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• Behind The Scenes with JFM Pre

  • From: LisaBautista
  • Description:

     

    August 26, 2009

    “Reminiscent of the tone set by such soulful chanteuses as Phyllis Hyman and Angela Bofill....”   --Billboard magazine

    Though her name might not sound familiar, Sakai’s voice has probably already touched you.  From being the first voice you hear on Celine Dion’s “A New Day,” to vocals on CDs with Santana, Oleta Adams, Curtis Mayfield and Tower of Power to live performances with Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan, Sakai is called on by the best.

    A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Sakai has traveled the world sharing her gift of song together with her spirit and natural beauty.  Her sophomore CD “Dream Big” expresses life, love and pain from a soul who has been touched by others and is now giving back through her music.  Known for her powerful voice and soaring ballads, “Dream Big” does not disappoint with the inspirational “Leap of Faith” and the ever optimistic title track, “Dream Big.”  This CD also dances with uptempo jams and infectious mid tempo grooves, including the lead single, “I Like,” which is graced by the touch of D’wayne Wiggins, of Tony! Toni! Toné, on guitar. With 5-STAR ratings on Amazon.com, CDBaby.com and itunes, you understand why one music critic wrote, “Sakai is arguably one of the best unknown R&B acts of our time and one can only hope that Dream Big is only one of many offerings in this singer's promising musical career.“ (Charles L. Hubbert Urban-Reviews.com)

    Sakai is not just a studio artist.  Complete with an 8 piece live band, Sakai delivers a dynamic live show.  From opening for artists like Goapele and Frankie Beverly and Maze, to singing the National Anthem for the San Francisco 49ers, the San Francisco Giants, and the Oakland A’s, to headlining sold out shows at the prestigious Yoshi’s venue, Sakai’s show is not one to miss. Sakai was on tour with Pat Monahan (of the Grammy winning group Train) and most recently performed with Sting, Lisa Fischer, Earl Klugh, Mary Wilson, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. and Narada Michael Walden at the “Let the Sunshine in” benefit concert at Davies Symphony Hall. With this type of experience and showmanship it is no wonder why Sakai and her own band were nominated for “Best Neo-Soul Live performance" by the Los Angeles Black Music Awards.

    After two sold-out shows at Yoshi’s Oakland, vocalist Sakai makes her debut at Yoshi’s San Francisco on Thursday, September 17 / 8PM.

    JFM Presents: The first time I saw you perform was as background vocalist with Ashling Cole for Greg Scott at last June’s “We Got The Funk” finale show.  That caliber performance is what one would expect from national and international touring, not “local bands.”  But, then again, our San Francisco Bay Area artists are among THE BEST in the world.  You were nominated for “Best Neo-Soul Live performance” by the Los Angeles Black Music Awards.  Tell me how that nominated came about?  Specifically, when and where did you perform?

     Sakai:  Yes Lisa!  That nomination came about after someone from the Los Angeles Black Music Awards committee saw me perform, (which I was totally unaware of) at the Concord Pavillion. I gave a concert before the Frankie Beverly and Maze concert started. That person purchased my “Dream Big” CD and took it back to the committee. So you see you never know who’s watching. Lol… You have go out and give your best every time you perform. Whether you are performing for a few or many thousands.

    JFM Presents:  You have worked recorded and/or performed with some of the top names in the industry:  Celine Dion, Santana, Oleta Adams, Curtis Mayfield, Tower of Power, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan.  Of all the artists you have worked with to date, what is the most surreal moment to date, and why?  In other words, describe an experience wherein you’re on stage with “<Artist X>” and you’re thinking, “Am I dreaming, or what?!”

     Sakai: Lisa, I must say that I been blessed to work with many wonderful gifted artists that have added so much joy to my career. Working with Stevie Wonder was one the most magical, surreal moments ever. I am such a HUGE fan. I had to tell myself “Ok girl keep it together you’re working here” LOL…. Recently, I had the opportunity to work with Sting, and that was just delightful.

    JFM Presents:  In a 2005 San Francisco Bay Guardian (SFBG) review of a Yoshi’s Oakland performance and preview to the now defunct Kimball’s East performance, Lee Hildebrand stated,” As a recording artist and as a live performer, Sakai is a vocalist of the first order. She's the latest in a long line of great Bay Area soul women, including Jeanie Tracy, Rosie Gaines, Nikita Germaine, and Ledisi, who have been largely ignored by commercial radio yet have managed to draw adoring fans to their shows on the strength of their considerable talents.”

    As an Artist, how do you personally stay connected to your fans, and why do you feel this is important, especially in this digital age? 

    Sakai:  I really try to connect with people on a personal level.  When folks reach out to me in Cyberspace i.e. emails or some of the other form of digital media, I personally respond. After shows and even on some occasions before the show I do meet-and-greets. I want people to know that I am here to share my gift with you. I want them to know that I appreciate their presence, love and support.

    JFM Presents:  Your current recent, CD Dream Big (2004), contains 17 tracks, most of which were written by you and Kevin Smith aka “Darkside.”  Are you currently in the studio, and if so, when can we expect your next project?

    Sakai: Yes…… I am excited and I am working on my current CD.  My target is finish it by the end of the year.

    JFM Presents:  Finally, have you confirmed your band for the Yoshi’s San Francisco performance, who are they, and what can we expect to see/hear?

    Sakai: Yes. I am so blessed and privileged to have such gifted people that I perform with. They are my team who love what they do. You can expect to hear and see a GREAT concert. We have lots of fun, electrifying energy and we spread love through music all night.  I want people to walk away with a feeling of pleasure and inspiration.

    Sakai (vocals)

    Dante McClinton (Drummer/MD)

    Mike Blankenship (Keys)

    Bill Hampton (Guitar)

    Marcus Phillips (Bass)

    Jon Bendich (percussion)

    Nikita Germaine (vocals)

    Greg Scott (vocals) 

    Sakai

    Thursday, Sep 17 at 8 P.M.

    $12 / $16 (day of show)

    Yoshi's San Francisco

    1330 Fillmore Street

    San Francisco, CA 94115

    Box Office:  415.655.5600

    http://yoshis.com/sanfrancisco/jazzclub/artist/show/895

    Photo credit:  Mel Peters

     

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• DeeStar

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