The Jazz & Soul Connection Duo

The duo is the perfect musical entertainment for a variety of events.
1. Concert for a listening audience
The duo's concert repertoire is ideal for jazz clubs and other public or private concert events with an attentive listening audience that wants to enjoy high-quality music and an energetic, entertaining performance.
2. High-quality background music
The duo can adjust their repertoire to perform at events where the music isn't the primary focus but should enhance the atmosphere, making attendees feel good and relaxed.

Deborah Powell, known by her stage name Deborah, is an American jazz, soul, and gospel singer who has become an important part of the Chicago music scene, beginning her career many years ago. She is loved by her fans for her warm and caring personality, her energetic and captivating stage presence, and her powerful, beautiful voice, which she skillfully adapts to fit any jazz or popular musical style and genre. She performs at numerous concerts and private events.
She started her professional singing career after relocating from New York to Chicago, where she performed and toured with some of the top Chicago bandleaders such as Lorenzo Smith, Nate Vincent, Pete Baron Quartet, Eddie Harrison Orchestra, Tyrone Pittman, Thomas Gunther Trio, and Mr. Bill Pollack Productions.
Her voice is also featured in several TV commercials, one of which can be heard through the loudspeakers at Midway Airport in Chicago.
Jazz pianist and keyboardist Thomas Gunther has been Deborah's collaborator, accompanist, and musical director for many years. Thomas was born and raised in Germany. He moved to Chicago shortly after earning his Master’s Degree in teaching and performing jazz and popular music (with an emphasis on piano and keyboard performance) from The State University for the Performing Arts, Stuttgart, Germany.
Shortly after arriving in Chicago, he was offered and accepted the role of pianist for the acclaimed Chicago Jazz Ensemble, led by composer and arranger William Russo, who was the Music Director of the Stan Kenton Orchestra. With the ensemble, he toured famous venues across the U.S., such as Birdland in New York, and internationally. He also formed his own groups, like Thommy Gunther's Taste Of Chicago Band, which featured some of Chicago's most respected jazz musicians. He recorded his first CD in Chicago, featuring Orbert Davis, a trumpeter, composer, and founder of the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic.
He soon formed the Thomas Gunther Trio, which often featured Deborah as a guest vocalist. With Deborah, "The Thomas Gunther Trio Plus" became one of the most popular swing bands in Chicago during the swing revival in 2000 and performed at large venues like the International Swing Dance Competition at the Willowbrook Ballroom and the Taste of Chicago Summer Dance Series. Thomas is also a music producer, composer, arranger, and orchestrator for both small and large jazz ensembles, and he holds a teaching position at Columbia College Chicago.

Besides electricity (a regular outlet will suffice) at the setup area, the duo can bring everything else. This includes a keyboard and PA system. However, if there is a grand piano in excellent condition and/or a house PA, please let us know what it is, as we might consider using it instead. We can set up in a very tight space (9x9 feet). Stage lights are nice but not required. Of course, we expect not to perform in the dark, so some kind of lighting needs to be present.