User:Saleeky

Samar Newsome

Samar Newsome, the spirited neo-soul singer, lyrical songwriter, extraordinary keyboardist/organist, multifaceted producer, and experienced teacher has been a part of the music industry, nationally and internationally, for many years. A Newark native, Samar is currently a music teacher in the New Jersey school system. He is also a lead musician at Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, NY, under the leadership of Pastor AR Bernard. In 2011, Samar joined the band Funktion 11 and has been performs with them as a lead keyboardist and singer. His talents include singing, songwriting, producing, playing keyboards including: organ, rhodes, grand piano, and the bass guitar, as well as arranging in all genres of music.

Samar spent a significant amount of time in the background of the industry learning it's inner workings. He has produced and performed on several commercial recordings including his own projects available on Itunes, Amazon, and CDBaby. Along with studio recordings, he has worked on various live performances for major artists including Faith Evans and Jill Scott and the late Walter Hawkins. Some other notable figures he has worked with in the past include musical directors Jamie Hawkins (Walter and Tramaine Hawkins, MC Hammer, Jodeci), Jeff Motley (Mary J. Blige, Mario, Beyonce), Donovan Jackson (Donell Jones, Hezekiah Walker, Lauryn Hill), and Chris Sholar (Busta Rhymes, Mariah Carey, Q-Tip, Brandy, Rodney Jerkins). Samar also produced alongside the hitmakers of Soul Diggaz Productions (Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliot, Fantasia).

Education

Samar is a graduate of Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, New Jersey. During his time at Westminster, he performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Kimmel Center, and New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Samar was a member of the esteemed Westminster Jubilee Singers under the direction of J. Donald Dumpson and the Westminster Symphonic Choir, under the direction of Maestro Joseph Flummerfelt.

Career

He debuted his solo recording career with his album "Depths of My Soul" in 2007. His mixture of poetic life messages over neo/soul jazz tracks serves to revolutionize the youthful exuberance for glorifying God. Building upon his unique skills acquired early in his career from writing for national recording artists such as Al B. Sure! and Case, he captivates his audiences with his creative approach to some classics as well as some of his innovative ballads and bouncing up tempo tracks. Samar has also released an independent Christmas album entitled "Celebrate." He new project, a praise and worship album, will be released sometime in late 2013.

Albums

Depths of My Soul (2007) Celebrate (2008)