BLOG

Jershika Maple - I Give

No long introduction needed here… Press play and be engulfed by this amazing talent and spirit-filled voice! Here’s Jershika Maple with ‘I Give’.

Credits:

Songwriters- Jershika Maple, David Grant Jr., Lori B. Martin, Derrick Harvin

Produced By- David D1 Grant @d1theproducer, and Derrick Harvin @derrickharvin


Vocal Production- Lori B. Martin @yofacetho2 Additional Vocals- Jershika Maple, Lori Martin Drums- Heath Beam @heathbeam Keyboards- David D1 Grant, Derrick Harvin Strings - Marques Murrey @marquesmurrey Bass- Frank Brunot @frankbday Guitars- Daniel K. Howard @eightsharps, and Ryan Black @yourfriend_ry

Recording Engineers- David D1 Grant, Christopher Gadson @cgondrums ,at the Love Room ATX Mixed By- Franklin Shaw for @mixedbyfranklinshaw Mastered By- Charley Webb for Charley Webb Mastering Video Directed by- Lori Martin for @accessgrantd Video Edited by- Montez Garner for @mgvisuals

Where Are You?

Here’s a studio performance that is nothing short of brilliance, with an Elite lineup of musicians who have taken this LEVELS beyond my expectation as a composer — You guys are amazing! Check out Where R U featuring Jesse Caraballo (primary artist, drums, percussion), Gino Picart (musical director, keyboards), Elías Tona (bass), Joe Pagán (electric guitar), José Rojas (tenor sax), Gío Urbina (percussion) and Derrick Harvin (programming).

Where R U written by Jessie Caraballo, Derrick Harvin, and LaVon Rushing, is also available on all major streaming platforms.

Enjoy!

Fresh Baked Rare Grooves

Fresh Baked Rare Grooves sample pack out now!

Talk about a vibe, creating this alongside Erik Jackson (drums and synthesizers) and LaVon Rushing (electric bass). And a huge shout out to Tom Hughes for fattening things up through a series of analog goodness.

This sample pack contains my 1969-1970 Fender Rhodes Mark I and other custom keyboard patches with various textures and harmonic character.

This sample pack contains my 1969-1970 Fender Rhodes Mark I and other custom keyboard patches with various textures and harmonic character.

Now available at Fresh Baked Rare Grooves. Please support, enjoy and I’m sure this will bring something rare and special to your production needs. Peace, Derrick

One For Peace

I had the great pleasure of working with Erik Jackson on his latest single, One For Peace (Nuages Records). In the unpredictable dynamics of our current world, Peace is the one state we are all in need of. In Erik’s words, “Let's not get lost in the world's confusion. If violence begets violence, then here is one for peace.”.

Erik and I teach in the Audio Production program at Full Sail University, so when the opportunity came for us to get in the lab together, we did and the magic flowed out! Also, we had the opportunity to collaborate with soulful Vicky Flint (trumpet) and the great LaVon Rushing (bass).

Take some time to chill and unwind with One For Peace, now available on all major streaming platforms. Thank you for your support!

Click image to listen to One for Peace on your favorite streaming platform

Click image to listen to One for Peace on your favorite streaming platform

Waterfalls (Amazon Original) release!

I started producing music around the time of TLC’s historic “Waterfalls" release in 1995. Fast forward to 2020, and I’m honored to have produced a cover of Waterfalls, alongside David D1 Grant Jr. for unmatched vocal artist Mali Music.

The #1 goal in production was attention to details and paying the highest respect to the best-selling American girl group TLC and Organized Noize’s original work. Thank you Amazon Music, K Approved Enterprises, Inc., and RCA Inspiration for the opportunity to exercise our gifts on this exclusive Amazon Original work. This is certainly one to remember!

Click to hear Waterfalls (Amazon Original) by Mali Music

Produced by: David D1 Grant Jr. and Derrick Harvin | Co-Produced by Ron Hill

Keys and Programming: Derrick Harvin and David D1 Grant Jr.

