SR EVENT: Caprice StarBRITE CD Release Party

Kicking off an exciting new year, rock-soul artist, Caprice StarBRITE is debuting her eclectic fusion of rock, funk and blues in her debut cd “NO GIMMICKS NO TRICKS” with a cd release party backed by her band, ‘3 Shades of Chocolate,’ at the acclaimed Harlem venue, New Amsterdam Musical Association, on Friday, January 4, 2013 from 7-11pm.

Caprice StarBRITE is no stranger to the stage or to NAMA - she recently performed there for the first time with her band.

Caprice grew up in a musical household influenced by the likes of Michael Jackson, Teena Marie, Earth Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, Cheryl Lynn, Phyllis Hyman, Marlena Shaw, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, George Clinton, and Mavis Staples. Her musical journey began at the age of nine as a member of the glee club then paved the way to her next phase as a dancer including being a member of the Kushinda Dance Company. Since she is a vocalist at heart, her path weaved her back to her first love with her doing local performances at various venues such as at the Gateway Theater and Chelsea Common Bar & Restaurant as well as providing her vocal prowess to a bevy of artists, such as Dexter Myers, ZoZo Afrobeat, Rhythm Republik, MiKA, Coby Koehl, just to name a few.

Fast forwarding to the last quarter of 2012, she has teamed up with executive producer, guitarist & composer, JEROME SCORPIOCHILD of Cave Lab Studios, to put the final touches on her solo debut CD entitled, 'NO GIMMICKS, NO TRICKS.' This debut showcases her riveting sound of soulful rock without auto tune or other studio tricks, hence the name of the release. With edgy tracks such as the domestic violence survivor resilience anthem, “NO MORE;” the infectious rock infused track of strength in “EVERYTHING AINT” right down to the smooth soulful track of letting go your woes in “YESTERDAY,” this rockstress has put her heart on the line without apology! ‘NO GIMMICKS, NO TRICKS’ is an organic blend of her influences, her persona, her soul and her experiences combined for a fantastic musical voyage that will never be forgotten.

The cd release party will be climactic as it officially introduces Caprice and her tenacious band, 3 Shades of Chocolate (with Jerome Scorpiochild on guitar, Warren Cox on bass and Samuel Jennings on drums) to the masses. In addition to the rock vibes, independent artist, N’Tirzah Al Rephaim, will also treat music lovers to a soulful performance and local entrepreneurs, Annie Mae’s Cheesecakes & Moore and, Tea By Tiffany will provide holistic yet sinful indulgences throughout the evening.

See You There!

-Chante

PERFORMANCE: CAPRICE STARBRITE @ NAMA (Harlem)

Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

SR’s co-founder and artist, Caprice Starbrite, performed this past Saturday at Harlem’s renowned jazz club, the New Amsterdam Musical Association (NAMA) for the Fall Classic event series hosted by BF Productions.

Backed by a dynamic trio of musicians whom are beyond amazing, Caprice rocked the club with a stellar performance. The trio consisted of Samuel Jennings on drums, Warren Cox on bass and Jerome Scorpiochild Dickens on guitar. This show was momentous not only did she performed four songs written by her and produced by her bandmate, Jerome, but this was the very first time that her and her bandmates performed live after only one rehearsal. The added bonus was the band showing off their bravado and creating a spiritual revival that you simply had to be there to witness when they performed the Funkadelic classic “Maggot Brain”.

Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

In addition to Caprice and her band rocking it out at NAMA that night, other artists also graced the stage with funky, soulful rhythms such as bands - The Signifyers, Deep Intent and Blu Skyyzz.

It was my very first time at NAMA and it certainly won’t be my last. The historic NAMA was founded in 1904 and is the oldest African-American musical organization in the United States. It was founded at the time that the American Federation of Musicians Local 310 (now, Local 802) did not admit minority musicians and the law stated that one had to be in the union in order to perform in New York City. While the New Amsterdam Musical Association has never defined itself as a Jazz-oriented organization, it has certainly been both a literal and figurative home for many jazz musicians. Located in Harlem, NAMA has served as a place for many musicians to gather after performances to socialize and to practice. It was not uncommon for the likes of John Coltrane or Max Roach to rehearse on the ground floor of the brownstone. NAMA’s rich history includes some its notable members such as Buster Bailey (clarinetist) Eubie Blake (pianist), Henry Minton (saxophonist, founder of Minton's Playhouse), Fred Staton (saxophonist) and many more.

NAMA is a great resource and performance venue for artists and offers lessons to all vocalists and instrumentalists at all levels. It also holds a host of community events such as jam sessions and barbecues that both serve as gathering times for the Harlem community as well as fundraising events for NAMA itself.

The event at illustrious NAMA was an incredible night!

Photo Credit: Chante Ramsey/VySyn Photography

Kudos to the D. Lynch, spoken word artist and event MC; caterer (and vocalist who sang Larry Graham’s “One In a Million”) Chef Carmel Hennessey; Z Creations for showcasing her lovely jewels and; the staff at NAMA for welcoming everyone!

For more information about this event series, contact Z at BF Productions at (646) 262-5676. And for more information about NAMA visit their page on facebook.

-Chante