COMMENT: Possessing a voice comparable in depth and richness to the great Paul Robeson, —in the spiritual tradition of an ancient African Griot—creates music that allows his deep, soulfully rich voice to blend naturally with his compelling dramatic instinct. He movingly conveys the poignant words and melodies of the Negro Spiritual in a manner that defies easy pigeon holding, and his unique style—“reminiscent of Al Jarreau, Bobby McFerrin, and Paul Robeson simultaneously”—offers great variety at any musical venue. No one should miss him deftly rifting through Jazz licks, while he masterfully imitates the sounds emanating from a Jazz Band’s instrumental section. His modernized and approachable style of singing creates such an uplifting song that it holds the enthusiasts of Popular, Classical, and Religious Song in sway. artistic tastes were first forged in grade school. However, by the time he entered high school his artistic curiosity had led him to sing in various choruses, and to act in a number of community theatre productions. While achieving the in Commercial Music and the in Music Education Degrees from Tennessee State University, he learned to weave the various elements of his artistic nature into its magnetic style of delivery. His artistry transcends Jazz Bistro & Concert Hall venues, and his stage credits include roles as diverse as in “Your Arms Too Short to Box with God”, in “A Westside Story”, in “Joseph’s Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, in “Scipio”, the in “Do Lord Remember Me”, and for yourselves. You’ll be glad you did! has also presented concerts, master classes, and demonstrations where his musical insights have captivated the imaginations of grade school, high school, and college students alike. This February, in conjunction with Opera Memphis’s Educational Outreach Program— , toued throughout Tennessee’s major metropolitan areas to help celebrate the . The has been engaged to appear at such venues as the: ; at the Peabody; ; ; and . His operatic credits include affiliations with Capital City Opera; Atlanta Opera; The Walker Academy of Instrumental & Vocal Excellence; and The Atlanta Lyric Opera. In the fall of 2007 the will present him in the title role of “ ”; a work written especially for him by critically acclaimed composer Sharon Willis. Recognizing him as an outstanding talent, of the Old Towne Preservation and Development Association deemed that, “ ”, and , Director of the National Baptist Convention Choir found that when Blanchard appeared before his congregation, “ ”. The Spring of 2005 saw the release of the debut CD, “ ”, which garnered favorable review upon the “Black Gospel Blog” that stated, “ .” In the fall of 2006 he lent his talents to the “ ”; a compilation of Jazz performances for The World Grotto organization to benefit Amnesty International’s efforts for the UgandaCAN ( ) and NUGEN ( ) charities. delivers performances that are spiritually enveloped in the traditions of ancient Africans and early African-Americans. His singing A singer who has shared his talents with many diverse audiences, his appearances have been hailed as a through So come let your own souls be witness to powerful interpretations of the Negro Spiritual, and experience the vocal artistry of in “The Wiz”. Drawn also to film, he has appeared as an extra in several movie block-busters, done voice-over work for local and national concerns, appeared on Memphis’ WREG – Live At 9 program, and most recently been the featured singing artist on the PBS film “Underground Railroad – Quilt Code”; for Georgia Public Broadcast.