Concerts
Vocalist Bruce A. Henry is a renowned concert artist who has performed on five continents. Bruce has appeared with and opened for performers such as The Sounds of Blackness, Chris Botti, Roberta Flack, Natalie Cole, Doc Severinson and Ramsey Lewis. Although Bruce is a sought after performer, he is truly passionate about the field of "edutaintment," entertainment with an educational aspect. Learn about the types of concerts Bruce performs and let the joy, learning, healing and celebration begin.
jazz
Bruce Henry’s musical and cultural journey has resulted in an eclectic style of jazz vocals and composition. His pure and versatile voice, three-and-a-half octave range and deep understanding of improvisation, syncopation and rhythm, have earned Bruce the title of "true master of the jazz form," according to Mpls.St.Paul Magazine.
Bruce Henry Live!
A sumptuous collection of Bruce’s original material, favorite jazz standards and personal arrangements, Bruce Henry Live! is a jazz experience not to be missed.
•6 piece band: Bruce, keys, bass, drums, guitar, sax and percussion
Jazz Festivals
Cool sounds, inventive improvisation, transporting rhythms mixed with Bruce's truly amazing vocals – the beauty of jazz.
•6 to 12 piece band: Bruce, keys, bass, drums, guitar, sax and percussion
"My first jazz influences were people like Gil Scott Heron, Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone and especially Leon Thomas. That's where I got my yodeling from. Straight out of Leon Thomas' book. I loved him. He had a spiritual and pan-African perspective that comes through my music as well. "
Bruce A. Henry
For videos, check out the Bruce Henry YouTube channel
TRibutes
Bruce has many musical tributes to offer as dinner shows or stand-alone events, spanning from 30 to 90 minutes. Rich in vocals and music, the shows do not require elaborate staging or costume changes. Each tribute show honors a great American icon.
Tribute to Al Jareau
•6 piece band: Bruce, keys, bass, drums, percussion and guitar
Tribute to Marvin Gaye (Prince of Motown)
•8-11 piece band: Bruce, keys, bass, drums, guitar, sax/flute, trumpet, percussion and 3 additional front vocalists
Gifts to America: Duke Ellington and George Gershwin
•5 piece band: Bruce, keys, bass, drums and sax
Tribute to Stevie Wonder
•5 to 7 piece band: Bruce, bass, drums, keys, guitar and sax (add female vocals for Stevie's arranged harmonies)
Tribute to Ray Charles (The Genius of Soul)
•5 to 7 piece band: Bruce, bass, drums, keys, guitar and sax (add female back up vocals to get the right sound)
Tribute to Nat King Cole
•6 piece band: Bruce, keys, bass, drums sax and additional lead vocalist
Music of Curtis Mayfield (The Messenger of Soul)
•9 piece band: Bruce, bass, drums, keys, guitar, 2 percussion and sax (add female back up vocals to get the right sound)
evolution
Rich in vocal and instrumental music, Evolution concerts are a mix of audience participation, spoken word, rap, dance and visuals. They are truly festivals of light and enlightenment.
"Traditionally in African, and thusly, African American music, there is no such thing as an audience. Performances are communal experiences."
Bruce A. Henry
Watch That Star
Four hundred years of protest music is explored through the sounds of a small or large band.
•5 to 12 piece band: Bruce, keys, bass, drums and percussion
Afro Blue: The Drum, The Journey, The Song
Bruce covers overs 400 years of music from field hollers to rhythm and blues in song and story. Music – sacred, spiritual and profane – is the rich language that tells the story, travails and celebrations of black Americans moving forward. Includes music, dance and poetry.
•5 piece band: Bruce, keys, bass, drums and percussion
•Dancers and poets
My American Blues
Short presentation of that traces the influence of African culture and African American experiences on music.
•5 piece band: Bruce, keys, bass, drums and percussion
Informance
An "edutainment" experience with just Bruce as he brings to life the evolution of African American music.
“Ne plus ULTrA.”
Leigh Kamman, The Jazz Image, MPR