony and appreciates the 12 years he spent working with Christoph Eschenbach. He became the personnel manager for The Grand Teton Music Festival and soon to follow for The Houston Grand Opera Orchestra. This led him to an interest in the business of music and eventually he created Richard Brown Music, a company that hires musicians for most of Houston’s freelance concerts and several of the area’s prominent churches. He is proud to say that in any given year he offers over 2000 employment opportunities to Houston’s professional musicians.
The variety of all these activities keeps Richard busy, but he always finds time to be available to and a mentor for his students who come to the Shepherd School to study and prepare for careers as professional percussionists.
Artist's website
http://www.richardbrownmusic.com
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Rex Reed says that Sharon Montgomery has "a voice from music heaven". But it's her witty, wisecracking way with an audience that keeps them coming back for more unpredictable fun. In almost 30 years as a professional singer, Sharon has done it all-- from fantastic cabaret rooms around the world like the Cafe Carlyle and the Oak Room at the Algonquin in Manhattan, the Plaza court at the Ritz in London, the Venetian Room at the Fairmont in San Francisco to cool jazz festivals in Newport, Den Hague, Nice, Rome, and Carnegie Hall, to sold-out performances with symphonies across the United States-- and this veteran chanteuse continues to enchant.
At home in Houston, Sharon is beginning her fourth year of performance with the Richard Brown Orchestra while she continues solo and group work in other venues. She currently has two CD's, "Let's Misbehave" and "Live at Ovations", available for purchase through her website at www.sharonmontgomery.com, at CDBaby.com, and at TowerRecords.com.
Artist's website
http://www.sharonmontgomery.com
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Texas is famous for its eclectic, blues-based rock-n-roll, and Tommie Lee Jackson is one of its most notable exports. This Houston Native began singing as a child, rapidly moving from soulful country and gospel to blues, jazz, and rock. A stellar songwriter with tightly crafted, highly visual lyrics, Tommie Lee's vocals are those of a soul drenched Southern song stylist, able to make any song her own, no matter who composed the material.
Tommie Lee has toured performing her critically acclaimed music throughout the United States as both headliner and support, to Japan, with Soul Shock, and to Canada, with Jean-Pierre Ferland and Ginnette Reno.
As a solo artist, Tommie Lee has recorded for Columbia Records (with Janis Joplin's producer, Paul Rothchild, at the helm)and PolyDor Records. Her trademark husky vocals have contributed to albums by artists from REO Speedwagon to Harry Chapin.
Her big-screen credits include lead and background vocals (under the musical direction of Grammy and Oscar winner Johnny Mandel) on "Stayin' Alive," starring John Travolta; "Lookin' To Get Out," starring Ann-Margaret and Jon Voight; "Never Too Young To Die," starring John Stamos, Vanity, and Gene Simmons; and under Tony Berg's direction on Robert Altman's "A Perfect Couple," starring Paul Dooley (Grace Under Fire) and Ted Neely (Jesus Christ Superstar.) Altman was so impressed with her work, he also cast her in a featured role in the film.
Musical theatre provided Tommie Lee the perfect opportunity to combine her singing and acting skills. She was featured in American Musical Theatre's productions of "A Little Night Music," "The Taffetas," and "Beehive, The Sixties Musical." Her starring role in "Always Patsy Cline" won coast-to-coast critical raves.
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Working on his third career (at last count), movie star handsome Bob Luna has added "Crooner" to his lengthy resume. Relatively new to the big band scene, he has found a home with the Richard Brown Orchestra, while staying highly visible in television commercials and industrial films.
Of course he maintains his original careers in the Houston fitness and restaurant industries - truly a renaissance man.
Look out Marc Anthony!
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This GRAMMY- NOMINATED songbird discovered her gift at age three. By nine, the Houston native was a lead vocalist in a group of six singing, dancing, rapping preteens called Girls Tyme. After losing on Star Search, the budding stars continued on separate paths. Támar opted to pursue a solo career. (Three of her former girl friends–Beyonce’ Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Latavia Robertson—would eventually form powerhouse Destiny’s Child.) A few years later, Támar’s demo caught the attention of music royalty: Prince. Támar was invited to his Paisley Park studio and offered a production contract. Though she didn’t get to meet his royal badness and a deal wasn’t sealed, a seed was planted.
