Jazz for the Soul, Francine Reed, Season Finale!

Francine Reed, “Queen of the blues” and Phoenix treasure, sets the standard high when she takes the stage. This local legend is known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence, Reed sings an eclectic repertoire of jazz, blues, gospel, and rhythm and blues! Featuring Nicole Pesce (Piano), Mel Brown (bass), and Dowell Davis (drums). 

Francine Reed - Vocalist Francine Reed can't remember a time when she didn't sing. The Chicago-born, Phoenix-raised song stylist discovered her love for singing in church. She sang professionally with her family at five years old and continued into her teens. Francine married, and had four children but kept singing while working a variety of day jobs until 1985 when she met Lyle Lovett who was looking for a female vocalist for his new band.

He found his singer in Reed. She toured with Lovett for ten years as a member of Lovett's Large Band, and did multiple TV performances with the Texas

singer/songwriter. While her association with Lovett continues, she has the solo career she always dreamed of as well.

Reed recorded two albums for the Ichiban label in 1995 (I Want You To Love Me) and 1996 (I Can’t Make It On My Own) in 1999 she recorded (Shades Of Blue) for the  Intersound label. She's also recorded a family Gospel album. Reed has sung several TV commercials and Tom Cruise cranks her album up in a scene from the 1993 movie The Firm.

Francine can be still be found singing at the best local clubs and resorts in Phoenix. Do yourself a favor and take a listen. You’ll be glad you did.

Nicole Pesce - Recognized by the Arizona Republic as one of the “top ten musicians to hear in Phoenix”, Nicole has performed for Muhammad Ali, Ricky Martin, George Benson, Waylon Jennings, Shaquille O’Neal, The Gypsy Kings, and Brian Setzer.

Nicole enjoyed a residency as the house pianist at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Phoenix, AZ for over a decade...entertaining audiences with everything from Bach to Lady Gaga. With additional performances at such venues as the Tempe Center for the Arts, Herberger Theater, Desert Ridge Marriott, ASU Kerr Cultural Center, Mesa Arts Center, Phoenician Resort, Wrigley Mansion, & The Princess Hotel.

At age 14, Nicole played for Debbie Reynolds at Debbie’s Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. That same year, Nicole appeared on the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon (which aired to over 65 million viewers) – and toured the USA with Jerry. Additional appearances include performances with American Idol contestant David Hernandez, The Moscow Ballet, Zowie Bowie, The Cast of Mary Poppins, Young Frankenstein, Mamma Mia, and White Christmas.

Mel Brown - Mel is a Grammy Award-winning bassist, accomplished Bandleader, Talent Contractor, Author, Educator, and business owner based in Phoenix, AZ. His extensive experience includes world tours, recording, television, movies, and musical the  atre.  Mel is also an industry-recognized thought leader in the personal branding and video interviewing space.

Dowell Davis - “D” to his fellow players, has graced national and international stages with his drumming since 1983. Having professionally played a variety of musical styles from Zydeco to Jazz, Funk to Blues, and Rock to R & B, “D” has an innate understanding of grooving. He is a clinician at the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences in Tempe and Gilbert, AZ, and also lays drum tracks for the Line 6 Amp Company. He has toured with George Benson, Jimmy Smith, Buckwheat Zydeco, Mark Whitfield, Terrance Simien, and Wayne Toups. He has also performed with Francine Reed, Poppa John DeFrancesco, Joey DeFrancesco, Nick Manson, Jack McDuff, Stevie Wonder, Marion Meadows, Joanie Sledge (of Sister Sledge), Wessell Andersen, Wynton Marsalis, Jermaine Stewart, and MANY others.

ALL JFTS CONCERTS ARE FREE and open to the public and all donations received will benefit local and international humanitarian causes. You do not need to register for this event, but if you haven't done so, please join our mailing list so we can keep you posted with Jazz for the Soul updates and reminders. Doors open at 5:30PM.