Internationally Acclaimed Pianist and Vocalist Jeffery Allen Spence and Multi-Talented Writer, Singer and Performer Riqué, team together with special guest vocalist Valerie Campbell to bring you the Great American Songbook with a positive spin.
Explore themes such as Gratitude, Clarity and Joy with a toe-tapping live band, a sense of humor, and delivered with absolutely stellar musicianship, singing and pizazz!
Having now been in the music business for over 40 years, JEFFERY ALLEN SPENCE began his professional career at the age of 15 playing in successful jazz trios, serving as pianist in the Bill Causey Orchestra (Shreveport La) and big band arranger for the Louisiana pageant system. During his high school years he was music director for numerous theatrical productions (i.e. Oklahoma) and leading his own jazz/rock performance groups.
After high school, he studied music, languages and theology at 6 different universities which included jazz studies programs at Loyola University New Orleans and University of New Orleans where he studied piano under Ellis Marsalis.
In the late 70’s he toured the world with a touring band from Oral Roberts University, Living Sound. This stint included playing such high profile gigs as Shea Stadium (40,000 ppl) and European events.
During the 80’s Jeffery acted as piano conductor for Fiesta Texas (San Antonio, Gaylord Entertainment), orchestrated for Miss America, Cheryl Pruitt Blackwood and pianist duties for the traveling Broadway cast of Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Strand Theatre) .
He has performed with such artists as Brook Benton, Jimmy Witherspoon, Marva Wright, Brian Blade, Everett Harp and has opened for such groups as Spyro Gyra and the Neville Brothers. After establishing his show on Bourbon St., (New Orleans) Jeff did his first recording “Rockin Louisiana Man” for Rabadash Records of New Orleans and was later picked up by BMG Europe. This success prompted many European and Canadian tours.
Having honed his music and comedic entertainment skills on Bourbon Street, Jeff has entertained thousands on cruise Lines (Norweigan, Carnival and Holland America Lines) and resorts around the world. He also performed his musical comedy show over 20 years for Hilton Palacio Del Rio on the Riverwalk in San Antonio.
In the last 10 years, Jeff’s focus has been on Personal Empowerment and Recovery related entertainment events. His newly recorded cds include Piano Calm (relaxation cd) and Positively Swing! of which a multi-media show integrating Positivity and Swing music has been created. In the last few years, Jeffery opened GratitudeRoad Recording Studios where he produces CD projects and empowerment oriented television.
Jeffery is currently producing his original song CD entitled “Gratitunes”, presenting his Gratitude Science based corporate seminar “Great Gobs of Gratitude” and hosting his interview and music shows “Empowerment Today” and “Recovery Empowerment Tonight” to networks nationwide.
“The groove runs deep through Jeff Spence. A ccomplete Louisiana musician, composer, arranger, pianist, vocalist and artist of the highest order.” – John Autin, CEO of Rabadash Records, New Orleans, Entertainment Director BB Kings New Orleans
“(Spence is) A larger than life personality who is also one hell of a singer and musician. No one wants his shindig to end!” – Kevin Black, Melody Maker, London, England
“From Lond to Vienna to Switzerland: Jeff Spence has stirred crowds with ‘down-home’ Nawlins jazz and rhythm and blues.” – Larry Burton, Shreveport Times (Shreveport, Louisiana)
“I’ve seen Dr. John AND I’ve seen Jeff Spence!” – Auggie Meyers (Texas Tornedos)
“Pure exciting talent and musicianship! A great entertainer!” – Marva Wright, Blues Queen of New Orleans
Currently a member of The Los Angeles Writers Center, Riqué’s destiny was cemented with his debut in the Children’s Chorus of “La Boheme” with Met Opera star Paul Plishka. Between those bookends, Rique’s journey has included stints at The Nashville Repertory Theatre, featured roles in Independent films and made for TV Movies, a co starring role in the hit series “Nashville” and a recurring role in the series “Get Thee Behind Me”. He has also hosted shows on CMT and Shop At Home. His voice over work has included narrating the “Chicken SOUP For The Diabetic Soul” audio book and has recorded with Emmylou Harris. His songs have been covered by pop and country artists including Sheryl Lee Ralph, The Miracles and The Sweethearts of the Rodeo. He has written three soul-baring one-man shows including informational musical empowerment “Beauty Simplified” and the coming of age and awareness “Centered in the Storm.” He has 2 albums STILL STANDING and RISQUÉ featuring originals and standards and excerpts from his Risqué Cabaret “Like A Whore” and “In Church.”
Riqué was nominated for “Best Featured Actor In A Musical” in Broadway World and recently won “Best Cameo” for the Circle Theater Awards for his King Herod in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR.
CENTERED IN THE STORM – A MUSICAL EXPLORATION OF DEATH AND FAMILY MATTERS TOLD IN A HUMOROUS, POIGNANT AND UPLIFTING WAY. Currently in development, CENTERED IN THE STORM reckons Riqué’s blue collar-Jersey family’s iourney to acceptance of the loss of their son and brother to AIDS. It features recorded vocal contributions from multiple Grammy winner Emmylou Harris.
BEAUTY SIMPLIFIED is a transformational iourney that shares how “Beauty Is an Inside Job.” Riqué, renowned Image Stylist (and whose clients have included Emmylou Harris, Sheryl Crow, Faith Hill, Dave Matthews, Alan Jackson, and Reba), combines Music, Stand Up Comedy, and his extensive background in the beauty Industry. Simply put Beauty Simplified is “Where the Spirit of Beauty meets the Beauty of Spirit.”
LIKE A WHORE IN CHURCH chronicles his coming-of-age with his varied careers and stories of workingwith folks from Diana Ross, Phyllis Diller to Emmylou Harris, Alan Jackson and more. Featuring Originals and Standards from his RISQUÉ RIQUÉ CD, it was performed at Los Angeles Writers Center Solo Show Festival. The show was voted “most popular” and received great reviews such as “If he wasn’t so likable he’d be inappropriate.”
“My friendship with Riqué started over 35 years ago and I’ve seen him grow … into a fine writer, singer and actor. His autobiographical play makes me laugh and cry, and everything he creates comes from a pure and open heart.” – Emmylou Harris
“A multi-faceted creative force, Riqué acts, sings, conjures and evokes – but especially he writes narratives that capture the swell of our humanity. Vulnerable, proud, fearful, strong, philosophical and even angry, his work is marked by his willingness to find laughter in the hypocrisy and inspiration in the things that challenge our very being.” – Holly Gleason, noted entertainment professional
“Riqué is the real deal. Authenticity meets awesome talent. He shoots from the heart and lands every time. The spell he weaves (over our congregation) is pure Spirit.”
“Riqué…a singer songwriter and actor…a totally unique and vibrant talent…fills the room with an energy that is larger than life. His songs and stories speak to real life experiences that live in us all. There is no one out there doing what he does the way he does it.”
“Beautiful, amazing performance. Great talent. I was blessed to be here for this performance.”
“Great voice, wonderful, touching, uplifting and educational and an important message. Thank you.”
“I was impressed with the work that went into this presentation. It was beautifully given.”
