D Rolark

 MUSIC NEWS: DECEMBER 2023

The final month of this year arrives with a cap of the events of the year.  The single from The D & D Connection, Direct Contact, has received plenty of accolades since its August 18th release and over a dozen playlist placements on Spotify and other streaming sites.  This marks the first release under the D & D Connection moniker after the untimely passing of Dawn.  Her Synth Violin compliments this track combining Contemporary Jazz, Pop and Urban Contemporary.  As stated in the previous month, although she is greatly missed, her legacy of music and life remains eternal.   In addition, there have been plenty of requests for the physical copy of this single.  Even though it is only available as a digital-only single, due to overwhelming response, the single will be released as a limited edition CD-single in the months ahead.   In the upcoming 2024 year, this single, as well as the collaborations with D Rolark on previous albums, will be available as a full length album with additional tracks that were never before released (album title to be announced in 2024). 

Back in 2013, D Rolark released his Inspirational Smooth Jazz debut album entitled Adoration, which has been played on multiple independent stations globally and has sold massive copies on CD.  This year marks the 10th anniversary of the recording which featured D Rolark on Keys, 5-string and Piccolo Basses, Drums, and Guitar.  This year, as a dedication to listeners and fans,  a Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition of this album will be released in early 2024.    This deluxe edition will feature re-recordings of all 12 songs, plus a bonus disc of additional material from the original sessions that were never before released, remixed versions of several songs, and newly composed material recorded specially for this massive 2 CD-set.  In all, this Deluxe Expanded Edition of Adoration will be available in 2024 on various streaming sites and on physical CD.  The double album was originally scheduled for a Fall release, but had to be pushed back due to other music commitments.

In December of 2023, the long-awaited holiday album, A D & D Connection Christmas, was finally released on various streaming sites with much anticipation and immediate success.  This album features 4 holiday originals, including “A Joyous Holiday” and “Kwanzaa (My Heritage)”, including two holiday favorites featuring the vocals of Tamirah Leigh Terry on “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World”.  This is the first release that is billed under both D on Keys, Bass and Drums and Dawn (RIH) on Synth Violin.  With their signature blend of Contemporary Jazz, Pop and Urban Contemporary, A D & D Connection Christmas is an album that will delight many listeners;  in addition, for the first time, the album will finally be available on physical CD this November.

In case if anyone is wondering, D Rolark has been, still is, and always will be a member of the cover band, Da Fellas Band, currently celebrating 26 years of Jazz (both Straight Ahead and Smooth), R&B, Pop, Classic Rock, and Dance Music.  Although the shows that they do are mostly private events, their touring schedule is massive.  D Rolark serves not only as the co-founder of the band, but also the Music Director of the band.

This is all part of D Rolark's vision as a musician, songwriter, composer, and producer.