Savanna

Bassist Sammy Jacobs, multi-instrumentalist Orphy Robinson (on vibes, keyboards, and trumpet), and drummer Jeffrey Durrant first came together, inspired by funk and soul legends such as FBI, Light Of The World, Hi-Tension, and Heatwave.

The three musicians had previously been bandmates in a local group that later became known as Second Image. Their final form was achieved with the addition of guitarist Leroy Osbourne, creating a four-piece. This quartet immediately set to work writing and rehearsing, playing a few local shows to establish and refine their sound and style. The band’s career gained momentum when local DJ Michael Thompson picked up their first demo. He arranged for them to work with a local production team headed by music impresario Joe Williams (a name associated with acts like Light Of The World, David Grant, and Incognito). While the band, then called Savanna, originally featured a jazz-funk instrumental style with the vibraphone as the lead instrument, guitarist Leroy Osbourne introduced a powerful vocal element. His voice, influenced by soul legends like Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, and Sam Cooke, expanded their sound and options