Bio Formed in October 2009, Charlotte, NC based band Elenora Fagan was originally a side project for vocalists Jahmaar Stafford, Currin Hightower and drummer Matthew Wood. “We were throwing some ideas around for live instrumentation at my house to be used on Jahmaar’s solo album A-Veil-of-Ignoranc,” recalls Wood, “All of us were doing our own thing with other acts, but this was something special.” Stafford then contacted long time friend, guitarist Jevon Washington, to see if he was interested in joining the act. “I knew Jevon had the talent to come in and blow us away,” recalls Stafford. “We had played together only 2 or 3 times but we knew something good was brewing.” The only piece of the puzzle missing was Colombian born bassist, Juan Ossa. He was introduced to the band through a mutual friend and came to a jam session one afternoon. “We all met up at my place, and the ideas were just flowing. I think we had 2 songs together after one session,” says Washington. From these humble beginnings Elenora Fagan was born.
The name Elenora Fagan was chosen in honor of Billie Holiday, whose real name was Eleanora Fagan. "Our music is a mix between alternative, jazz and hip-hop. Billie Holiday informs all of that,” Stafford recalls in a recent issue of Creative Loafing. “He suggested and it just made sense, she always stood for the feeling behind the music as the real force propelling a song and that really resonated with our intentions , other names were thrown around but we decided to go with the elegance of Holiday, a real innovator” says Hightower.
The sound is best described as an alternative, hip hop blend with elements of reggae and jazz in the background. “Our biggest influences for this band are probably Rage Against The Machine, The Roots, Outkast, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers” says Wood, “we all have our own individual styles and favorites but those acts really paved the way for what we as a group are trying to do.” Bassist Juan Ossa adds, “Several bands say they are a mix of many influences but listening and looking at us you can tell we actually are.”
The band has taken their high energy stage show to 3 states at places like Amos’ Southend, The World Famous Milestone, Loose Change, Salvador Deli, Emerald Lounge, and the WSBF Spring Music Festival in Clemson, SC. The fan base is represented by people from all walks of life, and diverse musical tastes. It’s not strange to see everyone singing along and dancing to the alternative/hip-hop hybrid, a true testament to the band’s varied background and crossover appeal.
In October of 2011 they released their self titled debut album which is available on iTunes, Amazon, and other online outlets. You can listen to the band, watch videos, and see tour dates at ElenoraFagan.com.
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