I have recently been made aware of this incredible musician. His name is Ashanti Floyd and he is the brains and talent behind The Mad Violinist & The Symphony Crack Orchestra.
While known for creating a new sound with electrifying bends and the soul of Jimi Hendrix, top violinist and mainstream string arranger Ashanti Floyd “The Mad Violinist” is showing why he his one of the most diverse violinists/producers in the country.
Ashanti Floyd, is a talented performing artist who enjoys playing and composing many music genres including hip-hop, jazz, fusion rock, gospel, bluegrass and classical. Trained from an early age in the strings and percussion and having a mastery of music theory, he is considered a “melodic, rhythmic genius.
As the son of a violin-playing mother Patrice Floyd (Famu string professor), and father Dwight Floyd (Pianist & Famu graduate), Tallahassee native, Ashanti Floyd has been playing since age three and has become one of the most revered violin players in the nation. Since then he has gained valuable experience through formal and informal studies. Ashanti knew where he wanted to go to college and only applied to one school, the Berklee College of Music. His audition gained him a scholarship and an opportunity of a lifetime. After two semesters he had recorded and performed original compositions with his own rock band, and assisted with the arranging and recording of hip-hop music for other artists. He has performed with a Boston College quartet and as principal
violist for the Berklee College Orchestra performing with artists such as Michael Brecker and Darrel Anger.
Currently, has been recognized, featured, and requested by some of the music industrys chart toppers such as Lil Wayne, Lupe Fiasco, Nicki Minaj, BB King, Fantasia, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy,David Banner, Sean Kingston, T-Pain, Mario, 50 Cent, Young Buck, BET’s 106 &Park, WFSU – Tallahassee (PBS Kids), and many more. Ashanti also has a top 50 mp3 album seller in the world right now with 2005 jazz album “Just A Taste”.
Take a listen to this youtube clip. This man is absolutely brilliant!
The Music Business Expert Blog, By Greta Pope 