Támar cultivated her talent at Houston’s Fame equivalent—The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts—and was among 20 honorees selected from a field of 8000 international applicants for the Presidential Scholar for the Arts award. Intent on furthering her career and her education, Támar headed to Los Angeles to study music at the University of Southern California. She graduated not only with classical training and a Bachelor of Music degree, but also with the ability to sing in French, Italian, German, and Swahili.
Támar returned to the Star Search stage in 2004 for the “Battle of Champions.” Despite praise from judges like Naomi Judd—“ You have an amazing voice”–and show host Arsenio Hall—“It’s so unique. It has a Stephanie Mills/Whitney Houston vibe…”— she didn’t prevail in the competition. She also auditioned for the fourth season of American Idol; but didn’t make it in front of the three charismatic judges. A producer’s critique: Támar was too polished. She advanced to working with Joe Sample, Lee Ritenour, and Tamia.
In 2005, Támar was re-introduced to Prince by famed choreographer Fatima Robinson. Támar not only joined his band but also performed at his renowned house parties, joined him on stage for a solo at the NAACP Image Awards, and contributed background vocals on Prince’s 3121 album. By the end of the year, the student and teacher were both signed to Universal Republic Records. Now, Prince was ready to introduce his “favorite singer” to the world.
In 2006, the dynamic duo set off on a cross-country, 11-city tour. At the electrifying, sold-out shows reminiscent of old soul revues, the leading lady’s performances were the talk of the town. Commanding the stage, Támar won over legions of Prince fans across the world and gave music critics something to talk about. A veritable knockout with voluminous hair, desirable curves and feisty moves, Támar was by Prince’s side on “Saturday Night Live,” “Good Morning America,” and both the 2006 BET and Brit Awards. And yes, that’s Támar working it in his Fury video. With the introduction made, new fans yearned for more. Yet, the world wouldn’t get to know Támar as quickly as planned; Universal decided not to release her album due to a departed relationship with her mentor and the record company. But you can’t keep good music down. One of the many songs Támar and Prince co-wrote and recorded, the forcefully inspirational duet “Beautiful, Loved and Blessed” was recently nominated for a GRAMMY.
Remarkably, she is now one of the first unsigned R&B artists to have been nominated for music’s highest honor and was just named Houston’s Rising Star 2007 (Ensemble Theatre). Honoring her rising star, Támar Davis continues to climb both onstage and in the studio, currently cast in Tyler Perry’s new stage-play “Madea’s Big Happy Family,” completing his short-run tour of “Laugh to Keep from Crying” and previously showcased as the nuanced lead in Perry’s hit stage play “The Marriage Counselor” (New York Times). Finding favor with the television/movie mogul, Támar then showcased a tear jerking “To Dream the Impossible Dream” for the grand opening of Tyler Perry Studios. The question of the evening became “who was that singer?”
The answer can be found on her second studio, yet first released self-titled album “My Name is Támar…” (2010) It displays her distinctive sound, a result of a steady diet of artists as varied as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Sting, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Yolanda Adams, Barbara Streisand, Janet Jackson, Prince, Chaka Khan and AC/DC. It is a genuine collection of anticipated songs resonating the importance of lyric to melody and passion to performance. It blazes her bold, golden pipes with incisive tone and timbre through lyrical magic. With infectious party songs and soul ripping ballads, Támar redefines an era where Rock and R & B were still kissing cousins. It’s a gathering of fresh sounds from a veteran artist dedicated to the communication of music and audience. Being true to the relationship of artist and song, Támar delivers honesty and compassion both on record and live.
Támar is now ready for the world to hear her story through song…
top of the page
Richard Brown
Richard Brown enjoys a multi- faceted career as an educator, professional musician and a businessman. He is Professor of Percussion at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music as well as Principal Percussionist of both The Houston Grand Opera and Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestras. He leads the Richard Brown Orchestra, one of Houston’s most popular dance bands that play large social galas, special events and weddings.
