3AM is not only a band of like minded swingers, it is also a part of a whole. It is the Trio arm of the movement, a modern movement. At this point, December 2012, the totality of the AM brand is unfathomable, but with the release of the upcoming 4AM, more artistic clarity will begin to present itself. All the materials for 3AM, like all the materials for the AM saga, are written with the specificity of each player's talents in mind. This album attempts to highlight the robust groove and pocket capabilities of all parties without overstating said groove or pocket. Understatement is a cornerstone of the AM movement. If you can begin to listen in this context then you can enjoy the music from the composers chair.alTHough it is not necessary to listen from this peRspective, it is offered as a possible altErnativE to the various modes of Aural enjoyMent. What's the point of all this you ask.......The point is to swing. Not the narrow view of swing, the wide one that makes most sense to you as a listener. This band has a long rapport in the business of swing, and we sincerely hope that you enjoy our latest play.
Akeem Marable is one of the most outstanding saxophonists in Atlanta irregardless of age. He is equally at home playing tonal or atonal music and looks forward to all musical challenges. His mature composition style belies his age and Akeem is also an accomplished drummer. Marable comes to us from one of America’s great sports towns, Valdosta, GA and is a graduate of the prestigioius University of North Florida School of American Music as well as Georgia State University. He plays Keilwerth Saxophones and Legere Reeds.
Kevin Smith is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. He was exposed to music at a young age growing up in some of Atlanta's historical Black baptist churches. Being exposed to the cultures hymnody, negro spirituals, country blues and gospel music would set the foundation for a successful music career. Kevin exceled in music early on in the areas of voice, orchestra and jazz. While still in high school, he participated in what would be his first Grammy/music Industry award winning project with local hip-hop group Outkast. After finishing high school Kevin was accepted into The Florida State University and received a scholarship to be placed in the School of Music's String Performance Program. Here he studied classical/baroque contrabass with Melanie Punter (Orchestra of St. Lukes/Atlanta Baroque Orchestra) and was under the direction of Maestro Dr. Alex Jimenez (Univ. Symphony). He also was accepted into the jazz studies departments where he studied jazz bass with Rodney Jordan. He studied and performed with dept. head Leon Anderson Jr., Marcus Robers (Wynton Marsalis), Scotty Barnhart (Count Basie, Duke Ellington Orch.), Inga Sweringen, and Dr. John Parks. Kevin also held a chair in the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, and played in the Columbus Symphony, Albany Symphony, and Dothan Opera Orchestras. Music Industry Awards include Outkast: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (LaFace/Arista)- RIAA: certified diamond (11x platinum), Grammy for Best album of the year and best rap album '04 Billboard #1's: top 100, top 200, top internet, top 40: rhythmic, mainstream and overall, and Canadian Singles Field Mob: Light Poles and Pine Trees (D.T.P./Geffen/Universal) RIAA: certified gold Billboard: #7 top 200, #2 top R&B/Hip-hop (single) Kevin continues to be an active member of the Atlanta musical and artistic community.
Atlanta based drummer, Mark Raudabaugh, is a versatile and skilled performer who is currently on the road with Donna the Buffalo, one the most respected touring folk/roots acts for the last 20 years. Mark began playing drums while living in England during the early 90’s. After moving back to the States, he attended Gainesville High School in Gainesville, FL where he was involved in both the marching and jazz bands. Mark later received a jazz scholarship to Florida State University where he studied under Leon Anderson Jr. and had the opportunity to perform with Wyclef Gordon and Ellis Marsalis among others. Since graduating from FSU in 2003, Mark has toured the US, Canada, and Japan with artists 'Bobby Lee Rodgers and The CodeTalkers' and Papa Mali. ?He has also played with Jim Lauderdale, Bobby Sparks and Keith Anderson (Marcus Miller Band, Roy Hargrove & RH Factor), Andreas Oberg (Swedish jazz guitar virtuoso), Lee Fields (Dap-Kings), Nathan Page, Grant Green Jr., Ruby Velle and The Soulphonics, Peter Rowan, Charles Walker and The Dynamites, Delta Moon, Equinox Jazz Orchestra, among many others. When not on the road with Donna the Buffalo, Mark stays busy gigging/recording in the Atlanta area and throughout the Southeast.