Karen Lovejoy migrated from the Midwest where she began singing contemporary ballads, rhythm & blues and top 40. However, when she discovered jazz, she found a home. The freedom to reinterpret music at a whim, turning a tune inside out, and choosing generous lyrics, appealed to her expansive spirit. To the delight of many, Lovejoy settled on the east coast where she has honed her skills. In performance the Lovejoy name rings true. Her warm stage presence and harmonious tone resonates a kind of joy that leaves the music always hopeful. Karen knows that the blues is an integral part of jazz and will frequently add a twist of down home blues to her repertoire.
At age sixteen guitarist Tony Harrod joined his first group, The Mar-Tribs, opening shows for groups such as Kool & The Gang, The Detroit Emeralds and The Soul Children. Over the years, Tony has performed with many other groups playing in diverse styles including jazz, blues, pop, country, Latin, gospel, reggae, and hip-hop. Tony continues his many collaborations with other musicians, performing, directing, arranging, recording and can be heard at venues throughout the metropolitan area.
Drummer, Ian Dylan studied for many years with several drummers including Lenny Robinson, Chuck Redd and Alan Dale. His varied skillset have enabled him to work with groups lead by musicians such as Peter Edelman, Butch Warren, and Michael Nicholas. Heralded for his musicianship by renowned musical legends such as, Antonio Parker, Cora Coleman, and Steve Novosel, his fans range from everyday working-class professionals to heads-of-state. Ian's formula is simple: "My strength is learning from the successes and mistakes of past masters, rather than inventing a completely new way of playing."
Self-taught musician, Emory Matthews Diggs, Jr. began playing bass guitar by jamming with other servicemen in German nightclubs. He has worked with several Top 40, jazz, R&B and contemporary gospel bands. Playing with The Universal Messengers of Music, he recorded "Jazz is a National Treasure." Proficient on either acoustic or electric bass, Diggs has opened for and shared the stage with greats like McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Smith, Ahmad Jamal, Dizzy Gillespie, Jean Carn, Rachelle Ferrell, and George Duke.