Shortt Dogg Band Bio
December 2009
JOHANN KIMBRO, BASS & DIRECTOR
SHAWN DAWSON, KEYS & VOCAL
ROCKY ARMSTRONG, GUITAR
REGGIE THOMAS, KEYS
PHILIP SMITH, SAXOPHONE
CKAI DAWSON, VOCALS
SPENCER BROWNE, RAP VOCALS
NIKKINICOLE, VOCALS
Like a spice rack in the kitchen of a seasoned cook, Shortt Dogg’s line up is as wide as it is varied. Cooking up old school favorites enjoyed by old funksters from 70’s, Shortt Dogg is talented enough to put their on spin on the R & B Soul Revival spanning into 80’s and ending up with the current listeners appetite for a little, no maybe a lot, of neo-soul. It has to be this way to hit all the musical tastes of those who may show up for the Shortt Dogg Experience. From the back streets of Memphis, to the Casino Floors of Oklahoma’s Finest Tribal establishments, and to the grit of Downtown Oklahoma City’s newly promoted Bricktown, Shortt Dogg has become Oklahoma City’s tried and true funk band. Nary a untried tune or uncertain harmony do they play. Shortt Dogg shoots for musical perfection every time they hit the stage.
What makes Shortt Dogg so special, you ask? First there’s the love of music then there’s the love of music, ooh we said that already! Shortt Dogg’s’ history spans about twenty years. They also have ties that begin back when most of is 50 something members were in high school marching band together. This makes for a musical knowledge that spans the years and experience that is noticeably obvious from the first note. Rocky with his funky chanks and attention to detail make for surprises around the bend of every song. Phil’s musical energy and sexy sax work make the audiences move and grove throughout the show. To fatten the sound, Reggie Thomas has an ear for strings and chords that resemble at 50-piece orchestra. Doing double duty on keys and vocal, Shawn Dawson also writes the bands original material. The band is under the musical direction of Johann Kimbro, brother to Shawn Dawson, both a product of Oklahoma City’s Kimbro Music Studio. Music is in the their blood and the blood of the other members. So, are you ready for your funk transfusion?
Interestingly, just when you thought you had the old funk, the band then hits you with the love of smooth jazz common to Grover Washington, Jr, David Sanborn, and Cole Porter fans. To impart even more diversity and change, the band has recently introduced to its ranks, Mr. Spencer Browne, who is the band’s Rhythmic Poet. Spencer has specially designed rap lyrics for funk, neo soul, and the jazz the band has become famous for. Last, but not least the band is known regionally for basting its audiences with a hot bath of harmonies enough to melt the coldest lover’s heart. NikkiNicole, Ckai, Shawn, and occasionally, Johann belt out vocals anytime and any place the need for full sound is not only wanted but also REQUIRED! Shortt Dogg is a band that is thirsty for perfection, hungry for good music, and is always willing to hustle up a crock-pot full of funk wherever the crowd is willing. Book Shortt Dogg for your next event or special occasion.
Shortt Dogg, has been featured in some of Oklahoma's most prestigious venues and festivals including the Bricktown 4th of July Festival, the Charlie Christian Deep Deuce Jazz Festival, The Edmond Jazz and Blues Festival, and the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts. In addition to performing at many of this areas top entertainment nightspots, Shortt Dogg, has also been featured at the Hard Rock Café and The New Daisy Theatre in Memphis.
To book Shortt Dogg, for your next event or to secure prices and availability contact Shortt Dogg’s bandleader and music director, Mr. Johann Kimbro or fill out our on-line form .
