A Port Elizabeth artist whose expansive musical gift has earned him accolades in the R&B, Contemporary Jazz and Gospel Music fields grabbed the attention of Los Angeles based music awards organisation, The Akademia.
We at bruinou.com took some time out to listen to some of Creshwell October's music and watch a few of his videos. We immediately noticed some influences of other great South African Jazz Guitarists like Ernie Smith, Jonathan Butler, Jimmy Dludlu and Allou April but those influences are subtle and understated, which we think is great, because that means Creshwell has evolved a style of his own.
We think Creshwell is definitely on par with some of the best around the world.
According to a recent article in PE Express, Creshwell October, who hails from Arcadia in the northern areas of PE, has shown beyond all doubt that perseverance pays off despite one’s circumstances.
The Akademia is a young yet prestigious awards organisation based in Los Angeles that takes pride in helping hard-working musicians to gain the exposure.
Speaking to PE Express, October said: “My Video ‘I Remember’ was scouted by a radio station presenter in Detroit. I then received a message from the presenter who complimented my style of music especially my song, ‘I remember’, and suggested that I enter for the 2016 Akademia Music Awards which I did,”
“I eventually entered the music competition in the category for best jazz act and submitted my single “I remember” and also a live jazz performance video of this particular track.”
“On the 17th of February I received the news that my video “I remember” among many 1000’s of other great artists, who have entered the awards, has won in the category for best live jazz performance video. Receiving this news has left me astounded and made me believe that everything is possible and with an attitude of hard work and persistence you can go very far,” October added.
Creshwell holds an honours degree in music education and he has shared stages and performed with or alongside some great musical luminaries including local and international jazz legends such as Gloria Bosman, Hugh Masekela and George Benson.
The double Bama Award-winning artist visited the USA where he studied at the University of Mississippi where he performed with the university of M.S Jazz ensemble.
He also joined the university’s gospel choir where he performed in Chicago at the Jesse Jackson Conference in 2010.
On his return home from the USA, Creshwell was selected to be part of the Samro overseas scholarship for jazz and popular music in 2012, where he made it through to the semifinals and form part of the Samro folding.
In October 2013 Creshwell released his debut album titled “Introducing Creshwell October” featuring various music colleagues as well as vocalist Chimondelay Klaasen (Miss Mona).
The 12 track album of Contemporary Jazz and RB also contains his single “Walking the streets of Arcadia”.
According to the PE Express article, Creshwell’s focus and concentration is now on his growing compositional activities and his works have attracted considerable attention.
“Winning this Akademia Award is a rare career distinction. Akademia has given me an opportunity to work with an organization of active artists and music producers that can significantly advance my career as an artist internationally.”
As an Akademia winner he has been given the great opportunity of attending the 2016 Akademia gala event in Los Angeles on April 21, 2016. At this event, all the winners’ musical achievements will be honoured and important future developments will be discussed.
“I believe that the event will grant me an opportunity to network, develop and further enhance my music skills and abilities, and get the opportunity to meet great legends in the music world,” October said.
Watch the Akademia Award Winning Live Performance Video of the 'I Remember'
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Preview or Buy the 'Introducing Creshwell October' Album on Amazon.com
Click Here to Like the Creshwell October Facebook Page.