User:Brianjermaine

All Songs Mentioned Are Written, Composed, Arranged , Produced and Performed By: Brian Jermaine Flax (except where other wise indicated)

Brian "The Maestro" Jermaine(Born Brian Jermaine Flax In Oakland California (Also known as BJ or Brian D'Maestro) is a very accomplished Singer-Songwriter-Composer-Arranger-Producer and Jazz/Blues Pianist.

As a Vocalist he often draws comparisons to The Late Great Luther Vandross, The Smooth and Soulful Will Downing and The Maestro Of Love Barry White.

He has also on occasion be compared to the likes of Sam Cooke, Teddy Pendergrass , Johnny Gill , Donny Hathaway(His Cousin), Isaac Hayes and Ray Charles.

He is a fan of many types of music. As a result of his love for various musical styles he has earned 40 Top Ten Hits collectively across 7 different genre's including Six No.1's

"Ol Skool" "Get Up" "What U Wanna Do" "Bye Baby" "May His Blessings Be With You" "Low Rider"

These genre's include: Funk, Jazz , R&B , Gospel , Neo-Soul , Adult Contemporary , Easy Listening and Blues. He has released several Albums around the Bay Area and online as well.

In 2004 he released a collection of songs entititled "Meet Brian Flax" which was later renamed "Young Man, Old Soul". This EP included 2 break away hits "May His Blessings Be With You"(#1 Gospel) and "Hey Girl"(#4 Soul)

His follow up single "Im Finished Loving You" reached #9 on the Soul Charts. Both of these tracks have become signature songs in his career and would later be joined by others, "Finished" would start his reputation of being The King of Break Up songs.

One more single from that EP would become another Top 10 hit "He Knows"(#9 Gospel)

Tragedy struck in 2006. While perfoming at a live show with a band Brian or BJ (as he is affectionatley called by some) injured his voice. He would not perform again live as a singer for the next 6 years.

" I was terrified..... i spent 20 years getting my voice exactly where i wanted it and i lost all that hard work in one night. I thought i would never be able to sing again. I'm trying to be a vocalist of the same caliber as Luther Vandross, Donny Hathaway and Sam Cooke among others. Knowing that at that point in my life that i wasnt on the same level as those guys vocally as i once was truly frustrated me" - Brian Jermaine

To most people something as devastating as that would cause them to loose hope... but not BJ. Although he was not performing live, he never stopped recording.

In fact while trying to teach himself to sing harmonies better he stumbled upon a new album project entitled "Introduction To A'Cappella Recording"(2007)

This was an Album of cover songs that were recorded in the A'Cappella format. The amazing thing was every voice you heard on the album was BJ, He's singing all the parts, Lead and Backgorund vocals. This is a recording process that would continue and is still a staple in his approach to recording to this day.

The song list included: Sam Cooke's "Chain Gang" - Curtis Mayfield's "Gypsy Woman" - BloodStone's "Natural High" - Barbara Mason's" "Yes Im Ready" - Jester Hairston's "Amen" - The Temptations "Just My Imagination" - "Ol Man River" and Eastside High(The song From The Movie "Lean On Me"

The album contained 3 more songs: The Only BJ penned Original song to appear on the album "Fifty Fifty Love(Interlude) which would become a Top 5 Hit on the A'Cappella Charts, and The 2 Tour De Forces of the album,

A masterful arrangement of The Gospel Spiritual "Troubles Of The World" and an Ol Skool medley featuring: "Gloria By The Group "Enchantment" - "My Girl" by the Temptations and Smokey Robinson's "Ooh Baby Baby".

The medley also contained short comedic skits before the performance of each song.

Disappointed with the diminished state of his vocal abilities, Brian decided to take a break from singing and looked for other ways to express himself musically while all the time hoping and praying that his voice would one day be restored to its full potential.

While touring with several bands it was brought to his attention that his skills as a Pianist were Magical and Masterful in their own right. Deciding to capitalize on this new information BJ decided to bring his talents as a pianist to forefront.

The result was his first attempt at an all Instrumental Smooth Jazz Album he called "Gifted"(2008) "Gifted" would spawn 3 Top Ten Jazz Singles:"Victory"(#2 Jazz) "Passion"(#9 Smooth Jazz) - and "Mr. Kool"(#9 Smooth Jazz). Due to the high chart success of the singles from "Gifted" he from then on would incorporate Jazz/Smooth Jazz/Nu Jazz into his aresenal of music.

2009 would see the release of 3 albums.

"Soul Songbook Vol.1" -

"Evolution" and

"All That Jazz"

Deciding to get back to singing he recorded cover versions of Barry White's "Im Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby" which would go to #4 on the Soundclick R&B Cover Songs chart and the Isaac Hayes arrangement of the pop classic "Walk On By" which would go to #7 on the Soundclick R&B Cover Songs Chart.

BJ has a deep love and respect for the artist that inspire and ifluence him so much to the point that he can sound like them on command. In fact he sounded so much like Black Moses on his recorded version of "Walk On By" that one of his friends thought he had stolen Isaac's voice and put it on his recording.

