A couple of Ohio Players take new direction

Billy Beck and Rick Ward of the Ohio Players have recorded a side project that just might turn into their main enterprise.

The Youngstowners have released “Grown and Sexy,” an 11-song CD of original R&B music with a jazz influence and a touch of funk. It’s a solid and professional album that should find listeners across the nation.

Ward said it’s also a sign of things to come.

The holiday season is the slow time for the Ohio Players, and after a New Year’s Eve show and a few other scheduled dates are completed, the duo, dubbed the Beck/Ward Project, will begin to push the new CD, which is available on amazon.com and other online retailers.

“We do play with Ohio Players, but the dates are getting fewer and further between,” said Ward. “We’re going to do Beck/Ward full time next summer.”

Beck, of course, is an original member of the legendary Ohio Players. Ward, who is a guitarist, joined the act earlier this year.

IMBIBE MARTINI BAR STILL HAS A FEW UNCLAIMED DIAMONDS

A few weeks ago, Imbibe Martini Bar in downtown Youngstown teamed up with Komara Jewelers in a promotion that has yet to find its winners.

Each person who ordered a Heart of the Ocean martini got to select a faux diamond, which they would then take to Komara’s to see if it was one of three specially marked ones. If it was, then that patron would win one of three real diamond jewelry pieces.

Well, Imbibe sold a lot of Heart of the Sea martinis, but all three prizes are still available. Nobody has won yet. So go to Imbibe and give it a try.

JEFF BUCKLEY SALUTE AT CEDARS

Jeff Buckley, the late singer-songwriter who possessed an amazing vocal range that could hit angelic heights, would have celebrated his 49th birthday Tuesday had he not died in 1997. His 1994 album “Grace” is one of the all-time greats.

As a tribute, a group of local musicians, led by Rick Deak (Sin-O-Matic, Radio Lark), will play a set of Buckley songs at 10 p.m. Saturday at Cedars West End.

In addition to Deak (vocals, guitar), the band is Noll Harman (guitar); Angie DeNicholas, Courtney Waskins and Shiloh Hawkins (vocals); Danny Drummond (bass); Fred Whitacre (drums); and Scott Burns (cello).