Mojo Nation was formed in 2005 by longtime members of east coast power trio Sam's House. Multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Steve Sidley and drummer Ted Ray brought together their eclectic brand of funk, reggae and hip hop tinged rock with a more dense layered sound created by the addition of keyboards, guitar and drum loops for a uniquely big sound. R&B/Jazz guitarist Earl Carter (formerly of E.U. known for their multi-platinum hit "DaButt") later joined the band adding an even wider palette of colors from jazzy funk to blistering rock. After Ted Ray's untimely death in the summer of 2005, drummer Mike Corbett joined the group bringing his hard hitting style of rock and soul timekeeping to the band's evolving sound. The group is currently comprised of three of the most talented best kept secrets in the music industry. You may have seen each of them individually backing world renowned and/or local artists on nationally televised programs but didn’t know who those guys were in the rear. Their eclectic styles range from alternative rock to R&B and funk. In addition, to being group members, Steve has written for many artists, Earl is a professional solo jazz musician and Mike is a top notch recording engineer. This three man unit delivers a sound that will leave you wanting more. Concert attendees have asked “Why haven’t I heard this group on the radio?” and/or “What are they doing playing this room instead of the local coliseum?” After reading their individual bios below, I’m sure that you'll have a better idea of why these guys are definitely worth their weights in gold. Steve Sidley, Earl Carter and Mike Corbett create unique and powerful music that transcends genre but can best be described with two words... Mojo Nation.
Steve Sidley – Founder (Vocals, Bass, Keys, Guitar)
STEVE SIDLEY is a graduate of the Catholic University School of Music in Washington, DC. His bass can be heard on releases by dozens of artists such as Vertical Horizon, Derryberry & Alagia and The True as well as on radio and television including FOX-TV’s “America’s Most Wanted”. His amazing bass playing has been described by DC’s Scene magazine as “so phat and funky that he rivals Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers”. Steve plays MusicMan basses and adds a unique sound to the group as he pulls and slaps the strings like Larry Graham on steroids. It’s no wonder that he goes through a pack of strings in… let’s say… maybe five minutes on a good day (just kidding)! However, on any given night, he may play three to four different instruments and it’s truly amazing to watch him sing, play guitar and bass via keyboard foot pedals all at the same time. You’d have to see it to believe it!
STEVE SIDLEY
Earl Carter – (Lead Guitarist)
EARL CARTER has performed around the world as a sideman for artists such as Bobby Lyle, Michael Lington, Bob Baldwin, Mike Phillips, Marcus Johnson, Jaared, Nick Colionne and many others. In this role, he performed many of the major smooth jazz events e.g. the Bermuda Jazz Festival, Capital Jazz Festival, Ghana Jazz Festival, America’s Jazz Festival, National Smooth Jazz Awards, etc. His CD and DVD performance credits include guitar work on Bobby Lyle’s Straight and Smooth CD, Marcus Johnson’s Just Doin’ What I Do & Live @ Blues Alley CD’s, Marcus Johnson’s In Person DVD, Jaared’s Hangtime CD and others. As a solo artist, Earl has opened for artists such as Spyro Gyra, Pieces of a Dream, Bona Fide, etc. and is now a featured solo artist on concert series in cities and countries where his music is currently receiving radio airplay. As the lead guitarist of Mojo Nation, he rips vicious guitar solos over their solid rhythms. He will take you from George Benson to Carlos Santana to Jimi Hendrix and is definitely a world class musician. In fact, do a search on “Earl Carter 495” or visit www.earl-carter.com and you’ll see what I mean!
EARL CARTER
Mike Corbett – (Drummer)
As a youth, MIKE CORBETT experienced a stint with the DC youth orchestra that was short lived as his interest in playing with local groups grew stronger. He attended Duke Ellington School of The Arts and Blackmon School of music where he also taught percussion techniques. He later became a studio drummer for the Attic Studio in Washington DC. While there, he learned the science of studio engineering, production, recording and mastering. He has toured Italy, Spain, Egypt, Portugal,Turkey and other countries. Mike performed with many world renowned and local artist including Vaughn Mason and Crew (Rock Skate Roll Bounce), The Original Flamingos, Mark Green of the Moments, The Greg Carpenter Trio, The Tom Newman Jazz Quartet, The Clean Cut Trio, Memphis Gold (Pocono’s blues festival), Kollective Carma, Annie Sidley and many others. As the drummer of Mojo Nation, he lays down a tight pocket accompanied by blazing drum solos that have been compared to Billy Cobham!
