S E Q U O I A C L U B

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Stoni Taylor A testimonial to my truth. "They say consistency is the key" January 2013.

My Story. My Journey. The Friendships Past Present Future.

C O N T E N T

2 Jan. 2013

•My  Travels    12\15)•My  Voice  11)

•Ga  Tech  to  Marvin  Gaye  Life  Story  8)•Ge=ing  My  Feet  Wet    7)•To  Nashville  6) •The  End  25)•Recognizing  5) •Live  Performance  Photos  16  \  24)

•Reviews  3)•Open  4)

Catch a live performance and these boots will most likely be the ones I’ll be wearing. Apart of my journey they have been. This is my walk.

•Black  Rock  Lockdown  Atlanta  9)•I  Reemerged  10)

R E V I E W S

Jan. 2013 3

“Experimental Soul sounds commonly include styles which fuse down-tempo rhythms with soulful accents. Also, this style is equally identified with next generation R&B orchestral rhythms and new age funk. Includes artists like: Erykah Badu, Zaki Ibrahim, Amanda Ray, and Stoni Taylor.” S.O.U.L. eMagazine

“Stoni Taylor jumped on the mic and revealed to mughs in the room just what a true soulman he is. You could feel the veils being pulled away from the audiences eyes as the intensity built and then slowly faded into reflection.”Boston F. - Mutha Wit Orchestra

“When listening to Stoni Taylor’s husky voice over acoustic guitar accompaniment, you hear something deeper than the average vocalist. I hear something that a lot of acoustic singer/musicians attempt to reach for, but just miss.” Review Stream

“In a city where there are a lot of wannabes, it’s a treat to hear someone who can actually sing and play–and who has something decent and worthwhile to sing about.” Review Stream

“This “unassuming” guy has one of the richest, raspiest voices I’ve heard from a male singer....” Review Stream

"On the Coca-Cola Stage: Stoni Taylor & Miles of Stone — an Atlanta rock and soul band headed by the sexy Stoni Taylor. The group kicks off the final day.... The show was simply amazing." "The Southern Voice Magazine"

"Stoni's music reaches all the way into the spirit's and souls of all who experiences it, and his live show - It seem's once this happens, people become loyal follower's of this new movement." Willie Hunter - "The Sentinal Magazine"

"Check out Stoni Taylor being interviewed by Shonda Humphreys (AKA) Lusty from VH1'S REAL CHANCE OF LOVE.

“It's cool that the same folks are still ridin witcha!! That says a lot about u,as a man and as a person with vision. And for the ones that grind with u, to me, it DEFINES them as Funkateers.”Tuesday Gregory - Supporter

“I absolutely love 'VU Dou River!" On my drive to work I played that song several times over and over... I am a big fan of early 70's Heavy Soul, Curtis Mayfield, Betty Davis and Sly. And your vocals and Bass Player? God help me that voice is amazing, and has a great groove. The Bass player is beautiful as well! I hope we can play together on the same bill soon, I really think your band is exceptional.”Charles Barrow - A Fan

“Stoni has the most amazing voice and spirit. Where else can you see such a brotherhood in a band. When they jam they are one! Much love Kat ”

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A N D T H E W O R D I S . . .

4 Jan. 2013

This is a story of my walk. How I started, what I’ve gone through. It all has shaped my present state. Of course there isn’t mention of every single detail, but the picture is there. These pages will be apart of a book one day. That’s where the detail will be.Grandma once told me, you’ll end up where you suppose to be if you stay honest and true to what ever you do. I never forgot that.

Someone told me recently, forget about your past, let’s start anew now. Yeah, that may apply to some things but not to this. For me musically there’s no future without your past. That past encompasses every experience that was apart of your viability, validity. Anyway haven’t you heard of, don’t forget where you have come from, your roots. It will keep you grounded as you go farther. That’s real talk. Do enough and you to will have a past you can’t deny even if you wanted to. It

will mold you and make you what ever it is you may become. I can attest to that. Anything that’s worth having (Success) is worth that grind and sacrifice.With success being at my finger tips so many times, it’s been a bitter sweet lesson to why it always eludes me. Lesson learned...My journey continues.

R E C O G N I Z I N G

Jan. 2013 5

First to recognize

If it was meant for this kid to become anything, it was beyond me. That was until certain events started to reveal to me that I just might be destined for something. And that certain talents of mine would create platforms from which I’d be launched.

Talent? I guess the first of which was to be recognized by my middle school teacher who caught me sketching something in my little pad. She took it and showed it to the principle. Yep, I went to the office. When I came out, it was delegated upon me to be the schools new banner artist. From that day on I barely remember being in class much. Between home room and trumpet course, what I remember most is lying on the floor in the hall crawling over canvased paper that was spread over the floor, first drawing then coloring over every project the school staff gave me to draw out of books.

I basically drew all of the banners for every program and what ever else for the school.

When it came time for me to graduate they had the nerves to tell my Mom that I needed summer school courses to graduate. That I needed more class credits. lol...oooook.