Richard began his musical career at the age of 18 playing with The Chamber Symphony of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Lyric Opera. After his stint with The United States Army Band, in Washington DC, he moved to Houston to join The Houston Symphony, a position he held for 8 years. To pursue another facet of his musical interests he moved to New York City as a freelance percussionist working on Broadway, playing such shows as West Side Story, Showboat, and Shirley MacLaine, as well as working in the recording studios and subbing with The Metropolitan Opera and The New York Philharmonic. During that time he also began working for Ann Margret performing with her for 15 years in all her live shows, both in Las Vegas and on tour.
In 1985 Richard returned to Houston when The Shepherd School appointed him as full time Professor of Percussion. He then began to play regularly with The Houston Symphony and appreciates the 12 years he spent working with Christoph Eschenbach. He became the personnel manager for The Grand Teton Music Festival and soon to follow for The Houston Grand Opera Orchestra. This led him to an interest in the business of music and eventually he created Richard Brown Music, a company that hires musicians for most of Houston’s freelance concerts and several of the area’s prominent churches. He is proud to say that in any given year he offers over 2000 employment opportunities to Houston’s professional musicians.
The variety of all these activities keeps Richard busy, but he always finds time to be available to and a mentor for his students who come to the Shepherd School to study and prepare for careers as professional percussionists.
Artist's website
http://www.richardbrownmusic.com
top of the page
Sharon Montgomery
Rex Reed says that Sharon Montgomery has "a voice from music heaven". But it's her witty, wisecracking way with an audience that keeps them coming back for more unpredictable fun. In almost 30 years as a professional singer, Sharon has done it all-- from fantastic cabaret rooms around the world like the Cafe Carlyle and the Oak Room at the Algonquin in Manhattan, the Plaza court at the Ritz in London, the Venetian Room at the Fairmont in San Francisco to cool jazz festivals in Newport, Den Hague, Nice, Rome, and Carnegie Hall, to sold-out performances with symphonies across the United States-- and this veteran chanteuse continues to enchant.
At home in Houston, Sharon is beginning her fourth year of performance with the Richard Brown Orchestra while she continues solo and group work in other venues. She currently has two CD's, "Let's Misbehave" and "Live at Ovations", available for purchase through her website at www.sharonmontgomery.com, at CDBaby.com, and at TowerRecords.com.
Artist's website
http://www.sharonmontgomery.com
top of the page
Tommie Lee Jackson
Texas is famous for its eclectic, blues-based rock-n-roll, and Tommie Lee Jackson is one of its most notable exports. This Houston Native began singing as a child, rapidly moving from soulful country and gospel to blues, jazz, and rock. A stellar songwriter with tightly crafted, highly visual lyrics, Tommie Lee's vocals are those of a soul drenched Southern song stylist, able to make any song her own, no matter who composed the material.
Tommie Lee has toured performing her critically acclaimed music throughout the United States as both headliner and support, to Japan, with Soul Shock, and to Canada, with Jean-Pierre Ferland and Ginnette Reno.
As a solo artist, Tommie Lee has recorded for Columbia Records (with Janis Joplin's producer, Paul Rothchild, at the helm)and PolyDor Records. Her trademark husky vocals have contributed to albums by artists from REO Speedwagon to Harry Chapin.
Her big-screen credits include lead and background vocals (under the musical direction of Grammy and Oscar winner Johnny Mandel) on "Stayin' Alive," starring John Travolta; "Lookin' To Get Out," starring Ann-Margaret and Jon Voight; "Never Too Young To Die," starring John Stamos, Vanity, and Gene Simmons; and under Tony Berg's direction on Robert Altman's "A Perfect Couple," starring Paul Dooley (Grace Under Fire) and Ted Neely (Jesus Christ Superstar.) Altman was so impressed with her work, he also cast her in a featured role in the film.
Musical theatre provided Tommie Lee the perfect opportunity to combine her singing and acting skills. She was featured in American Musical Theatre's productions of "A Little Night Music," "The Taffetas," and "Beehive, The Sixties Musical." Her starring role in "Always Patsy Cline" won coast-to-coast critical raves.
top of the page
Bob Luna
Working on his third career (at last count), movie star handsome Bob Luna has added "Crooner" to his lengthy resume. Relatively new to the big band scene, he has found a home with the Richard Brown Orchestra, while staying highly visible in television commercials and industrial films.
Of course he maintains his original careers in the Houston fitness and restaurant industries - truly a renaissance man.
