Displaying items by tag: Dennis Dent

Every time I’ve had the pleasure and the privilege of attending a show at Black Ensemble Theatre, once the experience has sunken in and I’ve had time to think about what I witnessed, I realize something. I realize that Jackie Taylor—actress, singer, writer, historian, founder of the Theater, and writer and director of this production, Blue Eyed Soul Sung by Brown Eyed People—is also a sneaky teacher, which is the best kind of teacher.

Because every show I’ve seen at Black Ensemble Theater, after I’ve gotten over the wonderful performances of equally wonderful music, after I’ve stopped tapping my toe and singing along but have not stopped smiling, I realize that Jackie Taylor has taught me something. She’s made history—and learning—not just immersive and impressive and relatable and digestible. She’s made it joyful.

But that’s just part of Ms. Taylor’s secret formula. Her audiences can’t help but be invested when presented with art that is historically significant, but that is also emotionally significant—I bet one or two or ten of these songs brings back a memory, a feeling, or a moment for each and every member of the audience. And this audience can’t help but be awed when artist after artist presents this historical and emotional art so skillfully and so joyfully.

I keep using that word. Joyfully. Joyful. Joy. Joy is the feeling I get the moment I walk into the Black Ensemble Theatre’s foyer. It’s a community. A joyful community is what I feel I’m part of as I’m shown my seat (an aisle mate of mine mentioned how there’s not a bad seat in the house; as true here as anyplace I’ve been).

And joy is the feeling I got as Blue Eyed Soul Sung by Brown Eyed People began. The band is killer. Even though I’m a musician myself, if I wasn’t watching the four of them play, I wouldn’t guess it’s just a four piece. Conducted by musical director Robert Reddrick who’s also front and center at the drumkit, Adam Sherrod on piano paints with a wide palette of sounds—smooth electric piano, sacred organ, sensual keys. Oscar Brown Jr. on guitar adds more—effortless soul, reverberating rockabilly, Spanish classical, psychedelic fuzz. And Walter Bass—on bass—brings the hook to so many of the songs they perform, the hook that has hooked millions of listeners for generations now, and for generations to come.

Yes, the songs. I won’t give too much away, but you’ll hear songs sung by Dolly. And Whitney. And Mariah. And Christina. And Tommy. And Tom.

The songs are sung by Black Ensemble Theatre’s talented ensemble. Vincet Jordan—who transformed into Chuck Berry in a previous production on Berry’s life and work—shows his range, from falsetto to harmonies to duet partner to charismatic frontman. LaRon Jones has a stunning voice, and he gets song after song that seem written to show it off. Taryn Welch’s voice also left me stunned—I’m still trying to figure out how she pulled off one extended run. Trequon Tate and Dennis Dent provided humor and charm and spot-on backing vocals, alongside Raeven Carrol.

It's Carrol who provided one of the understated highlights of the show. “If I should stay, I would only…” She begins a classic song, a song everyone knows. She sings it tenderly and warmly and beautifully, as it was meant to be sung. Then she’s joined by, and overtaken by Britt Edwards—who has so many wonderful moments throughout the show—and this song is one where Edwards SINGS, because that’s what someone has to do if they sing this song.

So, Edwards SINGS. As good of a performance of this song as you’ll hear. But then there’s Carrol’s voice, back again. Tender and warm and as beautiful as Edwards’ voice. Each voice perfectly their own.

And these two singers, and the entire cast and crew, show you that this song—and any great song—is one that can be sung by different voices, in different ways, and it will always be a great song that can be sung and shared and bring joy.

Come listen and sing along, smile and learn, and be part of a joyful community at Black Ensemble Theatre’s production of Blue Eyed Soul Sung by Brown Eyed People, now until November 10.