Pour les fans de Jazz et Funk & Soul.
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Stephanie Mills was in the music business from a very young age, performing in the Broadway play, “Maggie Flynn,” at the age of nine. That same year, she won first prize at New York’s Apollo Theater at the ‘Amateur Hour’ competition, which led to her being chosen as the opening act for the Isley Brothers. Her debut album, “Moving in the Right Direction,” for ABC Records was released in 1974. Her rich, soulful voice won her the role as Dorothy in the hit Broadway production, “The Wiz,” in 1975, whom she performed with for a number of years.
Mills moved to Motown in 1976, releasing her second album, “For the First Time,” which was written and produced by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The album was full of sweet, tender songs showcasing her emotive voice. In 1978, Mills moved labels again to 20th Century Records, releasing “Watcha Gonna Do with my Lovin’” which went Gold and peaked at number 12 in the R&B charts and number 22 in the Billboard 200 in 1979. Her next releases, “Sweet Sensation” and “Stephanie” kept Mills’ music in the Top 40, receiving significant airplay with tracks such as “Two Hearts,” a duet with Teddy Pendergrass and “Don’t Stop Doin’ What Cha Do.”
Mills continued to have hit albums and singles throughout the 80s, having moved to MCA Records in 1983. Hits include “I have Learned to Respect the Power of love” (1985) spent two weeks at the R&B chart’s top spot, whereas “I Feel Good All Over” (1987) bettered that record with three weeks spent at number one. In the 90s, her recorded output lessened and also moved towards a more gospel-influenced sound, with her 1995 record, “Personal Inspirations.” Mills made a comeback in 2008, having recorded songs with BeBe Winans and DMX, as well as her independently released record, “Born For This” in 2004. She was also given the opportunity to display her talents to Pope Benedict XVI in 2008, when she performed in front of him at the Yankee Stadium in New York, USA. In 2012, she released a Christmas themed single, “So In Love This Christmas,” available as a download on ITunes.
Absolutely a fabulous show!! The energy was high with Pieces Of A Dream and the audience. They were going out ito the crowd and we loved it. The venue was cozy and had a sellout crowd of “old school” people who love Pieces Of A Dream. Will always remember the concert as one of my favorites. Especially James Lloyd who I admire tremendously. ALL the band was awesome.
June on the koto ~ such a peaceful sound then it can sharply strike a mood within a song while Dan's flutist notes takes you fluttering playfully upon the stars,drumming sets the tone of the songs, Dean adds the funk, Kimo fills our ears with keyboard sounds,...then there is one
Yvette who sings.Her vocals come in like a light breeze or strong like thunder & lightening.She dances and sways like she is a branch on a tree that sways with the wind.
It was a great show. I definetly enjoyed it.
I have always liked the music from Stephanie Mills, it's something about her soulful, sultry voice that I like. She's been around for awhile and has been a favorite of many people. Seeing that her music stills continues to touch the heart of many means she is thought of as a great singer.
I got the chance to see her in person while she was performing at a summer concert. The day was rain free and the weather totally cooperated making the show a hit. Had the rain been falling and the heat intense I still don't think it would have changed one person's opinion of the concert that day. She was a hit and the song selection fit very well for the occasion.
She has a strong voice and it carries over well outdoor. Her smooth R&B sounds take you back in time when a lot of girl groups and single performers lit up the bars and lounges nightly. She's a brilliant singer and performer she still has it to this day. She killed all the songs she sang that night and everyone loved her tribute to Micheal Jackson, forever the king of pop. I'm so glad we still have singers like her this day.
The saxophone is my absolute favourite instrument and Richard Elliot truly does it justice. He's a delight to listen to live and blew away the audience with his talent. One of the best live jazz acts I’ve seen, Richard captivated the music hungry crowd with his ear pleasing melodies and infectious tunes.
The Scottish saxophonist is a soulful player illustrating his talent on his tenor sax. His melodies are sensual and romantic, he makes for the perfect evening with a partner with the soothing "All the way" and "Sookie sookie". Richard brings the perfect combination of sensual jazz and R&B.
Richard was formerly part of the funk band 'Tower of Power', in the 80s, where he played the tenor sax for 5 years. Aside from this, he also worked on Stacy Lattisaw's album "Take Me All The Way" in 1986. And if that isn't enough to convince you to see him live then how about a Grammy nomination!
If seeing live jazz is on your bucket list then let Richard Elliot tick this off for you, you won't be disappointed!