Trio to sizzle at late-night show
As a stellar guitarist and vocalist, Nick Colionne has been described as one of the most exceptional performers to come along in a long time. Honored as Artist of the Year at this jazz festival in 2011, his musical style will give the discerning jazz fan a real treat.
Don’t miss Colionne, Euge Groove and Brian Simpson when they take the stage at 10:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the Performing Arts Theater of Cape Henlopen High School.
In a class all his own sax musician Euge Groove claims a long string of Top 1940s history. Having played for the popular group Expose, Tina Turner, and taking Richard Elliot’s place with the fabulous Tower of Power. Euge has said, “Fear and creativity cannot live in the same room!” Come and enjoy his free-spirited approach to saxophone delights.
“How a keyboard should sound.” This is how keyboard musician Simpson has been described by such talents as Janet Jackson and Teena Marie. His soulful mentality has made him the first call by many performers to give them the unique sound they demand. He delivers his music with the kind of emotion he hopes his audience absorbs and remembers.
A graduate of the University of Miami’s School of Music, Euge Groove launched his professional career in Miami in the mid 1980s, playing in Salsa bands, top 40 club bands and doing the occasional high-profile session date like Expose’s “Seasons Change,” a No. 1 Billboard AC hit. Not long after he moved to L.A. in 1987, he wrote a track for Richard Elliot’s “The Power of Suggestion” album, and Elliot recommended Euge to take over his spot in Tower of Power. His resume grew from there to include recording, touring or performing stints. Richard Marx included Euge’s horn on “Keep Coming Back.” In 1999, coming off the road after two years of touring with popular Italian singer Eros Ramazotti and Joe Cocker, the saxophonist paved the way for his eventual solo stardom by recording some tracks of his own.
Inspired keyboardist, composer, prolific studio musician and producer Brian Simpson is a master of all he purveys. His eloquent approach to playing, sophisticated harmonics sense, bluesey overtones, R&B flavor and keen sense on how to craft a song that stands the test of time have made him the go-to man for many. Through the years Simpson has been revered for his unparalleled ability to compose unforgettable melodies and irresistible grooves. “I never approach two songs the same way,” confesses Simpson. “When someone hums your song, it’s the melody they are humming. So as important as the groove is, the melody is still king.” Simpson’s soulful approach to the music has made him first call for many including Janet Jackson, Teena Marie, George Duke, Stanley Clarke and Dave Koz, for whom he has had the distinction of being musical director for close to two decades. Brian Simpson has a knack for churning out genre-bending timeless anthems. George Duke once said “What I love about Brian’s playing is his understanding that melody and groove are important.” Simpson’s approach is simple, “I’m following in the footsteps of those who laid the foundation of contemporary jazz music. The fusing of jazz and R&B is just what contemporary jazz is all about.”
