HVLT at Black Cat

“Singer Tyreek McDole became the second man to win the annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. (2023)”
- Michael Barris, Downbeat Magazine

HVLT is a forward-thinking electric ensemble that explores modern hip-hop, pop, R&B, and folk through the improvisational language and discipline of jazz. Rooted in deep musicianship and collective listening, the band reimagines notable songs while also presenting original music that blurs genre boundaries—balancing groove, texture, and spontaneity with intention and emotional clarity.At the center of HVLT is vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Tyreek McDole, winner of the 2023 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, whose expressive voice and conceptual vision help anchor the group’s sound. The ensemble is driven by drummer Michael Shekwoaga Ode, whose sensitivity and rhythmic authority shape the band’s dynamic range. Bassist Butler Knowles provides a grounded yet melodic foundation, while guitarist Logan Butler and pianist Wilfie Williams contribute harmonic depth, texture, and cinematic scope.Collectively, the members of HVLT have performed across nearly every facet of music, sharing stages and collaborating with artists such as Wyclef Jean, Jill Scott, Common, Roy Hargrove, Ambrose Akinmusire, Sullivan Fortner, Kenny Barron, Kenny Garrett, Wallace Roney, the Jonas Brothers, and Jeff Goldblum. That breadth of experience informs HVLT’s sound: collaborative, rhythm-forward, and deeply human—where virtuosity serves the music, genre is a tool rather than a boundary, and the ensemble always comes first....

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“Singer Tyreek McDole became the second man to win the annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. (2023)”
- Michael Barris, Downbeat Magazine

HVLT is a forward-thinking electric ensemble that explores modern hip-hop, pop, R&B, and folk through the improvisational language and discipline of jazz. Rooted in deep musicianship and collective listening, the band reimagines notable songs while also presenting original music that blurs genre boundaries—balancing groove, texture, and spontaneity with intention and emotional clarity.At the center of HVLT is vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Tyreek McDole, winner of the 2023 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, whose expressive voice and conceptual vision help anchor the group’s sound. The ensemble is driven by drummer Michael Shekwoaga Ode, whose sensitivity and rhythmic authority shape the band’s dynamic range. Bassist Butler Knowles provides a grounded yet melodic foundation, while guitarist Logan Butler and pianist Wilfie Williams contribute harmonic depth, texture, and cinematic scope.Collectively, the members of HVLT have performed across nearly every facet of music, sharing stages and collaborating with artists such as Wyclef Jean, Jill Scott, Common, Roy Hargrove, Ambrose Akinmusire, Sullivan Fortner, Kenny Barron, Kenny Garrett, Wallace Roney, the Jonas Brothers, and Jeff Goldblum. That breadth of experience informs HVLT’s sound: collaborative, rhythm-forward, and deeply human—where virtuosity serves the music, genre is a tool rather than a boundary, and the ensemble always comes first.

Band Lineup:
Tyreek McDole, vocals
Logan Butler, guitar
Wilfie Williams, piano
Butler Knowles, bass
Shekwoaga Ode, drums

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