Charlene Blay and the 2nd Edition are comprised of five very talented
individuals with unique and diverse musical backgrounds.
This jazz ensemble
performs a wide range of traditional classics, contemporary
vocal standards and light jazz, including music by Johnny
Mercer and Nat King Cole.
Other influences include Sarah
Vaughn, Billie Holiday, Diana Krall, Rosa Passo, Elaine Ellis,
Dave Brubeck, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, as well as pulling
from their Latin and European influences.
Group members have performed and recorded with a variety of well-known
recording artists such as: Joe Farrell, George Benson, The Stylistics,
The Drifters, Buck Trent, Chuck Berry & Tommy Cash.
Charlene Blay's vocals have been compared to the richness of Sarah
Vaughan with the sultriness of Diana Krall. This experienced singer
delivers smooth and flawless vocals that can only be described as a
pleasure to the senses. She was a top club singer in Tokyo, Japan for 10
years.
Mike Rodenberg adds the concrete to the mix with his solid bass lines
and clean sound. Mike's influences include, Charles Mingus, Ray Brown
and Dennis Crouch. With years of experience in performing a wide variety
of styles, Mike lays the foundation on which Charlene Blay and the 2nd
Edition's sound is based upon. His style and rhythm are an essential
element in delivering the group's groove and "in the pocket" feel.
Roy Carter adds a deeper dimension to the group with his background in R
& B, jazz and blues, weaving an array of soulful notes between the vocals
and piano. Roy’s saxophone becomes the fusing element that makes the
chemistry work for this ensemble.
On guitar is Bob Legate. Bob's smooth guitar sound adds much to the
sound of Charlene Blay and the 2nd Edition. His stirring fluidity gives
a magical edge to the group's creative improvisations. Bob's great
technique and soothing touch on the fret board creates a musical
tapestry within the rhythmn section while interacting with Charlene's
voice and Roy's saxophone.
Finally, Greg Franzman on drums and percussion creates various rhythmic
styles from jazz to Brazilian Baião. Influenced by drummers such as Art
Blakey, Max Roach, Steve Gadd, and Alex Acuña; Greg applies pulsating textures
by using brushes, mallets and his hands.