I wonder if it ever occurred to the teacher that the reason I wasn’t in class was because they kept me out of class all year to draw.

Anyway, that was my first encounter with one of my talents being recognized and exploited all in the same moment. I was oblivious to it all. They gave me a platform to express my self through my drawings. I always put in my drawings things they didn’t tell me to put in them. I was quiet growing up but I spoke volumes with my talents. I guess thats when there called gifts.

Yeap this is me. Afrooooo!!!!!!!! The only pic I could find. I was Passionate at an early age.

T O N A S H V I L L E

6 Jan. 2013

Opportunity blown

Fast forwarding. 17yrs old. Seven stages theater Atlanta Ga. Mistake number one is one that would hunt me to this day. I got this gig as a solo vocalist that had promise, or that’s what was told to me by the cat that was in charge. Me being me I asked my best buddy from the hood, that I used to sing with when I was growing up, if he wanted to do this cool gig with me. Of course, he said lets do it.

Long story short, the music came on, I walked out. He walked out just enough to see all those people looking right at us. He froze. I looked at him and knew right then I was on my own. I took my hat off which wasn’t planned then started to sing. Before I finished the first verse, he was gone. That just made me give my all.

I got a standing ovation. When I got back stage we just laughed so hard, man I was on the floor. Now this is no lie. I looked up to see these cowboy boots then this big cowboy belt buckle then on up to this crazy big cowboy hat. The only thing he said was I want you to come to Nashville and handed me his card.

Again, long story short, I went to Nashville. I was invited to do this Tv show showcasing promising up incoming talent. They queued my music, I walk out with my same friend who froze up at seven stages. He didn’t freeze up this time, he just forgot his parts.

The big country cowboy who believed in my talent enough to want to showcase it on TV was no where to be found when we got off stage. I never heard from him again. Moral of the story. You can’t alway save the people around you just because they’re your friends. Especially when you’re the one being chosen

I’ve fallen to this mistake throughout my career. I’ve sacrificed myself, for my peers. Not realizing that if I truly cared I’d do what I had to do and then come back for them. I can’t give anything if I don’t have anything. Lessons.

G E T T I N G M Y F E E T W E T

Jan. 2013 7

Auburn Ave.

Auburn Ave, Actor Bill Nunn calls his class to order. I listen for our instruction for today. In short it read, read your parts with your back towards me, when you’re done turn around and be that character. I did it and after that small performance I was at the top of the class. I didn’t know it at the time but to be in Mr. Nunn’s class was a big to do. I was blessed to have that experience opportunity.

Bill Nunn

Auburn Ave.

Years later I’m at it again this time. moving into my musical direction. Me, Billy Odom, Lil John the drummer and a few other crazy cool musicians connect at this underground live music venue to exercise our talents. I think it was called “The Spot” not totally sure, I need to ask Billy if he remembers. Any way. The spot was dim lit and smokey. Perfect.

I think it was Prince’s “ If I Was Your Girlfriend” that we got off into when Meshell Ndegeocello put her bass on and made it just that much more funkier. This was another one of those moments I’d never forget.

Meshell Ndegeocello

G A T E C H T O M A R V I N G A Y E L I F E S T O R Y

8 Jan. 2013

Making the cut in theater.

My feet back in acting. At 21 I’m burning down the street headed to a audition at Ga Tech Collage. The audition was for a role in the off Broadway play “West Side Story”

Lol I’m walking down the hall, everybody is so clean cut and preppy, and here I am in jean shorts, my motorcycle boots, my old torn t-shirt with the sleeves cut and my favorite bandana.

I get my number and cold read sheet, go back in the hall and lay back on my motorcycle helmet eating my grapes while reading. Everybody’s looking at me like I’m in the wrong place. I’m noticing all of the fancy com cards and hearing that they’re only looking for one black male and one black female.

They call my number, I go in to read and they say step back in the hall please, thank you. I go back in the hall and wait with the others. They call everybody back in and say, If we call your number, stay. If we don’t you may leave.

Everybody that was left received scripts. We were to study for like two to three weeks, then get to the first rehearsal. At the rehearsals we of course had dance training, but I didn’t know we would be having stunt training. We danced, we sang, we did our mock fights. Another mad cool experience in my journey.

Making the cut in a motion picture movie.

Years later...I came across a talent agent that saw some type of promise in me. He got me an audition for a role in the motion picture “Marvin Gaye Life Story”. I aced it. They met my daughter, Alexus Tayor by chance, one day when I was leaving one of the rehearsals and fell in love with her. She got the role as Marvin Gaye’s daughter.

We rehearsed a few times then got some amazingly crazy news. The family decided that they didn’t want to release the movie. I never knew the reason. It really didn’t matter, it was over.

I heard that there was another attempt to start up pre-production on the movie recently.

Marvin: The Life Story of Marvin Gaye (????)

I have a picture of me and my daughter that was on the characters wall when we were rehearsing. I’ll be putting it up as soon as I can get it from my daughter and scan it.

R O C K L O C K D O W N A T L A N T A

Jan. 2013 9

Mad Music Begins.

