Nadine Raffia Ford is a New York born-Los Angeles based singer and songwriter.
Raised a short distance from New York City in the suburbs of Long Island, Raffia was
constantly surrounded by a rich culture of soulful music, dance, and meaningful art
which later served as a foundation for her own musical talents.
At the tender age of five, young Raffia discovered her passion for singing, and
further recognized her God given gift to perform. As a child, she was a standout
vocalist as a member of the Children’s Church Choir, during which time she made
her solo debut. At an early age, she chose to focus on developing her vocals skills
utilizing her involvement with the choir as a means of displaying her singing ability.
Years later, Raffia began writing compositions with musical inspiration from such
artists as Whitney Houston, Rachelle Ferrell, and Anita Baker to name a few. Her
voice could be best described as soulful, sultry, and passionate. From her ballads,
to the up-tempo dance tracks, Nadine possesses the musical rhythm and style that
has been compared to likes of Phyllis Hyman, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and Toni
Braxton.
Raffia graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, in Boston
Massachusetts, with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education/Voice Principal. Shortly
after graduating, Raffia received the opportunity to travel to Manila, Philippines
performing as the lead vocalist of the funk/jazz fusion band entitled Satya. She
later sang with recording artist Jennifer Holiday, who played the original “Effie” from
Dreamgirls at Martha’s Vineyard. It was evident early on that Raffia was destined for
stardom, and that she was merely scratching the surface of what was yet to come.
Raffia later performed provided background vocals for, numerous artists
including Aretha Franklin, Christina Aguilera, Toni Braxton, Chante Moore, Anita
Baker, Ledisi, Gloria Estefan, Patrice Rushen, Melissa Etheridge, and Donnie
McClurkin. Her dreams turned reality and her hard work certainly did not go
unnoticed.
In 2009, Raffia competed to be part of P Diddy’s, Making His Band Reality Television
Show. Her voice and persona awed the judges as she was chosen as one of five
finalists out of thousands of musicians who had auditioned from across the state of
New York. Her vocal ability carried her throughout the entire competition and into
the televised final round of eliminations.
The success continued with more television exposure performing background vocals
on various nationwide televised shows such as, “The Jacksons – A Family Dynasty”
that debuted on the A&E network. Rhythm and Blues legend, Toni Braxton’s show
“Braxton Family Values” of the WE network. The Ellen Degeneres show “12 days
of giveways” during the Holiday season. Raffia appeared on the Ellen Degeneres
performing background vocals for the Star Vocal Coaches of “The Voice” Christina
Aguilera, and Blake Shelton.
With a slew of experience on her resume, and several highly respected musicians
and producers in her corner, Raffia has begun working on her solo career. She is
currently in the studio working on her debut album with various producers. She is
prepared to share her potent singing and songwriting talents with the masses.
Raffia explains her sound this way; “Music is a powerful tool that was created
to show expression. In my music I strive to express positive and meaningful life
experiences that we all can relate to, regardless of age. Music is about touching
people, and giving a sense of substance, hopefully sending a message that can be
taken and applied to everyday life.”
Raffia’s debut album will feature a blend of Soul and R&B with a Jazz vibe that
shows extraordinary gift. Raffia is a rarity in the music world today and a strong
singer who lives to give her audience more than a performance, and a rare look into
her musical soul.
Bryan Velasco
Bryan Velasco is a pianist from La Mirada, CA. His performance credits include, Celia Cruz, Fransisco Aguabella, Alfredo de la Fe, Jesus Diaz, Nestor Torres, Chembo Corneil, as well as TV performances such as White House Fiesta Latina. Acts from that performance include Gloria Estefan, Los Lobos, Jose Feliciano, Sheila E. and many others. Currently he plays keys with singer/ songwriter Everast, as well as produces indie local artists.
Deon Hairston
Deon is an international touring drummer that has toured with The Soul of John Black, Hironobu Saito, J.I.L.O.O.L. (Deon’s jazz trio), and Kim Hill. He has performed with artists such as the Legendary Clark Terry, Timothy Wright, James Bignon, Dennis Wilson, Phil Wilson, Hal Crooke, Kevin Mahogony, Keaton Simons, Cheryl D. Frazier, Eddie Batos, Me’Shell N’Degacello, Joi (Tennessee Slim), Torrey Ruffin, Norwood Fish (Fishbone), John Bigham (Soul of John Black, Miles Davis, Fishbone), Christopher Thomas (Brian Blade and Fellowship), Raphael Saadiq, Rob Bacon, The Regiment Horn Section, Tiger Okashi, Davey Chegwidden, Christine Fawson, Angela Hagenbach, Natalie Stovall and many, many more.
Darrell Diaz
Darrell Diaz has been the man behind the music for many of today’s recording artists. In 1991, he emerged onto the professional music scene in Los Angeles as the keyboardist/synthesist with jazz legend Herbie Hancock. Since, then he has gone on to become a successful writer, producer, engineer, keyboardist and musical director with such artists as Kenny Lattimore, Stanley Clarke, Gerald Albright, Doc Powell, Howard Hewett, DMX, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones and Maxwell, with whom he received his first platinum album, Urban Hang Suite and his first No. 1 song “Fortunate.” He is a voting member of NARAS (Grammy committee) and teaches privately in LA with a focus on Afro-Cuban Jazz. He made his solo debut with the release of “Devotion” in 2002.
Alex Nester
Alex Nester sings and plays keys keys with Salvador Santana and background vocals for Tito Jackson. Alex Nester recently released her second solo album #BurnItDown. Alex has been recording professionally for several years, and is a 12 year cancer survivor.
LaNiece McKay,
LaNiece McKay is a singer songwriter based in the greater los angeles area, Her credits include work with Beyonce, Robin Thicke, Tito Jackson, Mike Epps, and may others. LaNiece also gas a debut album entitled : Songs from My Breakup” available at www.laniecemckay.com and itunes, amazon, and cdbady.
To see Raffia’s upcoming events visit www.Raffiamusic.net
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