Zedric
Teague was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1969, but at a very early age,
he moved to Northern Alabama where his musical interests developed and
influenced by his Southern Pentecostal upbringing. Despite the fact
that his high school did not have a band program until his sophomore
year, his talents were quickly recognized by the school's band director.
As a result, he was often the featured soloist at various events.With
only two short years of formal training on the saxophone, he was awarded
a prestigious music scholarship to Alabama A&M University in 1987.
As his music Zedric
has said, "My music is a reflection of my ministry to carry the
message of the soon coming savior."studies
intensified, he continued to gain popularity and receive accolades for
his musical accomplishments. In 1989 and 1990, he was given the rare
honor to receive the J.O. Patterson Fine Arts for two consecutive years.
Although Zedric
currently holds a Master of Science degree in Physics, specializing
in Optical Physics and a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Alabama A&M
University, his heart and soul are dedicated to his music ministry.
The smooth saxophonist's love for his craft makes him a role model for
many aspiring young musicians. He is well known for his sensitivity
to the Lord's Spirit and people when playing, which often leads him
to spontaneously create melodies that truly minister to those who hear
him.
Zedric has recorded
on several tracks from Ben Tankard's CD, Play Me in Your Key. In one
of the tracks entitled, "You Bring Out the Best in Me," he
plays with award-winning gospel artist, Yolanda Adams. His talents have
been featured on Alabama State COGIC's Mass Choir's Have Thine Own Way,
True Light COGIC's There is Hope, The United Voices of Praise's debut
album Caught Up, The Controllers, and Ty Causey's Loop Holes and Spiritual
Overflow. Kirk Whalum, David Curry of the Mississippi Mass Choir, Keith
Pringle, Orlando Draper, and Eric Essex are just some of the artists
with whom Zedric has performed. He has also had the opportunity to open
for a number of artists such as Lionel Hampton, John P. Kee, and the
Mississippi Mass Choir.
Despite
Zedric's many accomplishments, he aspires to achieve higher heights
in the music ministry by reaching a broader audience through his sophisticated
but accessible style. Because Zedric's philosophy for playing is grounded
in his commitment to the Lord, dedication to his art, and expectations
for excellence in conveying his message, undoubtedly, he will set refreshing
new standards in gospel-jazz.