|
PHOENIX The presence of sultry voiced Phoenix on stage captivates her audience and brings a renewed spirit to those who have come to hear her. She began her musical career in a Chicago area Pentecostal church, where her father was the pastor. Her mother (a music scholarship graduate of Arkansas State University) introduced her to the music of Marian Anderson and Mahalia Jackson. This sparked her interest as she began her studies. She became a student at the Dr. John A. Martin School of Music, won and retained a four year position in Chicago's All-City Chorus, and went on to become a member of the Augustana College Choir in Rock Island, Illinois.
Her voice presents a mixture of gospel, tinged with jazz ad some deeply grounded blues. Her trademark techniques include a low voice manipulation and an uncanny ability to sing any standard with an original interpretation.
Among her career highlights, Phoenix has performed with nationally acclaimed Grammy winner Albert Collins, W.C. Handy lifetime award winner Robert Lockwood Jr., SAFFIRE, and has spent over a decade as lead vocalist for world renowned King Solomon. During this time, Phoenix was the first act to perform at the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame (9/1/95) in Cleveland, Ohio. She is currently the president of her family owned independent record label, SHAINA PRODUCTIONS and plans a release in late spring, 2003.
In 1996, Phoenix returned to her hometown, Chicago, and re-established herself among the local scene performing with L.V. Banks and Sonny Seals when he members of Snatch, Inc. discovered her and invited her to join the group.
|
