BONAFIDE
"A mix of traditional and modern Funk , Jazz & Blues in a show that's dynamic, downright sexy
and ultimately danceable!" ( Optional horn section available)
Bonafide began when Paula and Bassist, Mike Frost teamed up for the first time. Their musical chemistry blew everyone away. The act is a blend of Modern and Traditional Funk Grooves blended with the complexity and sophistication of Jazz and the Passion and conviction of Soul And Blues. Bonafide also offers a large variety of Cocktail/dinner music when called for. But most of the time, they can be found on a stage delighting a grooving audience.
You'll be delighted with the driving instrumentals from musicians at the top of their game and vocal numbers from a truly outstanding vocalist. Paula has an onstage persona both witty and mischievous as well as at times, hilarious, rounding out the show with a
humorous element that compliments the slick and sly vibe of the
show. Mike keeps the groove going with his creative use of the
bass, where he not only lays down the groove people expect from
the instrument, but he often takes the solos normally reserved for
higher instruments. And he is equally at home doing either.
Hazen Bannister, Music professor at Clemson University and
founding member of "The Swinging Medallions" exclaimed
"That was some next level stuff! They made Mustang Sally sound
like something the Yellowjackets would do!" Barry Finnerty of the
Brecker Brothers and Jazz Crusaders said "They sound like
Tower of Power with a killer chick singer and Jaco Pastorius
on bass!" This is not surprising as Mike actually studied under
Jaco and Paula's debut album featured Tower of Power horns.
Bonafide is sophisticated without being too serious, and is a fan
and festival favorite. The basic band is a 6 piece combo of piano,
bass, drums, guitar, sax and vocals with options to add a trumpet and trombone and or Bari Sax. ( For a 7 , 8 or 9 pc band)This allows them to be a very versatile group capable of serving
almost any size event.
Dinah Washington, musical pioneer and ahead of her time! "She Swings Blue" presents the enormous scope of Dinah's music with equal attention to both the jazz and blues hits. Their approach was "If Dinah were alive and doing a greatest hits show- what would she do?" The result is a collection of both traditional and creatively reimagined arrangements of Dinah's well-known songs, mixed with some of the less famous, but more personal tunes that were the soundtrack for one of the 50's most iconic ladies of song. It's impudent, jazzy, swinging and full of blues!
a BONAFIDE CHRISTMAS
"The Must-See holiday show of the year, It's jam packed full of soul and Christmas Cheer!"
In a world where nutcrackers, classical programs and shows for children frequently abound during the Christmas Season....haven't you as an adult ever wished there was something for you with a little more “oompf”? That is exactly what you get when a performer with one of the strongest voices and most dynamic stage personalities turns her talents to one big soul packed Christmas show
“A BonaFide Christmas” is a holiday journey that will take you
from moving spiritual Christmas numbers to lighthearted impudent
favorites. This concert makes deliberate effort to stay away from the
“Children” aspect of the Christmas season. And while it IS targeted
at a more mature and musically discerning audience, the show is
suitable for all ages.
“A BonaFide Christmas” Features the soulful vocals of Paula
featured on fantastic arrangements from titans in the music
industry. Expect to hear the Luther Vandross/Marcus Miller version
of "My Favorite Things", John Legends "Silver Bells", A stunningly
beautiful Patti LaBelle holiday Ballad "Christmasing With You",
Ledisi's arrangement of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas", Plus other jazz, blues and soul holiday favorites as well as dramatic "Christian Holiday" songs, "Bethlehem Morning", "Oh Holy Night", "Who Would Imagine a King", "Where Else Would a Lamb be Born" and even a few originals. You'll also be treated to Mike Frost's creative instrumentals from his acclaimed "Frosty Christmas" album.
"A BonaFide Christmas" is thoughtful collection of everyone's favorite sounds of the season the must see Christmas show of the year!
coming soon, a new show!
"SHE SWINGS BLUE"
A Tribute to the music of Dinah Washington