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Java Monkey & Francine Reed - Although Francine uses many fantastic Atlanta musicians that this city has to offer, Java Monkey continues to be the "A" Band for most of the Francine Reed high profile engagements, including Charity events, Corporate Events, Clubs, Concerts, Parties, & Touring the U.S., Europe, and Australia....etc.
CD "I've Got a Right"
Francine Reed with Java Monkey @ Fuzzy's Place
Click on thumbnails (below) to enlarge: Photo's courtesy of Michelle Mitchell - "Live at Fuzzy's Place
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 Francine Reed with Java Monkey & friends (from L to R) Steve McRay, Michael Bastedo, John Holder, Marvin Taylor, Kenny Gradney (Little Feat), & Chuck Bithorn (percussionist). (photo courtesy of Vincent Tseng) Francine Reed moved to Atlanta, Ga. in 1994....soon after she came into Fuzzy's Place one night and sat-in with Java Monkey - we were all blown away with the voice - the style - and, of course, the engaging personality...we've all been great friends ever since!
Fran Page Video3.WMV Click to watch a Windows Media Video Music: "What is that Light"© - written by Marvin Taylor Photo's: Black & White pictures courtesy of Michelle Mitchell
Francine Reed, one of the hottest R&B, gospel, jazz and blues vocalists today. Originally from Chicago, Francine began singing professionally as a child in her family's gospel group. Her solo career took off when she moved to Georgia in the 1990's. Her debut CD, Can't Make It Own My Own (1996), received the prestigious W.C. Handy Artist of the Year and Song of the Year nominations. Francine has shared the stage with luminaries including Willie Nelson, Miles Davis, Smokey Robinson, Etta James and the Crusaders. In September of 2001 she starred in In A Time To Dance, in the lead role of Geneva Jackson, a strong-spirited single mother struggling to raise three children. Official Web Site: www.francinereed.comDiscography:
Editorial Reviews - Amazon.com Born
into a
financially
wanting
but
musically
rich
family
of
singers
in
Chicago,
Francine's
gospel-singing
father
was her
first
musical
influence.
Jazz,
R&B
and
later
Blues
would
also
have a
profound
impact
on the
young
songstress.
After a
family-motivated
move to
Phoenix,
Reed
became
known
for her
magnetic
performances
and
immediately
set the
standard
for
other
regional
singers.
In
addition
to her
own
successful
club
and
festival
dates,
she
opened
shows
for
such
greats
as
Miles Davis,
The Crusaders,
Smokey Robinson,
Stanley
Jordan
and
Etta James.
These
unbiased
Reviewers
on
Amazon.Com
tell a
story
better
than
anyone....
Reviewer: Lewis
Rose (North
Potomac,
MD
United
States)
-
Many
know
Francine
Reed
as a
backup
singer
for
Lyle
Lovett
who
often
steals
the
show
from
Lyle
(with
his
encouragement)
with
her
performance
of
"Wild
Women."
That
is
certainly
how I
first
experienced
her.
This
CD is
terrific.
Francine
showcases
a
full
range
of
vocals.
I
especially
enjoyed
"Crack
the
Bone."
Francine,
it's
time
for
you
to
become
a
star!
Reviewer: A music fan We heard Francine for the first time as a back up for Lyle Lovett. She is amazing. It sparked me to buy her CD. I am 100% satisfied. All the songs are full of a energy that pull you in.
Reviewer: "jkmcyrano"
(nyc,
ny
USA)
- The
other
night,
I
brought
my
brand-new
copy
of
Ms.
Reed's
cd to
my
local
watering
hole,
and
from
the
minute
the
bartender,
my
old
friend
Holly,
put
it in
the
player,
I was
inundated
with
people
curious
about
who
this
was
and
where
to
find
the
cd!
Francine
is
amazing,
her
voice
so
sultry
and
bluesy,
bringing
back
the
spirits
of
great,
long-gone
blues
greats...you
have
to
hear
this
to
appreciate
her
talents..she's
got a
major
career
ahead!
Reviewer: Chris Martin (Georgia) - This CD by Francine definitely rocks! I listen to it all the time and it gets better each time.... She's quite a woman. This is a must have for any fan of the blues, jazz or just great singers!
Reviewer: Sandra Littell (Kennesaw, Georgia United States) - Good going, Francine! I just can't get enough of this CD. What a blessed voice and an outstanding musical instinct. If you've never experienced the blues of Francine Reed, you're really missing out! This CD is definitely a must.
Reviewer: A music fan I first saw this lady opening for Lyle Lovett in Vail, co. What a memorable performance! I had to hang onto my seat so I wouldn't fall off! Don't miss a chance to hear her and hopefully you'll get to see Kirk James opening and see some true talent!
Reviewer: A music fan As fans of Francine since the 70s, we've always enjoyed her joyous, earthy style. No one can get a room goin' like Francine!
Reviewer: A music fan but I had to share about this one. I'm very happy to have discovered Francine Reed. This particular CD is just addictive. Jazzy, bluesy... it's simply mesmerizing.
Reviewer: Christle Miersma (Round Rock, TX United States) - If you like the blues, you'll love this CD. I first saw Francine Reed in Scottsdale Arizona, in the early 80's. It's good to see someone with real talent be successful. If you pass up this CD, you're missing out on a real treat!
Reviewer: "booknblueslady" > (Woodland, CA United States) - Francine Reed is mesmerizing! Power, strength, deep, rich voice with a hint of bawdy mischief! Francine Reed possesses a voice unlike any other in the music business. It is a shame that more people have not discovered her. In this day of weak and reedy women's voices, it is thrilling to find a woman who can sing with assertiveness and assurance and utter confidence in her femininity. Francine is not a woman to back down and take a back seat to anyone. She proves this through the use of her powerful weapon, her voice and choice of songs. She sings in celebration of love, as well as freedom from love. She is alternately bawdy, brazen and self assured and sated. She doesn't do heart-broken and weak. She doesn't pine. In Francine's world there is always other fish in the sea. She is determined and ready to go on as she says on another cd "one monkey don't stop no show." Can't Make It On My Own is Francine Reed's second cd. Her first, which I wanted to review, I Hope that You Love Me is know longer available. Do grab it if you find it. Francine continues on Can't Make It to produce soulful blues songs which celebrate life, love and her brand of femininity. The cd abounds in energy and fun. The listener is treated to a woman who is assertive, joyful and fun-loving. There are many songs on this cd which stand out for me. Love Without Mercy, You Bug Me, Not by Man Alone, Stop Me Before I Love Again, Broken Hearts Row and Been There, Done That. Delbert McClinton joins Francine Reed on You Bug Me. It is a duet that works well and they sound like they are having fun while singing it. Francine sings that she is not complaining on Love Without Mercy. As it turns out it is something we could all use a bit of. It is worth being late for work as she claims. After listening to Francine Reed sing, one realizes what a wise decision Lyle Lovett made when he hired her as a back-up vocalists in 1985. I certainly hope that her solo career continues to expand, because she is a woman with a powerful voice, and great talent. |
