There’s More than “Band of Gold” To Jazz Singer Freda Payne
By Skip Sheffield
Freda Payne recently recorded a new album, and she’s making
a live performance to promote it at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 30 at Jazziz
Nightlife in Mizner Park.
Freda Payne is best known for her 1970 hit “Band of Gold.”
As actress she understudied for Leslie Uggams in “Hallelujah Baby” and appeared
in the Equity Theatre production of “Lost in the Stars.” In 1981 she briefly
hosted her own TV talk show “Today’s Black Woman” and has found work in movies,
on Broadway and off theater productions through the 1980s and 1990s.
The Detroit native has never given up on music, and in fact
she is in a new phase.
“We played the Detroit Jazz Festival, and that resulted in
an invitation to play at the Dirty Dog in Grosse Pointe,” reveals Payne by
telephone. “Despite the name it is a classy place and it’s owned by a lady who
is an heiress. The second time we played there Gretchen (Valande) came up to me
and asked if I would like to record an album on her Mack Avenue label. I said
we would be delighted.”
The result is “Come Back to Me Love,” a 14-song album
produced by pianist-arranger-composer Bill Cunliffe, and featuring new songs by
Gretchen Valande and Tom Robinson as well as jazz and big band favorites.
“We are using local musicians for this date,” reveals Payne.
“I know we are in conflict with SunFest, but we will have a good time. I have
heard great things about Jazziz.”
Tickets are $35 general admission, $55 stage left and $75
VIP. Call 561-300-0730 or go to www.jazziz.com.
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