Bass: Al Castor

Horns: @brassflo

BGV: Mali Music, Lori Martin, Rose Short

Mixing: Franklin Shaw and Derrick Harvin

Mastering: Charley Webb Mastering

Reference:

Mali Music Releases Amazon Original Cover of TLC’s “Waterfalls”

Billboard #1 Current Gospel Album

I’m so excited to announce The Book of Mali debuts at #1 on Billboard’s Current Gospel Album Chart and #3 Top Gospel Album! If you haven’t yet, dive in and consume the Book of Mali from the Intro to the end. Available on all streaming platforms.

Thank you everyone for your support!

Mali Music - "My Blessings (Love Me)" [Official Music Video]

Check out Mali Music’s new single, “My Blessings (Love Me)” Official Music Video! Credits: Co-writing and co-production

Music video by Mali Music performing My Blessings (Love Me) [Official Music Video]. (P) 2020 K Approved Enterprises, Inc., under exclusive license to Provide...

The Book of Mali Experience

From the early days of jamming on the stage at the AKA Lounge (Downtown Orlando), to developing countless songs/productions in Vada Noble’s camp, to crafting masterpieces with gospel, jazz, and pop artists and more, it’s been a memorable journey, working over the years, with my longtime friend, super producer, David “D1” Grant Jr.

11.21.19 (anniversary night) - the one night anyone shouldn’t be working (if you don’t want to produce your next record from the doghouse), I receive a call to do an immediate “master” for an upcoming release. With blessings from the Mrs., I stepped away from the date night and quickly started setting up the session to begin listening and tweaking. From the first “Man Yeah” to the next few poetic lines, I immediately became engulfed in the powerful message of “Let Go”. It was the wordsmith, spirit-led Mali Music, delivering an honest message about perseverance and hope. Addiction of any magnitude can prove to be a compelling force. “I'm an addict to the vision, clean living I been missing, pulled left from the mission, Man Yeah bout end it, Big knife out the kitchen cut it.“ - Mali Music

“Let Go”, released Jan. 30th, moved on to become a Top 10 Billboard success, as the message continues to resonant in communities worldwide. From this point in the production process, D1 and I worked up songs and mixes, along with our co-partner, mix engineer/producer Franklin Shaw. Producing and engineering singles, “Mo’Lo”, “Cry”, and now the 4th single, in which I’ve co-written and produced, “My Blessings”. “All Night” and “Lord Forgive Me” are two other songs I’ve been responsible for, to be included in this powerful Book.

The Book of Mali is a classic, soulful, storytelling experience that I am grateful to have served on.

3x Grammy nominated artist, Mali Music’s The Book of Mali is now available on all platforms. Be sure to check out this album as I believe it will inspire, uplift, and motivate.

By the way, Thankfully I’m not in the doghouse - D1 and I are continuing to craft new content, so stay tuned. For now, turn up the volume and enjoy The Book of Mali!

Reference:

https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8549631/mali-music-signs-rca-inspiration-let-go

Click image to stream The Book of Mali

Click image to stream The Book of Mali

Ian Von "Love N Loss Episode 1" Now Available

Once again, I teamed up with Assorted Sounds and David “D1” Grant Jr. to produce this 3-song EP for R&B sensation, Ian Von (Table Spoon Music, Inc.). “Love N Loss Episode 1” is purely hypnotic and full of infectious synths, incorporated trap drums, and even some Talk Box to drive the point home. This backdrop sets the tone for Ian’s smooth vocals throughout the EP. Episode 1 also presents a futuristic remake of Ian Von’s, Somethin Bout You (from his Love, Beats, & Guitars LP), now laced with a feature from the one and only CyHi The Prince.

Click the image below to check out “Love N Loss Episode 1”. Also, available on all streaming platforms.

Now, this is #1 so be sure to check back for the next waves on #2…

Enjoy!

Click the image to stream Love N Loss Episode 1

Click the image to stream Love N Loss Episode 1

Credits: Songwriting, Production, Engineer

Chronicles with Super Bassist Rohan Reid

It’s always been a mission of mines to align myself with others who influence me to grow. This is what happens when I work with world-class bassist, songwriter, producer (guitar, banjo, and anything else with strings) Rohan Reid.

