THE BLACK PRINCE, Maestro RICARDO SCALES, pianist extraordinaire/composer, and his eight-piece orchestra, brought the house of YOSHI’S San Francisco down last Sunday night! At the request of Yoshi’s, in tribute to Black History Month, the acclaimed pianist produced a stimulating “Sacred Concert” that mixed a stew blend of gospel, jazz, lil’ blues, and classical, that left the audience in awe – non stop for almost two hours.
The “BLACK LIBERACE,” as he’s called by some, dressed in Black Tux with Tails, started the evening with a burst of swing music, big band style (at times the music was too loud due to several percussion instruments), lead the stellar musicians, one, flutist/hornman JAYE, in swift rhythm; hands flared high as he touched the keys, at times directing the band in symphonic style. Delved into two traditional gospel numbers, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” a moving “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.”
The brilliant maestro had a plan – in between selections, took the integrated audience back to Slavery and struggles of Black folks but also talked about the iRISH, and other ethnic groups who fought for freedom, and expression of their culture through music.
The concert was confusing to some dire-hard religious folks, perhaps disappointed, as one lady told me, she thought the program would be strictly gospel. NO! NO! Ricardo, the creative genius that he is, brought all phases of music together in tribute to Black History!
The BLACK PRINCE, as I like to call him of late, is one busy gentleman! Among his many engagements at San Francisco hotels, and other events (he performed at the Private Pre-Inaugural Affair for MAYOR ED LEE), he is the Music Director at MACEDONIA Baptist Church, located in San Francisco, on Sutter Street, near Fillmore. Rev. EMMETT NEAL, Pastor, and members of the congregation attended the concert.
A quick run through the evening performance, which included a Praise Dancer in white face , his lean body emotionally swayed, arms and hands moving to a haunting religious piece; Ricardo and band swung out on Duke Ellington’s “Satin Doll”; sweet 7-year old vocalist, pretty in satin dress, hair beautifully styled, sung in Lady Day flavor, a sultry tune, accompanied by her father, noted musician, CURTIS MAESTRO on piano; a gentleman of Italian descent, sung a touching “Ave Maria”; two pretty singers from Cuba performed in song – they brought the house down with thunderous applause!
AH, DOROTHY MORRISON – the lady is STILL singing “Oh, HAPPY DAY,” Sunday backed by singers of San Francisco Macedonia Baptist Church Choir, FIRE in her belly , energized the crowd. In 1967, Morrison was lead singer with The Edwin Hawkins Singers’, sang the song which captured world wide attention. She was the co-author of the tune with Hawkins, debut at an outdoor concert at U.C. Berkley Festival – I WAS THERE! . Prior to her performance, a Brother COMBS aroused the spirit , singing “I Know the Lord will Make a Way.”
Emmitt Powell and The Gospel Elites ended the evening in full GOSPEL VIBRATIONS! Ricardo and his entourage closed out the wonderful evening. Suggested to THOMAS SIMPSON, of AFRO SOLO, the booking showed that Yoshi’s, NO longer a straight Jazz club, can bring a variety of music to its stage. IMPROVISATION! YOSHI’S is set in an area of DIVERSITY!
In the audience, pretty ALEXIS LEVI, Owner, CEO/General Manager, LAS VEGAS STARS Professional International Basketball Team (JOE BRYANT, Head Coach, father of NBA’S Kobe Bryant); and FREDDIE STRONG, one of Emmitt Powell’s original Gospel Elites UNTIL he moved to Europe.
HEY, IT’S NICE TO BE NICE AND TO ALL OF YOU OUT THERE … LOOK FOR ME … I’LL BE THERE …
E-mail Rochelle at iheard@earthlink.net
