Saxappeal & The Cru
LaDarrel Johnson (Saxappeal): saxophonist/producer/multi-instrumentalist/vocalist & founder of Saxappeal & the Cru. As a solo artist, Saxappeal has received the following accolades:
• 2012 Grammy nomination (R&B Urban category, for artist "K'Jon")
• 2013 “20 in their 20’s” Award recipient (Crain’s Detroit Business)
• 2014 Nominee, Entertainer of the year (Detroit Music Awards)
• 2014 Michigan Chronicle “40 Under 40” Award recipient
• 2015 “Who’s Who in Black Detroit” Award recipient
His first trip to New York was to perform at the legendary Carnegie Hall at the age of 17. Saxappeal has had the privilege of performing with Grammy Award winning artist & fellow Detroit native, Dwele, since 2005. He’s also toured with R&B vocalist, K'Jon, France born duo Les Nubians, R&B legend Leon Ware, London's powerhouse duo Floetry, & Grammy nominated Indie-Soul artist, Eric Roberson. Currently, when Saxappeal isn’t on tour with 13-time Grammy nominated vocalist, (former lead singer of The GAP Band) Charlie Wilson, who opened for Bruno Mars’ XXIVK (24 karat) Magic World Tour & New Edition’s Culture Tour, he lends his talents to Zo! & Carmen Rodgers of The Foreign Exchange.
Saxappeal’s endorsements include:
• PJLA Music's saxophone company, Sax Dakota (www.SaxDakota.com)
• Danté Neck Straps (www.dantestraps.com)
• Be Wooden Bow Ties (www.BeWooden.com)
• Harry Hartmann's Fiberreeds (www.Fiberreeds.com)
• Drake Mouthpieces. (www.drakemouthpieces.com)
• Applied Music Technology Microphones (www.http://www.appliedmicrophone.com)
• Gard Bags (www.gardbags.com)
Antwain Kirkland: keyboards/Saxophonist. Antwain found his love & passion for music at a very young age which has led him on a journey of playing a wide range of instruments for over 25 years. He has shared the stage with some of the world’s biggest artists such as PJ Morton, Tank, R&B group "Ready For The World" & many others. Antwain is also the Co-Founder of his own bands ‘High Definition Band,’ & ‘Sound Language Band.’
King Alexander: Drums. Alexander developed his love for Jazz & his ear for good music from the tutelage of Detroit Jazz legends such as Marcus Belgrave & Rodney Whitaker. In 2019 Alexander released his first project titled Portrait! and in 2020 followed up with Welcome To CakeTown. His music carries the deep tradition of R&B, Soulful Singing, Colorful Lyricism, a heavy dash of Jazz, & an intimate yet charismatic style of performance.
Kent Crawley: Lead Guitar/Vocals. Kent has been a guitarist for over 15 years & has toured with R&B band "Ready For The World", Tim Rogers, Neal Roberson, & Rance Allen.
Kamau Inaede: Bass Guitar. Kamau has backed a number of acts in multiple genres including Floetry, Zo!, James Carter (Jazz Fusion) Frankie Paul (Reggae), The Definition Band (Rock and Rap), Collective Peace, and Black Bottom Collective, among others. In 2018, Kamau created Kalakuta Detroit, which is a collective of musicians and artists dedicated to preserving the memory and music of the great Fela Kuti. Kalakuta Detroit boasts 10 musicians and 5 dancers (affectionately known as the Fela Queens.
LG Griffin III: Vocals/Songwriter