The Urban Guerilla Orchestra

The URBAN GUERILLA ORCHESTRA is simply untouchable. Consummate professionals with decades of experience, World class musicians that record and tour with major label artists. Undoubtedly they are one of the best bands performing throughout the United States today. Directed by trumpeter Henri McMillian, The URBAN GUERILLA ORCHESTRA is comprised of instrumentalists and vocalists who have worked with artist such as Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, Boyz II Men, Alicia Keys, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Kool & the Gang, The Roots and countless others.

Henri McMillian, Jr.- Director- Trumpet
Henri has recorded and performed as a contractor or musician with such musical legends as Boyz II Men, Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Teddy Pendergrass, The Temptations, James Brown, The O’Jays, Stylistics and many others. He was also the musical director for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes for several years.

Lawrence Newton- Lead Vocals
One of the east coast’s most seasoned vocalists, Lawrence has run the gamut in versatility with collaborations with vocal diva Patti Labelle, folk legend Taj Mahal, jazz legend Grover Washington Jr., and hip hop superstar and actor L. L. Cool J. He has performed on countless jingles for companies such as Coke and Pepsi. Lawrence was even signed as a recording artist with R.C.A. Records at the age of 22. Nicknamed “The Percolator” he is the bomb that ignites the fury which is U.G.O.

Daryl Burgee- (Kwasi)- Drums and Percussion
“Kwasi” is the quiet fire of the band. The man who has done it all from a percussion perspective. Originally our percussionist, he has commanded our drum chair with authority from the moment he sat down. Kwasi has recorded and had tours of duty with: Gladys Knight, Kool and the Gang, Patti Labelle, Grover Washington Jr. Johnny Mathis, Sheena Easton, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and too many others to mention.

Naeemah Harper – Lead Vocals
Naeemah is a Philly vocalist with a rare and unforgettable tone who has recorded and worked with artists and producers such as L.L. Cool J, Lauryn Hill, Al B. Sure, Kevin Liles, Kip Collins, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Dre & Vidal and many more.

Paula Holloway-Lead Vocals
Paula Hollway is one of the most sought out vocalists from Philadelphia. Her touring and recording credits include Regina Belle, Patti Labelle, Anita Baker, Lou Rawls, and Teddy Pendergrass to name a few.

Bryan Williams- Keyboards
Bryan has a seasoned pedigree of experience as a studio and touring musician. Always one to look at the big picture “B’ is one of the pistons that keeps the U.G.O. train running. Bryan has recording and touring stints with the likes of: Boyz II Men, Teddy Pendergrass, Sister Sledge, Rose Royce, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, The Stylistics and many others.

Terry “Butta” Tyler – Bass
Terry is a seasoned professional who has performed or done session work the with the likes of Jill Scott, Vivian Green, Grover Washington Jr., Cee Cee Peniston, Roy Hargrove, Billy Paul, Dennis Chambers, Jazzy Jeff, The New MFSB, Ronnie Laws, Debra Laws, Miles Jaye, Wyclef Jean, Mark Whitfield, Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls and many more.

Louis Taylor- All Saxophones
L.T. was born on Christmas day. We all know as a child that sucks due to combined presents. But the fact is, the best present his parents could have given him was allowing him to honk his sax in the house as a child. With time he became quite proficient on the instrument lending his talents to several members of musical royalty throughout the years such as, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, The O’Jays, Stylistics, Patti Labelle, The Temptations and even actor turned vocalist Terrence Howard. Louis was also a member of the “Emeril Live” House Band for several years.

Dr. Donald Collins M.D.- Trombone
It should be against the law for a man to be able to provide care for patients by day for their physical well being and the be able to heal the soul and spirit with his horn as Don does. One half of the “Vanilla Soul Brothers”, he is the glue that holds the horn section together. Don, Henri and Louis have been playing as a section for well over twelve years. Don’s stints include Patti Labelle, Boyz II Men, The O’Jays, Johnny Mathis, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin and so on and so forth….

Wendell “Pops” Sewell – Guitar
Wendell, also known as Pops is the guitarist for The Gerald Vealsey Band and the Music Director for Helen Bruner & Terry Jones. He’s a session guitarist, producer and writer at Wyn Soul Music/Cwell Productions.

Pablo Batista- Percussion
Pablo is one of the most well rounded and seasoned percussionists in the country. A graduate of Temple University’s music program, he is the match which ignites the fury which is U.G.O. His resume includes collaborations with Alicia Keys, Kirk Franklin, Gerald Levert, Grover Washington Jr., Jeffrey Osborne, Phyllis Hyman, Musiq Soulchild and The Philadelphia Orchestra.

Darren Daughtry- Guitar
Darren is the person that always finds the lick to create the magic that starts our groove. He is an vital ingredient to our mix. He has recorded and been around the world with: Patti Labelle, Gerald Levert, The O’Jays, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, The Manhattans, Ray Goodman and Brown, The Stylistics and many others.