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MUSIC - Cedric C. Givens - composer and multi-instrumentalist

ABOUT -  REVIEWS -  VIDEOS


Cedric is a music renaissance man. He began playing drums in his teens and throughout his life developed his skills by listening to and experimenting with every genre of music to which he was exposed. He was influenced by composers and producers such as Quincy Jones, Maurice White, Antonio Carlos Jobim and Burt Bacharach. Although primarily known as a drummer, he also a producer and plays a variety of instruments. For years, he has focused on composing and producting interesting emotionally inspiring music for the global marketplace including projects in film and urban music.

Over the years, Cedric has developed relationship with numerous well known musicians, like world renown percussionist Gumbi Ortiz, guitar legend Al DiMeola’ and George Davis who is best known as a songwriter for the song "Tell it like it is."

Gumbi played percussion on the Cedric's first CD by his group N-Groove titled "Imagination" featuring guitarist Roberto Tyson, Cedric was impressed by the fact that Gumbi, “Really liked my stuff and always encouraged me to produce and release my own music independently”. It was a huge confidence builder coming from someone of his stature. George Davis mentored Cedric on the business side of the industry. The two met while doing some work on independent film project. “George really taught me the value of building a catalog and maintaining the rights to your works” he recalls. In both cases the gentlemen fostered a number of industry relationships that expanded Cedric’s network of contacts significantly.

Cedric relocated to the DC area and said he found new inspiration after performing with musical giant George Duke during a DC area concert. The experience motivated him to again reach out to his old friend Roberto Tyson to collaborate on a new project. Joining Cedric and Roberto, was Senegalese bassist Cheikh Ndoye whom Roberto had met at a jazz band competition. The collaboration of the three led to the release of the "It's Who We Are," (2007) CD.

Cedric is currently working on the next N-Groove CD where he revisits his R&B and Funk roots. “I’m really excited about the writing this go around. I want the messages on this release to be timely and relevant. I want the music to be organic. I want the grooves to be heartfelt”.

REVIEWS:(excerpts)

World Premiere First Listen: Cedric Givens finds an “Old Skool Love”

"He’s been around for awhile, but you may not know him. He is multi-instrumentalist Cedric Givens. Based in DC, he’s been a producer, bandleader and musician who has worked with many artists, and has success in particular as part of the group N-Groove. But, until now, he’s never been featured on his own release. Well, that’s changing in a big way with his first single release, "Old Skool Love." Featuring Ragan Whiteside, the song is an adult soul gem with more than a touch of jazz."
~ Soultracks.com

VIDEOS:

Old Skool Love (feat Ragan Whiteside)

One of a Kind (Reprise) ~ {Feat..Drew Davidsen}

All of Me (Cedric Givens with Chris Tedesco and John Tropea