Featured Band Members

Kelley Rees

Kelley Rees has opened for many recognized national acts including Cece Winans, Huey Lewis and The News,

Kool & The Gang, Steve Miller, Grover T. Washington, KC and The Sunshine Band, James Brown, Aaron Neville and for international celebrities including the President of the United States.
 
Kelley is a music recording artist, songwriter, dancer and entertainer who has performed for audiences throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and Australia.  She also toured internationally with the USO entertaining our military troops with her fantastic soulful, sultry, pop and rock voice.
 
Kelley has been singing since she was 3 years old performing professionally since she was 16 years old. In 1998, she formed the dynamic, up-beat, rhythm & blues, funky show-band, Diggin’ Rhythm N’ Brass.  This 10-piece group performs for major events, conventions, corporations, weddings, and festivals. Diggin’ Rhythm N’ Brass performs both nationally and internationally.

Her Christian Music CD “One Voice" debuted in August 2004.  It contains 9 original songs.  Click here to buy her CD.

Kelley is a member of the praise and worship team and the choir at Southpoint Community Church in Jacksonville, FL.

See more about Kelley at her website by clicking HERE.

Annica Williams

Annica Williams was born and raised in Sweden.  She began her career at age 12.  When Annica was 15, she competed and was a finalist in "The Eurovision Song Contest."  After touring Europe, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia and Indonesia, Annica set her sights on the American music scene. 

Since making her move to America, Annica has worked with some of the best writer/producers in the music industry, including Narada Michael Walden (Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston), Jeffery Cohen (Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey), and Sam Dees (Whitney Houston, Gladys Knight).  Songs from her US debut album "Annica" have scored over a half a million plays on MP3.com, with numberous songs reaching the top of the charts on Billboard Talent Net and MP3.com, to name a few.  "Annica" was produced by Annica and Grammy Award winner Jeffery Cohen, along with LA-based producer Randy Emata.

Annica is currently writing songs for her new album, as well as both writing and producing songs for artists such as "American Idol" finalist Nikki McKibbin. 

You can now preview and download Annica's album on I TUNES, and at most other digital download sites as well.  The album is also available for purchase on CDBaby.com.  Click here to view and purchase "Annica".

Alvin Armstrong III

Alvin Armstrong III started singing, at the age of 3, in the church choir and with the gospel group "Paul Philips and The Gospel Sensations."  His gift of singing comes from his mom who also has an incredibly beautiful voice.

Among many of his accomplishments, Alvin was a contestant on "Give Me the Mic."  He has been and is heavily influenced by Fred Hammond, Commissioned, The Winans, The Gospel Keynotes, Luther Vandros, Musiq, John Legend, Al Green and many other artists. 

Alvin is a unique and special performer/entertainer who can take a song and breathe energy and passion into it.  His voice mirrors the presence of such singing greats as Mavin Gaye, Usher, John Legend, Luther Vandros, Al Green, Donnie Hathaway and Stevie Wonder.  Alvin is a true crowd pleaser.

With his strong vocal anointing, coupled with his tremendous desire to reach people, he will make an impact in the music industry.  Alvin will be releasing his first solo project in the near future.

Carlos Williams

Carlos Williams is an absolute groove machine.  He holds down the rhythm section of Diggin' Rhythm N' Brass.  One of the hardest workers and most creative artists in the industry, this dynamic bass player is recognized as one of the best in the Eastern and Southeastern United States.

Carlos hypnotizes any crowd with his smooth moves and masterful playing.  His performance is like that of the exciting Verdine White of Earth, Wind and Fire.  Carlos is a man of style, class, and a leader among his musical peers.  Anyone is blessed to know this humble giant of a man.

Mike Maple

Mike "BIRDSEYE" Maple is one of the top studio and touring drummers on the East Coast.  He has played with many well known artists and bands including Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad, Don Potter and the Chuck Mangione Band, The Judds, Billy Powell and Leon Wilkerson of Lynyrd Skynyrd, just to name a few.

Mike is a skilled technician well-known for his dynamic arrangements and powerful rhythmic grooves.  He is recognized in many circles as "The Minister Of Funk".  Mike joined forces with Diggin' in 2001 and is part of the strong foundation of the band.  His warm sense of humor and love for music sets him apart from other drummers.  Come and be a witness to the groove and catch "The Minister Of Funk" and Diggin' Rhythm N' Brass in a town near you.

Mike is also currently touring with Wynonna Judd.

Donna Lee

Donna Lee began singing in the church choir at age 5, started singing solos at age 7, and her first live recording was at age 15.  She grew up in St. Louis, MO.

Donna's voice is awesome, polished and unique.  A cross between Aretha Franklin, Maria Carey, Chaka Khan and Whitney Houston.  This amazing talent performed for many years with Rupert's Orchestra in St. Louis and Atlanta and with Lenny Klinger Productions in St. Louis, specializing in corporate events, private parties and weddings. 

