Alabama Women In Jazz Festival This Saturday

MADISON- While starting in music as a jazz singer, Freda Payne actually made her mark in the music business by way of pop/soul hits such as “Band Of Gold,” “Deeper And Deeper,” and “Bring The Boys Home” in the early 1970’s. Today, at age 74, the Detroit native has returned to her roots in jazz by celebrating the 100th anniversary of her childhood idol the legendary Ella Fitzgerald by touring to her “Tribute to Ella” special event. On Aug. 5, Payne will headline the third annual Alabama Women In Jazz Festival scheduled to be held at the Insanity Skate Complex located on Hughes Road in Madison.

“When I think back when I got started in music at age 12 there were some great women in the business especially singers like Ella and Eydie Gorme,” said Payne, in an interview with Reelin’ In The Years, which airs on WLRH-FM, Public Radio. “Their voices were so rich and pristine. I try and sing the American Songbook. I do some show tunes as I use my experience in theatre. I try my darnedest to sound like Ella’s. My voice is close to the same timbre as Ella’s.”

This will be the first Jazz Festival held at the Madison location after the previous two were held in downtown Huntsville. Patrice Bivins heads up the festival as part of her role with the event presenter and coordinating 501c3 organization of Valley Arts and Entertainment. She was inspired to help others by way of her work in music as a youngster growing up in Huntsville.

“I attended UCLA in Los Angeles and took music extension classes and that sort of encouraged me to get into artist management,” said Bivins. “I decided I wanted to start a youth arts program and that’s what allowed me to get Valley Arts and Entertainment going here locally. I love the fact we are assisting those who want to extend their work in music.”

Bivins created the Alabama Women in Jazz Program to support female jazz musicians throughout Alabama.

“Women have made big strides in today’s world, especially in the corporate world and in the area as professionals,” said Payne. “Many of those same women have children, too. They have families mixed in with a career.”

As a singer coming out of Detroit, Payne was nearly coaxed into joining the stable of artists at Motown Records, but chose instead to join a startup record company called Invictus, which was run by some former Motown producers. Once in the studio, magic was made with her rich vocals and pounding soul beat, accompanied by background vocals of Payne’s younger sister, Scherrie, and Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent both who were just making their mark as part of Tony Orlando and Dawn. The song went to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, earned Payne a gold record and a place in pop music history.

“I’ve always asked what is it about the song that make people feel and say that’s their favorite song,” asked Payne. “To me it was a good song and musical track, had a great beat, was well executed and produced and the lyrics were kind of crazy. The lyrics talked about getting married, but not being able to consummate the wedding vow on the wedding night. When I first saw the lyrics, I said what is this? I wasn’t sure if I wanted to sing the song, but I’m so glad I did.”

Payne will end her performance with her signature song.

“The festival will be more than just an opportunity to see Freda,” said Bivins. “It’s an honor to have her here in Madison as she’s so impressive. Many here associated with Redstone Arsenal certainly connect with Freda and her song ‘Bring the Boys Home.’ A friend encouraged me to contact Freda about performing here. I wanted a notable headliner and one who understood the youth and getting started into music.”

The Alabama Women In Jazz Festival will also feature performers Paula Atherton and B.J. Miller. The event begins at 2:00 p.m. with the doors opening at 1:00 p.m. VIP seating is limited and must be purchased in advance. The VIP ticket of $50 includes a buffet meal, souvenir booklet and a backstage meet and greet with Payne. Regular admission tickets of $25 will be sold at the door. All tickets are available at different businesses through the Madison/Huntsville area. All event details are available on Facebook: facebook.com/hsvwomeninjazz.