MIHI Records, Inc.

KCR ENSEMBLE

K for Kindness; C for Charity, R for Respect

In March 2000, the KCR Ensemble was co-founded by Charlotte Evelyn Jones and Rita Hassell. Rita and the late Ms. Jones, an extraordinary pianist, were enamored with the performances of the all ladies orchestra, the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, back in the forties. Charlotte and Rita decided to revive the concept of an all ladies orchestra from among their acquaintances in Chicago.

Today, the KCR Ensemble is a nine piece, all ladies, Jazz, Blues and Contemporary group featuring vocals, four horns - trombone, trumpet, alto & tenor sax and a full rhythm section - piano, guitar, bass, congas, and drums.

In 2003, KCR Ensemble released its first CD –"In The Moment"
In 2006, Recipient of WVON Radio Kwanzaa Award for Creativity and their Musicianship
In January 2007, Chicago Tribune Magazine, featuredKCR Ensemble --- a group of African American female instrumentalists who are carrying on a 60 year tradition in Jazz.
In February 2007, WGNTV Anchor , Allison Payne, aired a Cover Story, ”Soul Sisters” about the KCR Ensemble , which is now archived on their website (WGNTV.Com )
In October 2007, Recipient of the African American Arts Alliance “Black Excellence Award” for Outstanding Achievement in Jazz Music
In October, 2007 --- The WGNTV Cover Story “Soul Sisters” was nominated for an Emmy by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Chicago Midwest Chapter.

The KCR Ensemble continues to perform for a variety of corporate, professional, social organizations and private functions.

KCR's motto says it all --- "We are so inspired, we love to be hired".

773-779-6658 or o.hassell@sbcglobal.net

Click here for KCR Bio