From St. Louis, Donna moved to Nashville and toured with the Christian music artist, Israel, and New Breed for several years performing live on stage and television including a live performance on the 2002 Stellar Awards.

Donna has also been the vocal instructor at Bethel Church in Nashville and at Southpoint Community Church in Jacksonville, FL.

Adam Shapiro

Adam Shapiro is the son of a music professor and has been playing for more than 25 years.  He is a veteran performer who has shared the stage and opened for dozens of national and international artists.  He is a versatile keyboardist who has performed with jazz, blues, rock, R&B, and country bands and has performed in venues from stadiums to honky tonks. 

Next to Kelley Rees, Adam is the longest affiliation with Diggin' Rhythm N' Brass, having been a member of the band since 1997.

Clay Benjamin

Clay Benjamin is the lead guitarist for Diggin' Rhythm N' Brass.  Clay's interest in music began at the early age of five years old, while watching his father playing the guitar at church.  He has been surrounded by a family full of talented musicians that have helped influence his gift of playing the guitar.  In 1986, he was blessed to perform in his very first live recording with a local group called "One Accord", headed by Minister Luke Schumpert.  In the summer of 1997, Clay auditioned for the Orlando based smooth jazz artist, Paul Horwards Group, and became their lead guitarist.  Following this achievement, Clay has had the opportunity to perform with many great artists such as Allen & Allen, Yolanda Adams, Dorothy Norwood, Lisa McClendon, Donnie McKlurken, The Ga. Mass Choir, Marvin Sapp and many more.  He has also been blessed to be a part of the opening act to such great artists as The Yellow Jackets, Chuck Loeb, Four Play, The Rippingtons, James Brown, Kool and The Gang, Ray Charles, Morris Day and The Time, The Commodores and many more.

Clay is also currently on tour with Al Greene.  

Clay will be releasing his first solo project in the summer of 2007.

Dayve Stewart aka "The Soul Man"

Dayve Stewart, Saxophonist and Tampa native, is currently working on a Commercial Music degree with a minor in Business at Florida State University.  He is a member of both the FSU Jazz Ensemble and the Jazz Combo.  Prior to his studies at FSU, Dayve attended Howard W. Blake High School of the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL.

In the beginning of his musical journey, Dayve performed with Sonny La Rosa and America's Youngest Jazz Band at the age of 12.  Dayve performed at the Essentially Ellington Festival at the Lincoln Center in New York, NY with his high school.  Other noteworthy performances include opening for Craig Chaquico and performances with artists like Belinda Womack, Charles Wilson III (keyboardist for the Backstreet Boys), Eric Darius, Dee Dee Bridgewater (2000 Clearwater Jazz Festival), Sean Hill, etc.  Dayve has played in many locations including the Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, the Clearwater Jazz Festival and he has toured 11 cities in Japan.

Dayve's touch goes further than playing the saxophone.  He produced and mixed his entire project.  He also played keys and programmed percussion, strings, and bass on his album.  Having written all but two songs on his album, Dayve allows exposure his heart and soul through his music hoping that you will understand and feel him.

On July 20, 2005, Dayve Stewart released his debut album entitled Feel Me.  Feel Me is described as an "up tempo R&B tinged CD",-Rachelle Bivins of ABYSSJaxx Magazine.  David wrote these songs for everyone to relate to and he describes his music as "funky jazz" or "public music".  Feel Me is an album targeted for the enjoyment of everyone.

Dayve is extremely enjoyable to listen to, but also enjoyable to watch.  A live performance offers listeners a full dose of his personality.  Being both charismatic and innovative, Dayve is enjoyed by audiences from different walks of life.  The energy he gives off is mesmerizing and leaves and audience wanting more.  As of September 2005, Feel Me has been sold in Spain, Japan, Italy and England.  Also, on September 5th, Feel Me was reviewed on www.SmoothVibes.com By Denis Poole.

You can find out more about Dayve and his CD by clicking HERE.

Dennis Marion

Dennis Marion is an up-and-coming rising star who has already played and opened for numerous well known artists such as Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, Peter Erkskine, Chris Vadala, George Rabbi, Buddy Miles, Vassar Clemmons, just to name a few.  He is currently touring with Reverend Al Greene and Mofro.

You will enjoy Dennis' musical ability as well as watching his performance on the stage. 

Doc Handy

Terry "Doc" Handy began playing the Conga drums after winning an audition during a Choral production at Kirby Smith High School in 1974.  The Conga made a Rhythmic Impression on the Doctor.  A career in the Military followed after graduation from High School and the Doctor developed his skills as a percussionist in Europe, Korea, Panama and Virginia. 

Kenny Hamilton

Kenny Hamilton is currently on tour with KC and The Sunshine Band.