Skipp
was born Irvin Young III, on March 8th 1960 in Cleveland Ohio. By age five
he realized that he wanted to be a drummer. He soon auditioned for a part
in his Elementary School kindergarten Christmas play as a drummer, and received
the honor of playing a single snare drum for his class, and adult visitors
that came to see the play. Later Skipp went on to be mentored by a few of
the swing era jazz greats, such as Chester & Thelma Clark who played alongside
of the great Count Basie and Duke Ellington, and also along with "The
Night Owls" swing drummer Troy Singer.
Troy Singer was very instrumental in cultivating Skipp’s
ability to define and help create Skipp's four way independence and syncopation.
Prior to Skipp starting grade school Mr. Singer would visit the Young's household
and sit down to converse with Skipp’s parents. In doing so he would
observe Skipp paying very close attention to his every movement. So with this
being the case Mr. Singer would tap out various rhythms on his legs and would
co-ordinate the tapping of his feet as if he were playing a set of drums.
After doing so Skipp who had watched intensely would leave the room and go
off to try doing what he had just witnessed the senior musician do. After
attempting to play the rhythm for a while he would go back and duplicate the
rhythm Mr. Singer had done so he could hear it, but in a way as to not disturb
his elders conversation or be rude.
Later in life Skipp met up with Lead Guitarist and Guitar
coach Rick Higgins. Up until now all of his playing ability was strictly by
ear. He now was on the road to a better understanding of scales and modalities
which would be implemented and used to better define his musical portraits.
Skipp has opened for a variety of act such as Public Enemy, Michael Franks,
Melba Moore and has Co-produced with well known recording artist Brotha Shorty
from "The Lench Mob". Skipp and fellow band members were featured
in the BBC Documentary "The Life of Curtis Mayfield " which aired
exclusively in the UK.
Mark
Elliott Tyree, born February 11, 1961, in Cleveland, Ohio. Mark studied music
Composition and Theory under a variety of mentors. Mark was determined to give
the world a taste of his gift. The first mentor was his father Joseph Tyree,
who played Coronet and Trumpet, and also sang the voice of Tenor as a natural
second language. Mark studied the Soprano Recorder and Theory, at Gracemount
Elementary School. He later studied Piano at Halle's at Severance Center with
Alice Lander (Trochio) who led him deeper into Theory and Mechanics. Mark also
sang Baritone in The Chorale Club
at Alexander Hamilton Jr.
High under leadership of Diane Davis (McQueen) and at Emmanuel Baptist Church
under Robert Thomas. The Hamilton Choral Club produced an Album in 1975. Mark
became active in Sr. High with the JFK Chorale and Choraliers, where he was
led into intonation by Ms. Patricia Connors (PC). In 1978 The Chorale achieved
top Honors statewide as the best Public School Choir in Ohio. As a young man,
Mark studied Theory with the legendary Tony King as his mentor. The experience
led him to write and style his own songs. He would arrange songs to suite his
own energy. Influenced by Classics, Contemporary, Gospel, and Jazz, Mark could
not begin to tell you his favorite artist or style. Trained as a Classic contemporary,
humbled by his own style, and thanking God for this tremendous gift. Mark would
be pleased and encouraged to know you like Blaque Ahys, Old School Funky Jazz.
Muhammad
Rashid was born August 26, 1974 in Columbus, Ohio. He is the son of Malva
and Fareed Rashid. As a young child he was first influenced by his father
Fareed who played the flugle horn and percussions for Patrice Rushin, Al Jarreau,
Anita Baker, and has opened for many others to include Najee. Muhammad’s
exposure to music not only came from watching and listening to his father practice
and create new sounds, but from both of his parents who were great lovers of
jazz and R&B. This made a major impact on Muhammad's future musical journey.
Many days were filled with the music from such artist as Freddie Hubbard, John
Coltrane, Miles Davis, Donald Byrd & the Black Byrds just to name
a few. Muhammad studied music thoughout elementary school until he graduated
from Firestone High School in Akron, Ohio. Muhammad began writing and
producing music when he was 15 years old creating beats for local underground
artist. Muhammad continues to study Classical and Jazz piano theory and is totally
grateful to all that enjoy his work in the colaborative efforts of Blaque Ahys.
