The East St Louis Players duo of Don Tinsley and Bernard Jones first teamed up in 2006 and each achieved solo success in house circles, before bringing their respective skills to the studio to create a blend of deep house with live musical elements.

Don Tinsley - The seasoned, enigmatic character:
Don Tinsley started out DJing around St Louis in 1988 and soon collaborated with friends on the 84 Glyde project, who performed headline live shows around the city.  After the band went their separate ways Don began a solo career in house under his own name and also formed Urban Jazz Naturals with three other musicians.  Their track ‘How Can I?’ became an underground house classic after being signed to Gallery Music, the label run by veteran producer JT Donaldson, who also remixed the track.

Bernard Jones - The talented new-comer, with an animated personality:
Bernard Jones’ musical journey started at the age of five, when his Grandmother insisted on his classical training in piano.  He learned of the art of DJing through local DJs and first started experimenting in producing house in 2000.  With a few releases under his belt for labels including Kolour and Funkfield in the US, Bernard’s reputation is starting to grow.  Recently he has paired up with childhood friend and vocalist Brendan Woodard aka Aren B, who was a finalist on the American Idol TV series.  Together the pair have created some vocal gems, the first of which will see the light of day on Lost My Dog in October.

Between Don and Bernard there is a natural connection that is based on friendship and a mutual passion for music.  “We just know each other that well… in the DJ scene we always looked to each other for the hot sounds in house.  It’s no different in the studio, we just know what we like and how to support each other’s talents.”

East St Louis Players Songs Published by Kahua
(writers share 50% Tinsley/50% Jones unless stated)

Always On My Mind (Jon Milsom Horn Mix)
Always On My Mind (Stripped Back Version)
Hustlin
Hustlin (Inland Knights Remix)