Band Bios

Tony Cruz, Sharon Bryant, Frannie Faith, Jeff Southworth, Chris Coogan

Musical Director, Arranger, Producer, Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter, Computer Based Music
Jeff Southworth

Jeff’s life-long career in music has encompassed performing, composing, arranging, producing, singing and songwriting. Jeff played guitar with Hall & Oates for two years, touring all over the world and played on recordings including the solo on “Kiss On My List”. He played with many other artists including Laura Branigan, Graham Nash & Dan Hartman. His songs have appeared in John Sayles’ movies, “Brother From Another Planet” and “Lianna”. Patti Austin recorded Jeff’s song “Good in Love”, on her Love is Gonna Getcha CD and over 40 songs have appeared on daytime television shows, including Scotti Brothers’ release of “Together Forever” from As The World Turns. Jeff’s Clio winning television and radio work includes writing, arranging, and producing for Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Wynonna Judd, Ray Charles, Aaron Neville, Leann Rimes and Steve Harwell (Smashmouth). Currently he’s been writing and producing original music for the hit PBS children’s show Dragontales.  Recently he composed, arranged and produced the music for a Vanity Fair.com Bernie Madoff trailer. The video was produced by award winning photographer Stephen Wilkes-
Jeff continues to explore and expand his capabilities from live roots rock, jazz, country, new age and pop to the cutting edge of digital audio technology and computer music.

Keyboard/Vocals
Chris Coogan

Chris is a jazz and gospel musician whose credits include playing with: Dave Liebman, Randy Brecker, James Naughton, Larry Coryell, Phoebe Show, Jose Feliciano,  Bette Midler, Donna Summer, , Kristen Chenoweth, and many others.  As a composer his credits include winner of the John Lenon Songwriting competition for jazz.   He has 7 self produced CDs featuring his original jazz and gospel.He has performed locally at parties for Martha Stewart, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward and been asked to perform for President Bill and Hillary Clinton.  He is the director of the Good News Gospel Choir, performing locally at many area churches and festivals.

Vocals/Percussion
Sharon Bryant

Sharon has had a long, successful career in the music business. As a singer/songwriter/producer, Sharon had her 1st recording deal on CBS Records at the tender age of 12 before she and eight others formed the hit recording group ATLANTIC STARR with such great hits as their 1st #1 song, “Circles” to their later #1 hits such as “Secret Lovers”.  Sharon moved on to a solo career and had a #1 hit with the song & video “Let Go” and a #3 hit with the ‘Journey song’ “Foolish Heart” in which Denzel Washington starred as her love interest in that video!  Sharon has also appeared on many shows including “Late Night with Letterman” and the Grammy Awards with Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, Heather Headley to name a few.  She also sang with Sting at his Rainforest Concerts at Carnegie Hall, along with James Taylor, Gladys Knight, Tom Jones, and many others.  Sharon has recorded and/or performed with Elton John, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Alicia Keyes, Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Glen Close, Justin Timberlake, Luther Vandross, Mary J. Blige, Anastasia, Marlo Thomas, Freddie Jackson, Anita Baker, Peabo Bryson, and the list goes on.  Sharon can be seen and/or heard on a wonderful Award Winning children’s show everyday on PBS called “Between The Lions” where she is also one of the show’s choreographers. Sharon sings as one of the Saturday Night Live singers. You can also hear her on television and radio commercials, voice-overs and on movie soundtracks. Sharon feels so blessed to be able to do what she has such a passion for as her life-long career…

Drummer/Percussionist
Tony Cruz

Tony has performed with many great musicians over the years.  His versatility has led to a wide range of genres including performances with Bruce Springsteen, the Boston Pops Orchestra, and shows on Broadway to name a few.  He continues to work on his own music and is currently constructing a Web site for all interested in learning and celebrating drums.