Phaze II

About Phaze II

Since 1997, PHAZE II has been providing Smooth and Funky Jazz sounds on the local music scene in the Washington, DC area, by honing its craft of delivering quality music to their listeners. PHAZE II has embarked on a journey to show the world the many talents that this jazz band has to offer.
Determined to broaden their vision, PHAZE II entered the 13th Annual Capital Jazz Festival 2005 Capital Jazz Challenge Competition. This competition was sponsored by Washington DC’s Smooth Jazz 105.9 and Baltimore, Maryland’s Smooth Jazz 104.3. The final competition consisted of 6 bands chosen from 600 competition entries. Phaze II was chosen the winners of the competition received a monetary contribution and had the opportunity to open the next day on the Capital Jazz Festival’s main stage.
PHAZE II has since performed at the Capital Jazz Festival for the past seven years with other national acts at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. This jazz ensemble has also been fortunate to back up various national artists such as; Regina Belle, El DeBarge, Kenny Lattimore, MeL’isa Morgan, Miki Howard, Frank McComb, Conya Doss, Paul Taylor, Matthew Whitaker, Tim Bowman, Jackiem Joyner, Marcus Anderson, Ken Navarro, Lori Jenaire, Althea Renee, BK Jackson, Cindy Bradley, Bob Baldwin, Shelby Brown, Gail Jhonson, Tony Exum Jr, Lynn Fiddmont, Dee Lucas, Kevin Whalum and Lin Roundtree just to name a few. Phaze II has become a very sought after band for national artist when they come to perform in the Washington, DC area.
In 2001, PHAZE II released its first CD entitled, Options, which Smooth Jazz 105.9 radio personality, Al Santos, described as a very credible debut CD. The Options CD embraced creativity, powerful producing, collaboration, and above all, the musical gift that each band member offers. Backtalk, the sophomore CD released in 2004, has unique style and versatile sounds that range from Latin Jazz to R&B. Backtalk was also re-released in 2016 by (expired link). In 2010 they released Live N Uncut a CD/DVD set. This project gives one a visual along with the audio of what a Phaze II live performance is all about. Their CD Live in Anaheim was recorded at the 2013 NAMM Show. This was truly a blessing; due to the fact of this being their first time ever performing on the west coast. Phaze II's latest CD No Cover Charge received Grammy consideration for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album in 2020.