About Bruce
Bruce A. Henry is a vocalist, historian, storyteller, composer and performer extraordinaire. A baritone, whose three-and-a-half octave range allows him to sing tenor, alto and falsetto, Bruce has a pure voice with a versatility few can match. Bruce's music has taken him to five continents, and he has recorded for Disney, HBO and numerous national ad campaigns. In addition, Bruce has performed with and opened for the likes of Doc Severinson, Roberta Flack, Chris Botti, Ramsey Lewis, Stephane Grapelli, Jimmy Jam and The Sounds of Blackness.
Henry's eclectic vocal style has been influenced by legends such as John Coltrane, Leon Thomas, Gil Scott Heron, Al Jarreau, Nina Simone and Marvin Gaye. He has a deep understanding of the connection between history, music and culture, and how generations of expression build upon one another. Bruce developed The Evolution of African American Music to teach the rich connection from traditional African music to the contemporary music we hear today.
commitment
Bruce works with the best in the business, and his commitment to quality and professionalism is always at the forefront. By bringing together like-minded musicians, at the top of their game, the synergy during concerts is undeniable.
Bruce and the band bring the "audience" together on a musical train ride. Steeped in African American and thus African culture, Bruce believes that there is no such thing as an audience. Performances are communal experiences. Whether through call and response, singing, dancing or joining in with a shaker or bell, the communal experience of song is joyful and energizing in each concert.
venues
Over his career, Bruce has performed on legendary international stages as the Malate in Manila, the Klezmer Festival in Israel, Le Bilboquet in Paris, the WhitBread in London, the Coconut Grove in Miami, the Waldorf Astoria in New York and Grand Wailea in Maui.
In Minnesota, he has thrilled audiences at Orchestra Hall, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Dunsmore Room at Crooner's Supper Club, Dakota and St. Joan’s Concert Series, to name a few.
Sample Chicago appearances and venues include DuSable Museum, Friday Night Jazz at the Quarry, Winter's Jazz Club and Jazz in July: A Benefit Concert for Unity on The North Shore.
Bruce has also been a featured performer at the Chicago Jazz Festival, Twin Cities Jazz Festival, Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Freedom Jazz Festival, Jazz@StBarney's and the KBEM Winter Jazz Fest.
"It has been my pleasure to work with many marvelous performers: there are none better than Bruce Henry. His commitment to excellence has inspired each and every person he has worked with."
Gary Raynor, Prairie Home Companion Bassist and Founder of the Great American Songbook
"Bruce A. Henry has this Magic in his voice and singing that makes each of his songs special."
Jazz-Not-Jazz, Germany