Memphis soul singer Devin Crutcher (@devincrutch901) first came to prominence when he was featured on the third season of P. Diddy’s reality show Making The Band.
Crutcher is a gifted singer, with a repertoire that includes many Memphis favorites from artists like Bobby Womack and Johnnie Taylor, as well as more contemporary songs, and he keeps a first-rate band to back him up on stage. Follow Devin at https://twitter.com/devincrutch901 for show dates and more.
On Tuesday November 27, BET’s Apollo Live came to Memphis for a talent showcase at the Ice Bar in Hickory Hill, and the winner was Overwater Entertainment CEO @Snipes901, who will be representing Memphis in New York. Visit http://www.snipes901.com/ for videos, or follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Snipes901.
Devin Crutcher and his band live on stage at the Ice Bar in Memphis, 11/27/12 (at ICE Bar And Grill)
#080 Phillipia Loving You (by John Shaw)
Atlanta soul singer Phillippia performs at the Alley Lounge at Acoustix Jazz Restaurant and Lounge in Atlanta, 11/24/12
#079 Phillipia We Are One (by John Shaw)
Atlanta soul songstress Phillippia performs a Maze cover at the Alley Lounge at Acoustix Jazz Restaurant and Lounge, 11/24/12
When Phillippia finished her Acoustix set, an R & B singer named D-Metro came on stage and did one song before the end of the night, to get people ready for his appearance at the club the following weekend, Atlanta GA, 11/24/12
When the jazz in Acoustix Restaurant upstairs had come to an end, I walked downstairs into the Alley Bar, where an incredible young soul/funk band was backing up several singers. I was especially impressed with the drummer, whose sense of “pocket” and chops kept the band tight. The headliner proved to be a soul singer named Phillippia (@stayaddicted10), who apparently has a certain degree of fame in the Atlanta market. Originally from Miami, she skillfully blends neo-soul, traditional soul and R & B covers, reggae, and the occasional hip-hop/hardcore reference, as in her single “Addicted to My Grind.” She has a great stage persona and a decent voice, and with such a first-rate band backing her, the night was truly amazing. You can hear some of Phillippia’s music at http://www.reverbnation.com/phillippia, or follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/stayaddicted10.
Acoustix Jazz Restaurant and Lounge is a fairly-upscale spot on Marietta Street in Atlanta, west of downtown. It features a restaurant with live jazz of a more traditional sort until 11 PM on weekends, and a downstairs basement lounge called the Alley which features more neo-soul, funk and contemporary jazz and which stays open slightly later. Parking can be hard to come by, and seats can fill up quickly, so it’s good to make reservations, or at least arrive early. You can keep up with the live music schedule at http://www.acoustixjazz.com/, or like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/acoustixjazz.
Café 290 advertises itself as a jazz bar, but it’s actually more of a place for R & B and soul. Still, the musicianship is good, the place has a friendly vibe, and it’s usually packed to the rafters. On the Friday night after Thanksgiving, I came through to catch the end of William Green’s set. Keep up with the live music schedule at Café 290 by visiting http://www.cafe290atlanta.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cafe-290/173901131974?sk=info.