The high chart success of those songs and an idea from Veteran Musician Michael Feinstein would lead him to record a full length album of cover songs.

"Michael Feinstein(one of my favorite musicians) put out an album called "The Great American Song Book" which was a collection of popular middle of the road american songs... so i figured that i could do the same thing with Soul and R&B songs" - Brian Jermaine As a result The album "Soul Song Book Vol .1" was born.

Soul Songbook Vol.1 - Was a full length album of cover songs, BJ has always had the magic touch when it comes to expressing himself as an artist through the songs of others, they are easily recognized but some how he finds a way to put his stamp on them and make them his own.

3 of the 4 singles from "Songbook" would chart in the Top Ten.

Johnny "Guitar" Watson's "I Wanna Ta Ta You Baby"(#8 Blues) The Tony Hester Penned Dramatics Classic "Fall In Love, Lady Love"(#8 R&B) and Sly Stone's "If You Want Me To Stay"(#9 R&B)

The 4th single Bloodstones Classic "Outside Woman" would miss the Top Ten by one chart position landing at #11 on the R&B charts.

Isaac Hayes's influence is evident on "Woman" as BJ slowed down the tempo and opened the song with a spoken dialouge before proceeding to sing his heart out using every inch of his range, from the basement to the ceiling and everything in between.

Evolution - was a 9 track original album written by BJ which contains a mixture of Funk, Neo-Soul, Smooth Jazz and Old School Doo Wop. 5 singles from Evolution would be Top Ten Hits including his biggest hit to date and arguably his #1 Signature Song "Ol Skool"

"Ol Skool" went to #1 on the Reverb Nation Funk Charts and would stay there for 6 Months, It would also go to No.1 on the London Funk Charts(4 Weeks) No.2 on The UK National Funk Charts(4 Weeks) No.1 In Japan(1 week) #2 in Germany,
 * 1) 12 on The US Funk Charts and #17 in the World. Not bad for an unsigned local artist from Oakland. :)

The other 5 Singles from "Evolution" would chart respectivley. "My Girl"(#2 Funk) "She Texted Me"(#6 Neo-Soul) ,"Myspace Lovers"(#7 Funk)"On My Mind"(#8 Funk, #10 R&B) and "Bye Baby"(#10 Easy Listening)

All That Jazz - was just as its title states, a full length instrumental Jazz album. "Planet Saturn" the only single from the album would go to #10 on the Smooth Jazz Charts.

Later that year he would release 2 singles with out an album home. "Good Enough"(#9 Gospel) and "My Heart"(#10 Adult Contemporary)

In 2010 he released a CD that arguably has become his most popular collection of music to date, A 5 track Smooth Jazz/Nu Jazz EP entitled "The Maestro", No doubt that the album title was a nod to his nick name.

"I wanted to do the Isaac Hayes thing. Everyone knows I'm a Isaac Hayes Fanatic. He released an album showcasing his alter ego called "Black Moses".

I did the same thing with "The Maestro" seeing how thats been my nick name since Junior High School" - Brian Jermaine

The original album cover(it has changed) consisted of a white back ground with a Black Grand Piano blatantly letting anyone who saw it know that it was a Brian Jermaine Piano album.

The run away Top Ten singles from "Maestro" were "Low Rider"(#1 Funk....A second version Of Low Rider Featuring Rock Guitarist Procks would reach #2 on The Nu Jazz Charts) and an irresistible groove called "Smooth"(#10 Nu Jazz) but every song is a musical masterpiece in their own right.

Four Play - Is a slow sensual groove that gives u that come in the bedroom and turn off the lights and lets get it on vibe. music to Definitely make love by.

Seashore - Starts off with the sound of waves crashing before the first melodic notes come in. Its another track that will have u visualizing some bedroom action, or making love on the beach.

Forever - Has wedding song written all over it.

"People go crazy for that CD. I've been doing music for years and that is the 1st CD that i have made that my Cousins asked for and threatened to hurt me if they didn't get it lol.

My cousin Jonathan says he keeps it on repeat all night.

My cousin Ray rides around with it in his car 24/7

My cousin Renee took a trip to L.A. and she said she played it all the way through 3 times on the way back home to the Bay.

Sometimes when im waiting for my mother to come out of the store i'll listen to it in the car in the parking lot and people walk by bobbing their heads as if they are in a trance. You can tell they wanna ask who the artist is but they dont.

I resisted the success of it at first. I never intended for my Piano playing to over shadow my singing but if i can get millions by just playing the piano that's cool with me. Less work and Less Pressure.

It's been said that i can make a piano talk.. well if you're interested in hearing a piano hold a conversation then "The Maestro" is the CD for you" - Brian Jermaine

In early 2011 he would strike gold again with sequels to "Soul Songbook"(Soul Songbook Vol.2) and "The Maestro"(The Maestro II)

A 10min BJ Styled remake of Billy Stewarts "Im No Romeo"(#9 Neo-Soul) and A Smooth Jazz Styled Version of R.Kelly's "Honey Love"(#8 R&B) would be the highest charting singles from "Songbook 2"

On the original side "Summer Nights" from "Maestro II" would reach #7 on the Jazz Charts.

