RiShon Odel & The 5th Element – Late Night Show

The Band

Bass – RiShon Odel

Drums – Flute

Keys – Jesse Thompson

Guitar – Jedi

Guest Musicians

Bass – Chuck Brown

Piano – Walter Kemp III

Cello – Roman M

RiShon Odel is recognized as one of the most innovative talents of our time. He recently achieved the top positions as the most added artist on SMOOTHJAZZ.COM and as number one on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Charts for his contributions to “XX” by Brian Culbertson and “You, Me & Forever” by the multi-GRAMMY® award-nominee Najee. Apart from his roles in major films like Marshall and Breathe, this multi-talented artist, composer, and producer is renowned for his dynamic stage presence and charisma.

RiShon Odel has performed on tours with renowned smooth-jazz musician Brian Culbertson and iconic saxophonist Najee. He currently serves as the Musical Director for the popular Canadian pop artist Julius Wilson. Odel is a proud member of the International Society of Bassists and is an official endorser of DR “Black Beauties” Strings. Over the course of his career, he has collaborated and recorded with a diverse array of talented musicians, such as Cissy Houston, Marvin Winans, Riley Richard, Phil Perry, Me’Lisa Morgan, Donnie McClurkin, Special Gift, and the well-known “Stevie J” Jordan from the reality show “Love & Hip-Hop.”

Odel made a notable entrance into the music industry in 2006 with a performance of an arco bass piece at the JoAnn Faletta International Guitar Competition opening, accompanied by the Buffalo Select Chorus. He authored his first instructional book, “Book of Bass Volume 1” (Dorrance Publishing), and conducted his inaugural orchestra in 2009. That same year, he was recognized as the “Best Classical Musician” by Artvoice magazine. Odel has created music for various ensembles such as the Eastman String Quartet, Buffalo State College Symphonic Band, and The Ieda String Ensemble. This music was used in the scoring of “Less Than Perfect,” a production by film icon Reuben Santiago. In 2010, Odel unveiled a documentary DVD on Jazz History, which is accessible through the SUNY Interlibrary loan system under both History and Criticism sections. The DVD showcases former band members of the renowned Charles Mingus’ tour band.

​Odel’s deep passion for music led him to embark on his musical journey by making occasional visits to the music store. These visits soon evolved into attending drum workshops and watching videos featuring renowned drummers such as Liberty DeVito, Dom Famularo, and LaDell Abrams. In just a year of starting to play, Odel landed his first professional opportunity with the “Georgia Mass Choir,” a recording artist under Malaco, where he filled in for Alex Evans (known for working with Patti Labelle and Whitney Houston).

Odel conducts workshops and clinics across the United States, Canada, and other regions when he is not engaged in playing or composing music. His teaching experience includes mentoring vocal and instrumental students who have pursued further studies at Howard University, Berklee College of Music, Buffalo State College, Michigan State, and other institutions.