THE 90’s. Flash, there’s a party in Ellen Wood. Whild Peach lands in Atlanta, they are working on their new record for Capital Records.

This night was the beginning of yet another faze of my journey.

There was Follow For Now, Whild Peach, Me, Billy Odom with “Billy Club”, Tomi and Trina w/ Stereo Popcycle, Boni w/ “Spook”, EX Vortex and other emerging Black Rock Bands and cutting edge artists.

I started backing up Peach vocally when I wasn’t fronting Billy Cub. My sister rest in peace, I love you. We all did our thing for a few years until La Face Record came to town and turned everybody into studio and touring musicians.

Van Hunt was in our circle, though he wouldn’t touch the mic when we all jammed. He and I and Tomi hung out some years ago and laughed about that.

Dion Farris was doing her thing when she dipped from Arrested Development and teamed up with David Ryan Harris and Van Hunt on some writing. Dallas Austin, Goodie Mob, Outkast and Rico and the dungeon family all were coming up through the ranks.

Let’s see. All of which went on to do their thing. Whild Peach went on to become OutKast backup band. Billy and Tomi has toured and or done studio work for Madonna to Rachelle Ferrell to Justin Bieber. Big Vick the drummer for then “Billy Club” is the music director for “Sleepy Brown”. I can go on an on an on.

It was what it was. Great.

I R E E M E R G E D

10 Jan. 2013

The Journey continues...

I reemerged early 2000. Had some Label run ins, opened for {The commodores}

{P-Funk All Stars} “Smoke” and others. Did some festivals here and there, started a couple of bands “The Nation” and “Stoni Taylor & Miles Of Stones”. Crashed the Indigo Girls tours with Tomi Martin and Three Five Human. There’s a video out there somewhere with me on stage

performing with Three Five Human, on that tour in Baltimore at the Rams Head Theater.

Closed the “Jus Blues Awards. I’ve put on some cool events for some cool bands. Turned down some nice offers for the wrong reasons and more. There’s much more to all of this. The Devil is in the details. That’s another story. The Proof is in the friendships, the experience, the confidents, the hard work, the commitment. THE LOVE FOR IT ALL.

I’ve never wavered. This has been my life. My reality. It’s not all that I know, it’s apart of who I am.

M Y V O I C E

Jan 2013 11

Vocals?

My vocal ability and talent, I believe comes from a big family full of talented grand- parents, uncles, aunts and cousin’s, particularly from my mom, via the creator. I just honed, polished and perfected it. But I couldn't have done that without help and support.

I’ve had four vocal teachers up to this point. I started using and studying the vocal training DVD’s ”The Zen Of Screaming” which is kind of like an extreme workout session for vocalist. That along with my personal vocal cord doctor “Dr. John Jarboe” has brought me, to a very nice stable place vocally.

The Zen of Screaming

Dr. John Jarboe

M Y T R A V E L S

12 Jan. 2013

Boston Fielder/Henning Stumm/Wayward Teacher/Stoni Taylor/Shanti Om and Waberi waiting on the future. In this photo: This is a photo from Stoni Taylor's album New York 09

Stami Stanko, Dez Dickerson of Prince And The Revolution and Stoni @ THE DRIVEN CONFERENCE.

Producer and Composer Benjamin Wright and Stoni Taylor back stage Gladys Knight Concert

Stoni and Mr. Joseph E. Lowery

M Y T R A V E L S

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Bubba Knight and Stoni Taylor Stoni and the Commodores

Stoni and V. Jeffrey Smith of the Family Stand

Stoni, Miri Ben-Ari, Sway and K~ Ross

M Y T R A V E L S

14 jan.2013

Shanti Om, Stoni, Sahr and Ayesha kickin it between Sahr’s rehearsals for Fela

Richie, Tomi. Joie, Tres and Stoni on the Indigo Girls Tour

Leila Adu, Stoni and Doll Daze Tami Stanko and Stoni Taylor

M Y T R A V E L S

Jan.2013 15

Comrades...Larry Eaglin, Enrique Coley, Jaimecito Barron III and Stoni TaylorStoni and Trina Mead of Three Five Human

Stoni and K-Ross at the Eclipse Event

L I V E P E R F O R M A N C E P H O T O S

16 Jan 2013

L I V E P E R F O R M A N C E P H O T O S

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L I V E P E R F O R M A N C E P H O T O S

18 Jan. 2013

L I V E P E R F O R M A N C E P H O T O S

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L I V E P E R F O R M A N C E P H O T O S

20 Jan. 2013

P E R F O R M A N C E P H O T O S

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P E R F O R M A N C E P H O T O S

22 Jan. 2013

P E R F O R M A N C E P H O T O S

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P E R F O R M A N C E P H O T O S

24 Jan. 2013

T H E E N D

Jan. 2013 25

Every stage I’ve ever stepped foot on felt like the first time. Because of the love for it all I’ll never take it for granted. My Journey continues. Thank you from me and my family for the continued amazing support. See you stage side.