COAST 2 COAST FEATURING THE FANTASTIC GEMS
Updated: Jan 11, 2021
Back in 1968, at Eastside High School in Paterson, New Jersey, a music group called The Fantastic Gems was born. After graduation, the talented musicians went off to college, the military, and new careers. Years later, two of the original members reformed in Washington D.C. as "Coast 2 Coast" and began recording and performing from 1986 to 1990.
In 2016, The Fantastic Gems got back together to fulfill a promise they made to each other when they were young students in New Jersey. The result of their reunion was the release of The New Old Skool. The album is a tribute to their musical roots, and was made in recognition of the community who encouraged, supported and shaped their musical spirit. The New Old Skool features 11 great songs that fans of R & B,Gospel, Pop, and Jazz will love.
For fans who have never heard your music, can you pick three words to describe it?! If three words just aren't enough then tell us more!
Inspirational, Retro, Soulful
When writing songs, I usually draw from personal experiences or feelings. Topics can range from: love, spirituality, brotherhood, social consciences.
Okay, this a fun question. When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing?
Play sports (basketball), go fishing and hang out with the family.
Can you tell us what song you've written that is the most emotional and describe the meaning behind it? Or is there a song that means a lot to you that you can describe for us?
The song "Thank You Lord" is the most emotional song because it praises God for all the blessings bestowed upon us and asks that Gods blessing and prayers rain down on all his people.
What was the first song or piece you ever wrote!?
"I Wish You Would Start To Love Me" in 1974. It was the B side of a 45. Got some play on the radio in Oakland CA.
What is your dream gig? Is there a gig that you really want that would be the ultimate show for you? Want to go back to The Apollo Theater in NY. Played there on Amature Night in 1969 as a teenager with these same guys (The Fantastic Gems). We came in second place to Stephanie Mills.
Are you working on any new material right now or what's in the works for the upcoming year? Yep, working on new material as we speak. Looking to release 2 songs in March of 2021 and 6 more songs in June of 2021.
Tell us where fans can access your music.
Stream on Spotify.
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