The A cappella sound of Sombarkin’: Karen Somerville, Lester Barrett, Jr., and Jerome McKinney, a trio of vocalists whose sound is so well jelled it is amazing to discover just who is singing which part. The group uses the skill of vocal instrumentation and harmony to deliver an explosive performance of Negro spirituals, map (code) songs, folk, gospel, blues, and jazz. Their polyphonic technique is reminiscent of the ole time camp meetings, as well they deliver a contemporary soulful sound with surprising jazz licks and blues bends. Theirs is a transforming gospel crafted to impress the ear with the quality of an ensemble greater in number than the trio that stands before you.
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Write a reviewPrice range: Starts at $650
Languages: English
Gig length: 30 - 90 minutes
We adapt programming to meet the client's production needs in a variety of musical performances. We perform a cappella renditions of Negro Spirituals, code songs, and worship music, with the option to include acoustic instrumentation specific to the Delta and Piedmont Blues, standards or contemporary Jazz, and Gospel with a full band of musicians that includes piano, upright or electric bass, rhythm guitar, drums, and wind instruments accompanying three powerful singers.
A 1940s Jazz solo performance in tribute to Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, or Mahalia Jackson with full band.
Karen Somerville is a vocal stylist with 20+ years in the music entertainment field. It is the versatility of her talent that get her the call backs, and lasting business relationships that have turned into so many friendship over the years. Karen Somerville, singer-songwriter; producer of solo and group performances in Gospel, Blues, Jazz, Folk, and arrangements for the a cappella trio Sombarkin' (sum-bar-kin). Karen formed Sombarkin' in 2002 recruiting longtime friends Lester Barrett, Jr., and Jerome McKinney. The group is known for their dynamic vocal instrumentation and the polyphonic technique in which they deliver explosive performances in genres from Negro Spirituals to contemporary jazz renditions. They are featured on the album" Rattle Them Chains" by Pam Ortiz. Karen worked as executive producer to Mark Bramble ( Broadway 42nd Street) in his 2011 production of "Showtime", and the 2014 "Showtime II"; with Playwright Robert Earl Price as co-star in the "Golden Sardine", and "All Blues", Atlanta, GA. In 2014, she and Sombarkin' debut the original musical theatre "Red Devil Moon", story by R. E. Price, music compositions by Pam Cardullo Ortiz. Her acclaimed performance in her self-produced show "Just Call Me Billie", a tribute to jazz / blues icon Holiday of the 30's & 40's was revived for Billie's 100th Birthday Bash in 2014 to sold out audiences through the Mid-Atlantic region. Karen has done background work for numerous artists, including Stevie Wonder on the "Songs in the Key of Life" 2014 tour, and she has produced 3 albums: "Everyday Is Sunday, the heritage of a cappella gospel", "Love Cures", and "Our Stories, Our Songs". Karen in solo or in trio (Sombarkin') is a experience not soon forgotten and one most are eager to replay.
Depending upon which act is selected by the client, a Stage Plot is provided outlining the details of the stage needs.
Basic needs: 3 - 5 microphones; stage setting for piano (on site) or keyboard, bass, guitar, drums, sound equipment that includes monitors,
Speakers, monitors, and microphones
Singing Group
