Artist Statement
Hip-Hop Producer: Fonseca "Zeke" Woodruff has produced the most complex and diverse urban compilation album ever in Kansas City! It features various artists and music generes that has never been assembled on a full length album in Kansas City. Modeled after "CD Now", "BZP Presents...Da Gumbo Vol.1" sets the trend of what Kansas Citians, and the world community are wanting in the future in terms of a Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae, and Contemporary Gospel collection that is new and not repackeged. If you want a collection of music that reflects major urban music as we know it, then order your copy today!!!
Bio
The Producer: Fonseca "Zeke" Woodruff was born in Ft. Polk, LA July 25, 1973 to a military father and devoted mother. Being raised in the church, he was exposed to music by singing in church choirs. He began to learn music by playing in symphonic and marching bands in school; playing various musical instruments and percussion. After high school in 1991, he went to college. He knew he wanted to be involved in music in some way, so he studied in Broadcast Communications. There, he DJ'd at the campus station and also performed with the Adelante singers. Which is like a sugar and spice group.
After college in 1996, he worked at several radio stations doing promotions, but it wasn't until he bought a Casio 100. That he began to find his passion in creating music. Being able to manipulate sounds and beats fascinated him to the point to where he began recording his music works and eventually produced his first demo. Fate would eventually relocate him to the Kansas City area where he hooked up with Tech N9ne in 2002. Having upgraded his equipment, he co-wrote and produced his first professional single titled: "Date Hate On Me".
During this period, he decided to form his own music production and publishing company: Big Zeke Productions, LLC, and Zekeman Music (ASCAP). In 2003, he wrote and produced a song performed by multiple Grammy award winning group The Sounds Of Blackness titled "I Can Testify". He also remixed John Sebastian's song, "Welcome Back, Kotter". Within 2 years, he was able to amass an impressive resume list of major artists. And produce his first independent release off his label: BZP Presents...Da Gumbo, Vol. 1.
Here is what some entertainment professionals are saying about the project.
Saju Ng'alla, Daily Union, March 4, 2004
1)"...It is the first time that the best of Kansas hip-hop artists have appeared on an album."
2)"One of the best tracks on the album is "Midwest Shuffle"..."
3)"Another artist that stands out is Ten-10, a Jamaican born musician who sounds every bit like Shaggy..."
Carmen Gouig of Miz Ent. (Publisher) for Mr. John Sebastian commented on remix of "Welcome Back, Kotter."
I've just received the CD and reviewed it. Man, I want to say how great this is!! This is an excellent track. The female vocals in particular are exuberant, and the melodic part they sing; and I really like their
"giveittomegiveittomegiveittome".
I'll now run it past our client to try to obtain his approval, so stay tuned; but in the meantime, I just wanted to say how good I think the song is.
To date, Fonseca "Zeke" Woodruff has submitted several recordings to the Recording Academy in consideration for the 47th Annual Grammy Awards in 2005.
Career Highlights/Vital Stats
BZP has amassed an impressive resume in just a few years. Such artists he has worked with include multiple Grammy award winner The Sounds Of Blackness and Tech N9ne.
BZP meets Recording Academy (Grammys) eligibility requirements for album submission in select categories for a possible 2005 nomination.
BZP has sold roughly 70 soundscan and 300 non-soundscan independently with little or no airplay or distribution. In some cases, outselling most major artists in our first week of sales in select stores and cities.
BZP was able to setup a consignment at the #2 Hastings store in Lawrence, KS. And get on their urban listen station. A small victory for an unknown.
BZP has received favorable reviews from local newpapers in the Kansas City area.
BZP has received support from non-clearchannel and college stations. Independents if you will. "Take our Time", a song written and produced by BZP was featured on the #2 Mix Station in Kansas City, 93.3 FM. A medium to large market. Again, a small victory for an unknown.
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