By Dustin Fitzharris****From the moment singing sensation Tami sang her first note at the Bowery Electric on Tuesday night, September 24, it was apparent she came to win. Along with her band of all-star musicians, Tami took the audience, standing shoulder to shoulder, on a wild journey through country, blues, soul and even disco.
In this, her New York debut, Tami spent much of the evening focusing on material from her album Velvet & Steel. Produced by Bobby Braddock, who has also worked with Tammy Wynette, Blake Shelton and Toby Keith, the album contains the Billboard-charting dance hit “The Sugar Shack.” Upon its release, Billboard named Tami a number one breakout artist.
While the songs may have been unfamiliar to most at the Bowery Electric, they held on to every note; Tami has the ability to shade with colors of love, pain, hop, and joy. The 45-minute set opened with “A Strong Woman.” Clearly, it’s more than a song. From the way Tami led her band and took control of the room, it’s melodic evidence that she’s in control of her life and music.
Tami is no stranger to show business or the stage. As a young woman, she left Oklahoma with big dreams and headed for Nashville. She paid her dues singing background vocals and working as a demo singer. Fast forward to 2010 when she seized an opportunity to sing jazz in renowned nightclubs in Asia. It was there that she gained a following, often playing several shows a night, seven days a week.
At the Bowery Electric, Tami demonstrated some of those jazz vocals in the song “Fly On.” Written by her son Saxon Jones, the inspiring, breezy tune gave the audience a chance to hear a softer side of Tami’s often big vocals. This was also the case on the bluesy “Love’s Been Rough on Me,” which featured a saxophone solo from Phil Kenzie, who has worked with Paul McCartney, Roger Daltrey and Al Stewart. The band also included heavyweights Alex Alexander, Tommy Mandel, Paul Morris, Joe Orlando and Anna Kenzie on vocals.
In a show of many highlights, perhaps the most poignant moment was the song “Maybe Someday.” Written over 50 years ago, the song, with shades of gospel, about acceptance, peace and optimism, couldn’t be more apropos today. The audience of all ages, races and ethnicities became one and soaked up the message and the love Tami was sending their way.
But before Tami would leave the stage, she took everyone on a rock and roll thrill ride with the classic “Live and Let Die.” A little velvet and a little steel made for a memorable New York debut. A return can’t be too far away.
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