Greg Burrus and Rutgers IJS Present Patricia Walton and MPack

“MPack is a band, a brand, and a musical production enterprise, consisting of multiple elements in an ever evolving flow. Like a river, it never flows the same way twice. It is an ever-evolving, thought provoking, limitless musical experience that will elevate your mind body & soul and make you shake your behind all at the same time.

“MPack is the musical brainchild of bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer and vocalist Clarence ‘Groove Master’ Conover. He’s the founder, leader, and vocalist of the Clarence Conover Project, MPack Band, and the founder and CEO of MPack Music productions whose motto is “Life Changing Sounds”.

“He released his first CD “My Time” in 2014. In his formative years, his musical influences included Herbie Hancock, Grover Washington, Phyllis Hyman, Luther Vandross and Prince. Clarence has performed and recorded with Patti Labelle, Teddy Pendergrass, Grover Washington Jr., the Delfonics, Bo Diddley and others.

“He is a product of the Philly sound. Clarence is a specialist in Funk, Jazz, Blues, Fusion, Neo-soul and R&B grooves. This cross-genre musician, Clarence “MPack” Conover is creatively talented and has gathered other like-minded musicians and vocalists to create this musical phenomenon known as MPack Band.”

This bassist, guitarist, keyboardist, drummer and vocalist, when he’s not on stage, is in the studio devising new music with his MPack band for their fans. The Groove Master will be bringing along this dynamic band of like-minded musicians who have just provided some truly memorable and enjoyable live Jazzy music experiences at some recently sold-out Essex County venues.

On stage for this musical experience will be:

Vocalist Patricia Walton

Born in Germany, raised in New York and currently residing in New Jersey, Patricia has been singing since she can remember. Her singing career started in school choir, while still in Germany. She was a soloist and member of the Mt. Sinai UCC choir, a member of One Accord, and as a lead vocalist for several party/dance bands and has performed at various venues in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Currently she performs both as a Solo Jazz singer and is featured artist in Jazz, Blues and R&B Band as the lead vocalist of MPack! Her warm voice is sure to put a smile on your face and set your feet tapping!

Pianist Glenn Merritt

Glenn Merritt – originally from New York City, Glenn Merritt has been playing music since he was a youngster. He studied classical piano and music theory at Manhattan College of Music. At 15 he was a percussionist for Willie Sossa’s Salsa band. He played electric bass in numerous R&B bands. His jazz chops have consistently improved since he first tickled the ivories nearly 40 years ago and he has acquired a very tasteful style with lush chord voicing and a wonderful improvisational ability as a consequence of studying under his mentor the late Morris Nanton of the famed Morris Nanton Trio. He is currently the pianist for the Meant To Be Jazz Quartet which can be caught at Shanghai Jazz and other venues around town.

Kim Smith plays drums for the New Jersey-based band MPack.

John Dubrose plays saxophine for the New Jersey-based band MPack.

and a surpise Special Guest

Reservation Link Coming

A message from Gregory Burrus Productons

Please join us for this special energetic live Funk, RnB, Jazz and Blues event.. We promise you, to that you will have a really great time listening to some of the best live music around our region.

******************************************************************************************************

Check out the livestream on the Clement's Place Jazz and IJS Facebook pages and on our YouTube channel -

https://www.facebook.com/events/407513298157352/?ref=newsfeed

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf8W7q1qlz0yt5Ebcn4tkSQ

https://www.facebook.com/InstituteJazzStudies

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Clement's Place, 15 Washington Street, Newark, United States