Upon hearing of singer/songwriter Angela Bofill’s passing on June 13, I was taken back but, ironically, she never left my side. I was playing one of her albums just the other day. She possessed a magnetic voice that just pulled you into her world of song. She was a storyteller who captured listeners’ every emotion when it came to matters of the heart. The native of Brooklyn didn’t have a sweet angelic voice. No, hers was intoxicating with a cool Brooklyn edge. She oddly was more of a crooner, who could belt out notes that knocked your socks off, and the way she laid out that story of life was mesmerizing. Forget about all her timeless hits for a moment and just consider her lesser tunes like “Tonight I Give In,” “Song for a Rainy Day,” “Something About You,” and the beautiful, insightful and soul-spirited ballad “Children of the World United,” which should be in the same category as Earth, Wind and Fire’s “Help Somebody,” or Marvin Gaye’s “Save the Children,” inspirational songs that cause you to stop, listen, and think. That was the power of her voice.
Bofill was difficult to categorize; though she was deemed an R&B singer, she was also an adapted sporty jazz singer. Her many hits lit up the airways from jazz stations like WRVR and 101.9 to the R&B stations of KISS-FM and WBLS. I have vivid recollections of her having me completely captivated during her performances at NYC’s Beacon Theater, and then again at Radio City Music Hall. Most memorable was her performance at Leviticus International nightclub (West 33rd Street): Because of her contractual stipulations, the performance could not be advertised and was word of mouth only. On the night of her performance, the club was so packed, you could hear the heartbeat of the person next to you. It was that night at Leviticus where Bofill’s standards like “I’m on Your Side,” “This Time I’ll Be Sweeter” and “What I Wouldn’t Do (For The Love of You)” emotionally wrapped every audience member into a cradle of love. The combination of Bofill’s riveting voice and that bold tenor saxophone on “I Try” is outrageous.
Her voice is like a hot kiss you never forget. She is an “Angel of the Night,” and is already missed.
The historical New Amsterdam Music Association (NAMA) at 107 West 130th Street, celebrates Black Music Month with an exciting lineup of live music, including Monday Night Jams at 7pm-11pm. The evenings feature rotating bands and the way things swing in Harlem, the music will vary from jazz and R&B to soul and funk.
On Wednesdays, it’s the Masters & Young Lions Jazz Jam with Late Night Jazz, 9pm-1am. On June 26, NAMA will celebrate its 102nd anniversary of its Brownstone ownership with a fundraiser. Some of the proceeds will be marked for more community music programs. If you are not able to attend, please visit the website to make donations. Your contributions will play a major part in restoring and renovating this beloved brownstone that has played such a significant role in the development of jazz in Harlem.
With health always being in Harlem’s forefront, NAMA will present free monthly community health events. The theme for June 30 is Men’s Health and Brain Wellness with workshops 2pm-4pm, (with nutritional tips, aeroponic gardening, yoga and TaiChi), awards and vendors 5pm-9pm. Visit www.namaharlem.org for more info.
Producer, playwright, and jazz activist Roz Nixon has taken up residency (Roz Live) every Thursday (7pm-11pm) at the newly opened Renaissance Hotel in the Victoria Room (233 West 125th Street), originally the Victoria movie theater, one of Harlem’s most revered movie houses. On June 20, she welcomes drummer Phil Young & The Blues. The drummer over the years has become a Harlem jazz legend, but let’s not forget his days playing with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and George Benson. He’s not strictly a jazzman and effortlessly throws down on some mean blues and heavy funk.
On June 27, the songstress Lady Cantrese will hit the stage with her enticing voice that has enthralled audiences around the country. A celebrity in the village of Harlem, she has a penchant for bringing out those unfamiliar songs that she colors with her own bluesy take. She counts the soulful song interpreter Irene Reid as one of her main influences. For reservations call 646-373-3690.
The legendary drummer Louis Hayes & the Cannonball Legacy Band will appear at Smoke Jazz Club (2751 Broadway) on June 19-23. The band will feature trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, alto saxophone Vincent Herring, pianist Rick Germanson and bassist Kenny Davis.
Hayes and Herring founded the Cannonball Legacy, in tribute to alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley. Hayes was a member of his dynamite quintet from 1959 to 1965. The music will swing from straight ahead jazz to the hardbop soul of Cannonball. NEA Jazz Master Hayes has a distinguished history of playing with the stewards of this music, having been mentored by the great Philly Joe Jones and working with Yusef Lateef, Curtis Fuller and the Horace Silver Quintet. For times and reservations visit smokejazz.com. or call 212-864-6662.
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt memories of Angela Bofill. Her legacy will continue to shine and to inspire.