"Summer Nights" is another irresistible track that goes to prove that BJ can create a groove and a musical mood that only a short list of people can.

In 2013 BJ racked up 4 more Top Ten Hits on the original side.

A Funky laid back groove called "What U Wanna Do"(#4 Funk) which like "Ol Skool" has Johnny "Guitar" Watson's influence all over it.

His First Jazz Standard "You"(#4 Jazz)

A bouncy mellow Swing Jazz track entitled "Yes I Do"(#6 Swing Jazz)

and another JGW styled song reminiscent of "Telephone Bill" entitled "Somebody"(#7 Funk)

These 4 singles are apart of his up coming 2014 album release "Eclectic".

Eclectic - is a collection of songs from various genre's. The different Musical Styles featured on the album are Funk, Jazz , Reggae , Blues, Spoken Word, Country(yep u read right lol) and Good Ol R&B.

A Single "Good Enough" would go to #8 on the Contemporary Gospel Charts.

BJ will also be releasing another Nu Jazz EP Entitled "June 24th" The 1st single released from that EP is a Seductive and Captivating Track entitled "Private Affair".

Less than a month after its release it has already been ranked among the best that the Jazz Genre has to offer.

"Affair" reached #7 on the Jazz Charts and the title track "June 24th" would go to (#3 Funk, #7 Nu Jazz)

An inspirational track from the J24 EP "Get Up" would reach #1 on the Funk charts and has become one of BJ's most popular and most requested songs. bringing BJ's Top 10 Hit Total to 33.

"I have always wanted to record an album that acknowledged my Birthday.. and so I will" - Brian Jermaine

What does the future hold for an Up and Coming Musical Juggernaut like BJ?

Hopefully a record deal and a chance to receive world wide recognition for his talents and contributions to the world of music.

Although his choice of musical styles is varied his objective is clear.. To create music that touches the hearts and minds of people.

"I feel I should have been signed at 15...being honest with myself I may never get signed and make it big in the industry, But I intend for my music to tell the story of how I should have been discovered and made it.

The industry today scares me anyway. Everyone has a gimick or some trick to make it. is there really any room left for Pure Raw talent in today's Music Industry? I guess we will see".- Brian Jermaine

7 TOP TEN HITS COLLECTIVELY IN 7 DIFFERENT GENRE'S INCLUDING TWO #1'S "OL SKOOL" AND "LOW RIDER"

THE HITS(ORIGINALS)

1. OL SKOOL(#1 FUNK)

2. LOW RIDER (#1 FUNK, #2 NU JAZZ)

3. VICTORY(#2 JAZZ)

4. MY GIRL (#2 FUNK)

5.Get Up(#3 Funk)

6. JUNE 24TH(#3 FUNK, #7 NU JAZZ)

7. HEY GIRL (#4 SOUL)

7. YOU(#4 JAZZ)

8. WHAT U WANNA DO(#4 FUNK)

9. 50/50 LOVE(#5 A'CAPPELLA)

10. SHE TEXTED ME(#6 NEO-SOUL)

11. YES I DO(#6 SWING JAZZ)

12. MYSPACE LOVERS(#7 FUNK)

13. SUMMER NIGHTS(#7 JAZZ)

14. PRIVATE AFFAIR(#7 JAZZ)

15. SOMEBODY(#7 FUNK)

16. ON MY MIND(#8 FUNK, #10 R&B)

17. GOOD ENOUGH(#8 CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL)

18. GET UP(#8 UK FUNK CHARTS)

19. IM FINISHED LOVING YOU(#9 SOUL)

20. HE KNOWS(#9 GOSPEL)

21. PASSION(#9 SMOOTH JAZZ)

22. MR. KOOL(#9 SMOOTH JAZZ)

23. BYE BABY(#10 EASY LISTENING)

24. BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS(#10 NEO- SOUL)

25. SAVE OUR LOVE(#10 NEO-SOUL)

26. PLANET SATURN(#10 SMOOTH JAZZ)

27. SMOOTH(#10 NU JAZZ)

28. MY HEART(#10 ADULT CONTEMPORARY)

THE HITS(COVER SONGS)

1. I'M GONNA LOVE YOU JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE BABY: BARRY WHITE COVER (#4 R&B)

2. WALK ON BY: BACHARACH/DAVID/ISAAC HAYES COVER (#7 R&B)

3. I WANNA TA TA YOU BABY: JOHNNY "GUITAR" WATSON COVER (#8 BLUES)

4. FALL IN LOVE, LADY LOVE: TONY HESTER/DRAMATICS COVER (#8 R&B)

5. SUMMERTIME(VOCAL) : GERSHWIN COVER(#8 JAZZ)

6. SUMMERTIME(INSTRUMENTAL) : GERSHWIN COVER(#8 JAZZ)

7. HONEY LOVE : R. KELLY COVER(#9 R&B)

8. I'M NO ROMEO : BILLY STEWART COVER(#9 NEO-SOUL)

9. IF YOU WANT ME TO STAY : SLY STONE COVER(#9 R&B)