JAZZ FOR THE SOUL: Francine Reed

Jazz for the Soul welcomes Francine Reed — back by popular demand!  

Reed, AKA “Queen of the blues” and Phoenix treasure, sets the standard high when she takes the stage. This local legend is known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence. Reed sings an eclectic repertoire of jazz, blues, gospel, and rhythm and blues! Featuring Nicole Pesce (Piano), Mel Brown (bass), and Sheila Early (drums). An amazing evening of music awaits YOU, please join us!

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Music on a Mission/Jazz for the Soul is pleased to contribute 100% of donations from this concert to a vetted local charity (TBA).

Francine Reed – Vocalist Francine Reed can’t remember a time when she didn’t sing. The Chicago-born, Phoenix-raised song stylist discovered her love for singing in church. She sang professionally with her family at five years old and continued into her teens. Francine married, and had four children but kept singing while working a variety of day jobs until 1985 when she met Lyle Lovett who was looking for a female vocalist for his new band.

He found his singer in Reed. She toured with Lovett for ten years as a member of Lovett’s Large Band, and did multiple TV performances with the Texas singer/songwriter. While her association with Lovett continues, she has the solo career she always dreamed of as well.

Reed recorded two albums for the Ichiban label in 1995 (I Want You To Love Me) and 1996 (I Can’t Make It On My Own) in 1999 she recorded (Shades Of Blue) for the  Intersound label. She’s also recorded a family Gospel album. Reed has sung several TV commercials and Tom Cruise cranks her album up in a scene from the 1993 movie The Firm.

In Phoenix, Arizona, Francine Reed appeared with Miles Davis, Stanley Jordan, Smokey Robinson, Etta James, and The Crusaders. In 1985, she began recording and touring with Lyle Lovett and His Large Band. Reed has also appeared on recordings by Delbert McClinton, Willie Nelson and Roy Orbison. After she relocated to Georgia in the 1990s, she released her first solo album, I Want You to Love Me. Reed has received the W. C. Handy Artist of the Year and Song of the Year nominations. (The W. C. Handy awards were renamed the Blues Music Awards in 2006). Reed was inducted into the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame in 1997. Francine can be still be found singing at the best local clubs and resorts in Phoenix. Do yourself a favor and take a listen. You’ll be glad you did.

Nicole Pesce – Recognized by the Arizona Republic as one of the “top ten musicians to hear in Phoenix”, Nicole has performed for Muhammad Ali, Ricky Martin, George Benson, Waylon Jennings, Shaquille O’Neal, The Gypsy Kings, and Brian Setzer.

Nicole enjoyed a residency as the house pianist at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Phoenix, AZ for over a decade…entertaining audiences with everything from Bach to Lady Gaga. With additional performances at such venues as the Tempe Center for the Arts, Herberger Theater, Desert Ridge Marriott, ASU Kerr Cultural Center, Mesa Arts Center, Phoenician Resort, Wrigley Mansion, & The Princess Hotel.

At age 14, Nicole played for Debbie Reynolds at Debbie’s Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. That same year, Nicole appeared on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon (which aired to over 65 million viewers) – and toured the USA with Jerry. Additional appearances include performances with American Idol contestant David Hernandez, The Moscow Ballet, Zowie Bowie, The Cast of Mary Poppins, Young Frankenstein, Mamma Mia, and White Christmas.

Mel Brown – Mel Brown is a multi-Grammy Award-winning bassist, accomplished Bandleader, Talent Contractor, Author, Educator, and business owner based in Phoenix, AZ. His accomplishments include 43 Billboard No. 1 Singles, 74 Billboard Top 5 Singles 93 Billboard Top 10 Singles, 21 Billboard Top 10 albums (7 hitting No. 1). His extensive experience includes world tours, recording, television, movies, and musical theatre.

Mel is also an industry-recognized thought leader in the personal branding and video interviewing space.

Sheila Earley – Drummer and percussionist, born in New Richmond, WI, began playing drums at the age of 8. She studied with Tom Green (Kingston Trio) and Ron Keezer (UW-Eau Claire) in High School and received a four-year scholarship in Music to the University of Arizona (Gary Cook). She also studied jazz (with Chuck Marohnic) at ASU.

Earley moved to Los Angeles, studying with jazz great Jeff Hamilton and famed drummer / world percussionist Alex Acuna.

Sheila has performed in 48 states and 3 countries in many varying musical settings.

All JFTS Concerts are FREE and open to the public. Doors open at 4:45pm. All donations received will benefit local and international humanitarian causes.

You do not need to register for this event, but if you haven’t done so, please join MSW’s mailing list so you can stay in the loop with Jazz for the Soul updates and reminders.