Earlier in the week we were pleased hear, for the first time, Starlett Brown. She performed as one of the acts for the Women in Music event at the Community Folk Art Center.
Brown has sang background for many national-acts. In this clip she shows her range and takes a secular song and folds it into the sacred realm. Listen and let it take you to church…
Here is a Marvin Gaye cover from Thursday’s Women in Music event at the Community Folk Art Center. You’ll enjoy the great melodic synergy between Sherri Williams, Jeff Houston and Travis Reed, plus the slide show of local and national protest photographs that accompanied the song was genius. Almost makes you wanna holler!
Patricia Albright
Vocalist Patricia Albright was one of the first artists to sing for last night’s Women in Music event at the Community Folk Art Center.
Albright was accompanied by Brian Moore (right) on piano.
Vocalist Sherri Williams talked about the impact of music on her family.
We saw five dynamic ladies participate in the Women in Music series last night at the Community Folk Art Gallery (CFAC). The featured vocalist was Sherri Williams. Her set, complete with a visual slide show, reminded us how much our relationship to music has changed in terms of sharing and appreciating songs. Unlike today’s personal device/social media/digital download environment, back in the day we often listened to music as families, and did our own version of liking and sharing. One particular cut Williams remembered hearing through her uncle’s collection was “For the Love of You” by the Isley Bros. Her rendition of that classic, with Jeff Houston on guitar and Travis Reed on keys, ushered in a sweet wave of nostalgia that felt like a late summer cookout.
Anjela Lynn, ladies first
When it comes to bringing the crowd to the Sitrus Lounge, and making them get off their feet and dance, or in some cases sing, nobody does it like Michael & Anjela Lynn. Their second show for the season at the Sheraton Hotel was a perfect celebration of the roots of smooth R&B and the gift of musical enjoyment on Friday. They were backed up superbly by the next generation, aka the Talented Ones.
Deyquan Bowens
John Buda Bowens
Michael Houston
Al Cutri
Anjela gets some help on vocals during the second set
Gregory Collins captured the energy, moves and mannerisms of Mr. Please, Please, Please, Mr. Dynamite and the Hardest Working Man in Show Business at the Tribute to James Brown at Funk-n-Waffles (Downtown) last night.
Scott Dennis, prescription vocalist
SAMMY-Award nominated vocalist Scott Dennis wrapped his dream-like vocals around the Great American Songbook at the Sitrus Lounge last night (University Sheraton). He was backed by the rhythmic triumvirate of Solazzo, Johns and Solazzo.
Their album “Close Your Eyes” was produced by Nancy Kelly.
Singer-song writer Lydia Caesar brought the crowd to its feet at CFAC
We’re not sure if the bass was too strong or it was the profound timbre of Lydia Caesar’s voice that caused The Community Folk Art Center to tremble on Friday. Her performance, which was co-sponsored by WAER-FM 88, was the official kick-off for Syracuse University’s Black History Month festivities. The Queens, NY-native showed her range by singing a slow-moving musical love letter she calls “St. Louis,” then moved further into the set with the bouncy “Lottery.” She also sang several covers.
The crowd seemed to appreciate her repertoire and showered her with praise.
Caesar was backed up for the visit by Syracuse’s Brownskin band.
Lydia’s new single “Through it all” will be released Feb. 10.
Visiting vocalist Lydia Caesar was a childhood friend of Community Folk Art Center Director of Education, Tamar Smithers. Smithers sang background for Caesar’s Black Month kick-off concert last night.