Doc Powell - Life Changes (2001)

Grammy nominated R & B/jazz guitarist/songwriter/producer Doc Powell has been a virtual musical chameleon over the past two decades, shifting from musical genres such as r & b/pop, contemporary jazz and gospel with uncanny ease and proficiency. In the process, he’s managed to craft a brilliant solo career as a resilient owner/entrepreneur of his own jazz label.

Since breaking into the industry in 1979 recording with Lonnie Liston-Smith, the native New Yorker has built an incredible musical legacy, contributing to over 125 recordings featuring some of contemporary music’s most popular artist’s including among others, R & B/Pop stars, Aretha Franklin, Teddy Pendergrass, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, Phyllis Hyman, Cheryl Lynn, and filled the role of resident guitarist for a dozen years (1981-1993) with the late Luther Vandross. Besides Smith, his jazz resume includes the late Grover Washington, Jr., McCoy Tyner, Jonathan Butler, Bob James, Boney James, Kirk Whalum, Stanley Clarke, Everette Harp, Patrice Rushen, and Rodney Franklin. And in the gospel arena, he’s worked with such luminaries as Shirley Caesar, Ce Ce Winans, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Rance Allen, Donnie McClurkin, and toured and recorded with gospel’s premiere star Kirk Franklin for a four year stint, (2002-2006).

“Even after 20 years and ten albums, I’m still excited by the creative process, and the evolution of taking something very rough and turning into a great song,” says Powell. “There’s a special joy in making your own record. I do the best that I can, and when I hear someone tell me that he or she felt something or connected to what I was feeling at a specific moment, it’s a very exciting sensation, and that’s when I know that I’ve been successful.”