Mr. A.L.I.

This band was created with the intention of bringing back a live element to the world of soulful dance music. Put together by dance industry veteran producer Jere McAllister and his partner Vick Lavender, it features an ever-changing, multi-cultural melting pot, of musicians. Anchored by the vocal stylings of, singer/songwriter, Carla Prather, the group showcases everything from Afro-Latin rhythms to soulful harmonies to a touch of Jazz. All contained within a package that is made to get your dance groove on. Headlining every Saturday at The District (Chicago), this is a one-of-a-kind experience that is not to be missed.

The core of the band is Jere McAllister (Keys, MD), Carla Prather (Vox), Dajae (Vox), Clyde Davis (Drums), Dave Hiltebrand (Bass), Chris Greene (Sax), Rick Gehrenbeck (Keys), Joe Rendon (Percussion), & David Risque (The Groove Guru). With Keith Henderson or Gerry Johnson, occasionally, sitting in on guitar.

Jere started his music career, at the age of 19, with DJ International records. He recorded 3 releases for DJI (“Never Let You Down”, “Breatheless”, and “What I Do”) before leaving the label to join up with Steve “Silk” Hurley's ID productions.

Also, during his DJ International period, He wrote the music for “Let The Music Use” by the NightWriters. This record was produced by the Godfather of House, Frankie Knuckles, and was a big underground club record in the UK (and Europe ), during the “Summer of Love” of 1988. A song that has been described by some (UK Journalists) as “defining” Deep House Music. Jere started out with ID as keyboard player for, Grammy Nominated, Eric “E-Smoove” Miller. He lent his talents to remixes for such artists as Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Marvin Gaye, INXS, Diana Ross, Taylor Dayne, Simply Red, Black Box, Keith Sweat, and the list goes on. Also, during his time working with E-Smoove, Jere co-wrote, “We Got a Love Thing” for CeCe Peniston, “Are You Gonna Be There” by Shay Jones (later redone by “Up Yer Ronson”), and “A Little Bit More” for Kym Sims, all records which saw quite a bit of chart action, worldwide.

After E-Smoove left ID, Jere joined with producer Marc “M-Doc” Williams, to form InDaSoul. They collaborated on remixes, songs, and productions for such artists as Madonna, Mint Condition, Prince's New Power Generation, Sounds of Blackness, Tanya Blount (from Sister Act 2), and more, even a song for the movie “To Wong Fu …”. One of their productions, “Never Gonna Let You Go” by Tina Moore, was a big part of the 2-Step Garage scene, in the UK .

Vick Lavender was a member of Glenn Underground's “Strictly Jaz Unit”. While with the SJU he recorded an EP call “PM Blues”, which is still pretty popular among Deep House DJs around the world. He also contributed his songwriting skills to several cuts on the SJU's album, “Future Parables”. Two that were released as singles; “Father's Little Girl” and “Medone's Thoughts”. Another of his creations, “Wish”, was featured on The Nitelife Collective Vol. 1 compilation.

Carla Prather is quickly becoming a veteran of Chicago 's music scene. She has worked with, Grammy nominee Maurice Joshua, House Legend Byron Stingley, plus many more, and she is currently, also, a singer for the group “Poi Dog Pondering”.

The rest of the band is comprised of an ever-changing lineup of some of Chicago 's best musicians. Some of the people that have performed with the band have played with such artists as Miles Davis, Destiny's Child, R. Kelly, Monica, Patti Labelle, Will Downing, Byron Stingley, Colonel Abrams, Patrick Adams, Leroy Burgess, just to name a few.