Soul Crooners 2
$27.50. Through May 15. Straz Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-STAR. strazcenter.org.
Travel back in time to the era that brought us bell-bottoms, the Watergate Scandal, and the new era of soul music with Soul Crooners 2. True to the first, this show celebrates the beauty and authenticity of soul music from the 1970’s. Nate Jacobs, director of the show and founder of Sarasota’s Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe answered some questions about the show and soul music itself.
How has soul music shaped American music?
I feel the music of that era has influenced American music tremendously because real songwriting took place then. The songs and music from that time are like landmarks for musicians, and you can see that even today, musicians and songwriters refer back to soul music from the 70’s as a guide.
What separates the new era of ‘70’s soul from other decades?
It introduced real songwriting and instrumentation unlike eras before that. You know, it’s timeless. Gladys Knight was once asked during an interview, “Do you feel that there are true blues and soul lyrics these days?” and her answer was that in a lot of cases, no, but some groups such as Boyz II Men gave her hope.
What about these songs makes you want to perform them?
Because there’s so much music from that era, we had to make a Soul Crooners 2. We couldn’t fit all of the music into one show and people are already asking for number three. I usually start with about 60 songs, then shave down to around 40. Then, between different melodies and shortened versions we can fit most of them in, but it really is a challenging job to do.
Who has influenced you the most, musically?
Donny Hathaway has been a significant influence. Also, Stevie Wonder who has such a unique ability and niche. The Temptations, Al Green, who’s niche is in R&B and gospel is very unique and inspiring for musicians, and Marvin Gaye as well as many others. There are just so many musicians and songwriters from this time period.
Do you hope or predict a soul revival in upcoming years?
Yes of course, and there are still some artists that hold up the standard. There’s Adele, Pharell and some other artists who stay true to the art and spirit.
“The special thing about the Crooners is that we not only perform, we feel the spirit of the era,” Jacobs says, encouraging everyone to come for a hand-clapping, hip-swinging celebration of soul
This article appears in May 5-11, 2016.