Thank you Rohan for the opportunity to share this stage with you on “Chronicles”. I appreciate your musical mind and leadership!

Check out Rohan Reid’s new radio single, “Chronicles” featuring me on piano, keys, and synth solo! Available on all streaming platforms.

Click image to hear “Chronicles”

Click image to hear “Chronicles”

Credits: Songwriter, Production, Featured Artist

I Am Hope

When Jarian approached me with this song, I immediately knew the message could impact the world. I am truly blessed to have produced this soundtrack that provides Hope to those who may be down and without, but continue to look up. Regardless of the state, the power of Hope gives us an expectation that things can change.

I remember as a young child, my mom telling that “things won’t always be this way”. Whatever that meant to a young mind, to now an adult with unwavering faith, I understand and embrace the perspective of keeping a positive outlook.

I’m humbled to have orchestrated this backdrop of Hope alongside my brothers Jarian (vocals), LaVon Rushing (guitars, bass), and Phil “Natural Phil” Johnson (drums)… kids choir and little miss Chloe Felton (on the intro with her dad).

And a special Thank You to my friend Tim DeTellis and New Missions for the powerful work you are doing all throughout the world.

Click to stream Jarian’s “I Am Hope”.

Credits: Songwriter, Producer, Fender Rhodes, Engineer

G O O M B A Y by John Krasula

Some serious musicianship on John Krasula’s new single release, Goombay! I’m honored to play a part on this amazing project alongside my dear friends:

Saxophones and Flute: Jeremy Fratti
Drums: Gerald Law II
Fender Rhodes: Jeremy Katalenic
Bass: Greg Jungbluth
Guitars: John Krasula

I’m laying down some synth work on this skillfully written masterpiece. Thank you John for having me and my Moog! :)

Click the image to listen to John Krasula “Goombay”

Click the image to listen to John Krasula “Goombay”

"Going too fast in the slow lane..." Collision (new single)

I’m pleased to announce a new single release with Assorted Sounds, featuring I.M.G Strongarm’s songwriter and artist, Suavey (aka BDay the writer for FLO Rida, Tyler Watts, Keymah Renee).

This electro-synth pop energetic track is great to ride out to, whether heading out for the day or setting the tone for the early blue hour evening. Drone pads, bouncy square bass, funky guitars, melodic synth lines, and even live strings, provides the backdrop for Suavey slick vocals and stylize effects.

Collision paints a story of contemplation of the decisions we make and the regrets we ponder from our sometimes jealous choices. “What you wanted... I wanted, but I let the jealous drive and cause this collision…”

Click the link below to stream Collision on Spotify:

Click the image to stream Collision

Click the image to stream Collision

What's Your Fabric?

It’s interesting what can become of foot stomps, hand claps, glassware percussion, good conversation and a vibe. This is the DNA of “Fabric”. 

Spending time with Jarian (artist/songwriter) and Xavier Quarterman (featured artist -talk box and rap), on a weekend mission trip to Colorado, we began to discuss the unique make-up of a person and how sometimes we allow public view/social media/etc. to presents another spin or a disguise. It is built within our human needs to desire love and a sense of belongingness, but often times we can negate ourselves at the expense of acceptance. 

The opening chant resounds, “You’re not… you’re never gonna satisfy them”, as the pre chorus declares, “Gotta step into the moment, you’re catching everybody by surprise…Nothing left to do but own it, cause it’s okay to be yourself”.  

This song is about celebrating uniqueness, and embracing not only the beauty but the imperfections that makes us who we are - Step out on that catwalk and shine! 

“Fabric” is now available on all streaming platform. 

Click the image to listen to “Fabric”

Click the image to listen to “Fabric”

Credits: Songwriter, Producer, Programmer, Percussion, Engineer

Primary Artist, Percussion: Jarian

Talkbox, Additional Synth, Percussion, Rap: Xavier Quarterman

Bass: Montez Garner

Guitar: Daniel Howard

Percussion: Carlos Del Toro

Hi Hats: Natural Phil

Synthesizer Sound Design: Thomas “Tom Foolery” Hughes

Mixing Engineer: Darren Schneider

Mastering Engineer: Charley Webb

Somebody say Funk? - Eric Green "I Belong Here"

What an electric experience working with Eric Green (artist) and Jarian (songwriter) on Green’s “I Belong Here”. Initially, Eric was shooting for a Big Band arrangement for his song, but you can’t deny some good ole funk, every now and then. In the words of Green, “In this world, it’s easy to get lost in the madness, the chaos and pain. In a time where love and happiness is all we need, one thing that I would always believe and never doubt, is that I belong here”.