Look out Marc Anthony!
top of the page
Támar Davis
This GRAMMY- NOMINATED songbird discovered her gift at age three. By nine, the Houston native was a lead vocalist in a group of six singing, dancing, rapping preteens called Girls Tyme. After losing on Star Search, the budding stars continued on separate paths. Támar opted to pursue a solo career. (Three of her former girl friends–Beyonce’ Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Latavia Robertson—would eventually form powerhouse Destiny’s Child.) A few years later, Támar’s demo caught the attention of music royalty: Prince. Támar was invited to his Paisley Park studio and offered a production contract. Though she didn’t get to meet his royal badness and a deal wasn’t sealed, a seed was planted.
Támar cultivated her talent at Houston’s Fame equivalent—The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts—and was among 20 honorees selected from a field of 8000 international applicants for the Presidential Scholar for the Arts award. Intent on furthering her career and her education, Támar headed to Los Angeles to study music at the University of Southern California. She graduated not only with classical training and a Bachelor of Music degree, but also with the ability to sing in French, Italian, German, and Swahili.
Támar returned to the Star Search stage in 2004 for the “Battle of Champions.” Despite praise from judges like Naomi Judd—“ You have an amazing voice”–and show host Arsenio Hall—“It’s so unique. It has a Stephanie Mills/Whitney Houston vibe…”— she didn’t prevail in the competition. She also auditioned for the fourth season of American Idol; but didn’t make it in front of the three charismatic judges. A producer’s critique: Támar was too polished. She advanced to working with Joe Sample, Lee Ritenour, and Tamia.
In 2005, Támar was re-introduced to Prince by famed choreographer Fatima Robinson. Támar not only joined his band but also performed at his renowned house parties, joined him on stage for a solo at the NAACP Image Awards, and contributed background vocals on Prince’s 3121 album. By the end of the year, the student and teacher were both signed to Universal Republic Records. Now, Prince was ready to introduce his “favorite singer” to the world.
In 2006, the dynamic duo set off on a cross-country, 11-city tour. At the electrifying, sold-out shows reminiscent of old soul revues, the leading lady’s performances were the talk of the town. Commanding the stage, Támar won over legions of Prince fans across the world and gave music critics something to talk about. A veritable knockout with voluminous hair, desirable curves and feisty moves, Támar was by Prince’s side on “Saturday Night Live,” “Good Morning America,” and both the 2006 BET and Brit Awards. And yes, that’s Támar working it in his Fury video. With the introduction made, new fans yearned for more. Yet, the world wouldn’t get to know Támar as quickly as planned; Universal decided not to release her album due to a departed relationship with her mentor and the record company. But you can’t keep good music down. One of the many songs Támar and Prince co-wrote and recorded, the forcefully inspirational duet “Beautiful, Loved and Blessed” was recently nominated for a GRAMMY.
Remarkably, she is now one of the first unsigned R&B artists to have been nominated for music’s highest honor and was just named Houston’s Rising Star 2007 (Ensemble Theatre). Honoring her rising star, Támar Davis continues to climb both onstage and in the studio, currently cast in Tyler Perry’s new stage-play “Madea’s Big Happy Family,” completing his short-run tour of “Laugh to Keep from Crying” and previously showcased as the nuanced lead in Perry’s hit stage play “The Marriage Counselor” (New York Times). Finding favor with the television/movie mogul, Támar then showcased a tear jerking “To Dream the Impossible Dream” for the grand opening of Tyler Perry Studios. The question of the evening became “who was that singer?”
The answer can be found on her second studio, yet first released self-titled album “My Name is Támar…” (2010) It displays her distinctive sound, a result of a steady diet of artists as varied as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Sting, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Yolanda Adams, Barbara Streisand, Janet Jackson, Prince, Chaka Khan and AC/DC. It is a genuine collection of anticipated songs resonating the importance of lyric to melody and passion to performance. It blazes her bold, golden pipes with incisive tone and timbre through lyrical magic. With infectious party songs and soul ripping ballads, Támar redefines an era where Rock and R & B were still kissing cousins. It’s a gathering of fresh sounds from a veteran artist dedicated to the communication of music and audience. Being true to the relationship of artist and song, Támar delivers honesty and compassion both on record and live.
Támar is now ready for the world to hear her story through song…
top of the page