BeNU
After cutting his teeth
and honing his ear, eyes and soul in the choir stands and on stages across the
globe, BeNU has descended on Paris.
Following a childhood dream for many may
seem an impossiblity. However, for Gregory B. Caldwell it was destiny.
Borne from the solid foundation of years spent absorbing the sound and
soul of family Sam Cooke, Chaka Kahn, Peabo Bryson, Donnie Hathaway, Luther
Vandross, Fela, Bob Marley, Colonel Abrams, et al from the family collections.
This was soon followed by matriculation through the World-Renowned
Morehouse College Glee Club as both a soloist and quartet. Graduation
bore the beginnings of a 20 year run working in all facets of media and arts
administration, as well as turns in NYC’s Opera Ebony [Young Artist Program],
stints with Atlanta-based cover ensemble THE COLLECTIVE, as well as sharing
creative space/collaboration with artists like Erykah Badu, Meschelle N’dege
Ochello, and [?]. 
BeNU is set to cast his stone in the pool
of contemporary Soul Stirrers that include Eric Roberson, Raul Midon, SPACEK,
Omar, Frank McComb et al. After years working in media and arts
management, as well as spent discovering his voice, tweaking his ear and honing
his Tenor, Gregory B. Caldwell finally found his stride in Paris, France as
part of the stellar ensemble in Opera Comique’s 2008 production of PORGY &
BESS, directed by Robyn Orlin. While on hiatus from the productions
summer tour, Gregory determined to absorb All Things Francais. I
had the great fortune to connect with some French musicians who are really
about THE FUNK and create. 
2 years later Gregory returned to Paris to grow
the seeds planted in the caves of Pigalle, the result being the debut of ADD
- an amalgam of 70s Funk; 80’s/90s R&B; Brit Soul; House and Modern Day
Electronica. This is my easing out of the background and taking
the mic to let the world know just what I have had the benefit of hearing,
seeing, and living-through between NYC, Atlanta, Ga. and now Europe.
Gregory,
cum BeNU is thrilled to have the opportunity to share some of those Soulful
seeds that have influenced his turn at the mic.
PEACE
