"LIGHT SKIN"
The Melody
Name: Austin Caughlin
Native: Baltimore, MD, USA
Stage Name: "Light Skin"
High School: Sandy Spring Field School
College: Towson University
Influences: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Sly Stone, Duke Ellington, Tom Harrell, Stevie Wonder
Accomplishments: Trained in Classical & Jazz. Transposes & Transcribes. Played in numerous classical & jazz ensembles, rock bands: Amateur Hour & Milk Machine, and also in a few musicals
Music Contributions to M&TT: Wrote majority music concepts for: Just to be Loved & Wish You Were Here
Marcell's Thoughts on Austin
Mr. Integrity
All Austin cares about in my eyes is the music. He is without question one of the comedians in the band for sure that keeps us rolling on the floor sometimes, but there’s nothing funny to him when it comes to the music. Whatever sound we are trying to create, he wants to embody that sound. If it’s a sound he knows little about or is not use to playing, he will adjust, study, research, learn and deliver. His motto among us is, “It just has to be honest”. In the three years, this cat has been with me, he has grown from a jazzy player to a soulful, melodic player that can groove with the best of’em. I grew up in a little tiny church where my grandfather played a washboard so it’s not that difficult for me to draw organic soul but he doesn’t have those experiences; but it’s hard to ever tell with this cat. He listens from inside. He’s not a token “white boy” in the band; he’s part of the sound. I consider him a bit courageous because he’ll go out on a limb and play a note even if it doesn’t fit, but it’s an honest note, then he’ll try another note.
He has the ability to bring in different elements of classical, jazz, R&B, and soul in his notes which expands the options in songwriting. You would think after being so “schooled” he would be a stickler for what’s on the page, but he’s not… He wants it honest from the heart which brings a freshness to the music. He said to me once, “Man sometimes the off notes are the right notes when they’re pure & genuine”. Experience plus integrity, I’m with it. Anybody can play in bands that are comfortable, but it takes a special person to stretch themselves and grow.
THANK YOU'S from Austin
Thanks to Lizza, my family & friends for the support and love. Also, sincere gratitude to Nick Sjostrom, Rich Isaac, & Bob Power for genuine patience & professionalism. And of course, my thanks to Marcell, Gerald, CJ, & Mike Check 4 real music and friendship.
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