Sometimes you just have to claim your stake in life, as we All have a purpose and a unique work to do. I Belong Here states this perfectly and I’m pleased to share this production with you.

Eric Green “I Belong Here” is available on all streaming platform. Press play, repeat, and dance like no one is watching!

Click the image to stream Eric Green’s “I Belong Here”.

Click the image to stream Eric Green’s “I Belong Here”.

Credits: Songwriting, Production, Programming, Engineering

Bass: Jamaal Andrews

Guitars: Quinn Shaw

Bottle percussion: Natural Phil

Mixed by Darren Schneider

Mastered by Charley Webb

The Standard

The moment has come to experience Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando Florida. Musicians are often asked, "What are your influences?" As I listen to my unique musical voice, I can easily say that Herbie's journey in music has most certainly influenced my perspective on the rich culture of jazz and musicianship. Please click on the image below to read the concert preview. I am honored to be quoted in regards to these remarkable gentlemen and legends in jazz.

Winter Wonderland feat. Darrius Jamar, Jamie WilliamS. and Derrick Harvin

Season's greetings!

This is a very special time of year - a time to cherish, love, and share. It was such a great pleasure recording Winter Wonderland with my friends, Darrius Jamar and Jamie WilliamS. and I would like to share our video with you. These guys are such top notch artist and a delight to work with. I hope our rendition of this holiday favorite warms your heart and fill your home with joy during this season. Wishing you all great cheer!

- Derrick Harvin

Sleigh bells ring are you listening . . .

WINTER WONDERLAND - For solo musicians Darrius Jamar, Jamie WilliamS., and Derrick Harvin, the artistry of smooth jazz is a joy to be shared with others. Brought together through mutual respect for each other’s musicianship and an uninhibited endearment for contemporary jazz, Jamar, WilliamS., and Harvin are now beginning their own journey as an instrumental trio.

Having already established themselves as solo artists, songwriters, and producers in their own respected rights, setting their sights on a collaborative project was as natural and effortless as the smooth jazz rhythms featured on their debut single. With Jamar providing solid and steady bass and drums, WilliamS. giving a velvety sax performance, and Harvin’s provokingly tasteful piano, the trio create an unforgettable introduction for themselves with their original arrangement of the classic holiday favorite, “Winter Wonderland.” Just in time for the holiday season, “Winter Wonderland,” set to release on November 24th, offers a timeless elegance to the age old song, with thoughtful dynamics and modern melodic structure that evoke the warm, glamorous sensibilities of the holidays in New York City.

Less than two weeks before the release date, the trio’s “Winter Wonderland” was no more than an unrealized dream, and today, its seamless and innovative instrumentation is a testimony to the divine formula of the union of Jamar, WilliamS., and Harvin. Just a few moments in the studio together proved to be enough to turn three successful solo artists into a contemporary jazz group, and this lead single serves as their confidant salutation to the jazz community. 

As individuals, these salutations have already been made to applause and acclaim. Bassist and drummer Jamar released his self-produced debut smooth jazz EP, Bounce Back in September 2015, which features a rhythmic blend of R&B and jazz, and Saxophonist WilliamS.’ 2005 album, After Hours, gives a glimpse of inventive yet classic saxophone style. Producer and pianist Harvin recently released his debut album, From Here, a step in a creative direction that has transformed Harvin from a producer for the stars into a solo artist himself.

This is just the beginning for the instrumental trio of Jamar, WilliamS., and Harvin, and as they continue to contribute to the rich culture of jazz, their collective expression is sure to become a cornerstone in collaborative jazz music.

- Courtney Caggiano

Now available at the following online retailers:

 iTunes | Amazon | Google Play | Bandcamp