Recording/Performing Artists
Cleveland’s own Odyssey and Company has been impressing music lovers for over 35 years with their soulful approach to Rhythm and Blues and Jazz.
Randall Priest, Randell McShepard and Anthony Rice are responsible for the electrifying vocals that the group is known for at their live performances. Tight harmonies, skillful choreography and debonair stage apparel has been a signature of the group since its inception in the 1980’s as a high school doo-wop quartet. The group’s professionalism and solid reputation as a “show band” over the years has led to many opportunities to open for major recording artists including After 7, Take Six, TROOP, ConFunkShun and The SOS Band, to name a few.
The group has released many singles that received significant airplay in several cities throughout the Midwest, the East Coast and the South, including “Young Girl”, “She’s Perfect”, and “A Whisper Away” (Produced by William Howard of the Dramatics). In the mid 1990’s, the group recorded an album under the tutelage of the O’Jays’ lead producer, Dwayne Mitchell. Each of the vocalists has also recorded extensively with other groups and on other projects.
Another claim to fame for the group has been its extensive travel and ability to win over fans in cities including Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Yokohama, Japan; Toronto, Canada, New York City and throughout the State of Ohio. The group also performed on the national talent search television show, Big Break, which was hosted by Natalie Cole. The NBC show was televised in 120 U.S. cities.
The group attributes its longevity and staying power to a “deep respect for the history of Rhythm and Blues and Jazz and the entertainers of yesteryear.” The group believes that crooning, choreography and showmanship is a dying art that needs to be highlighted and celebrated for current and future generations.
Odyssey and Company continues to record while also continuing to perform at live concerts in the Cleveland area and beyond. The group released four singles from 2016 to 2019, which included, “Tune It Out”, “Would You? Could You?”, “Wait Until Tonight”, and “Serious”, each of which received favorable national airplay. The 2018 single “Wait Until Tonight” received rave reviews for its captivating lyrics and addictive chorus, and climbed to Number 15 on the national smooth jazz charts, which was a significant accomplishment. The group is currently recording its next project with a targeted release date of September, 2023.
Odyssey and Company is excited to be making quality music again and continuing to satisfy its large following of fans and supporters.
Contact: Randell McShepard (330) 242-1903 or rmcshepard06@sbcglobal.net.