BARRENCE WHITFIELD (USA) & THE SAVOYS

R'nB-screamer Barrence Whitfield is a man who lives for the era when rhythm 'n blues and rock 'n roll went hand in hand. His rousing music and over-the-top singing style make him a top frontman... a frenzied soul singer in the vein of Little Richard, Wilson Pickett and Don Covay.

Whitfield was born Barry White in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1955. As a child, his family ve rhoused to New Jersey where he began singing in a gospel choir. While studying at West Side High School, he sang and drummed in rock and funk bands. He could sing with the same passion and power as his heroes. In the early 1980s, he adopted the stage name Barrence Whitfield to avoid being mistaken for superstar Barry White and began performing with former members of the Lyres as Barrence Whitfield & the Savages.

They toured worldwide and did support shows during US tours of artists such as Bo Diddley, Tina Turner, George Thorogood, Robert Cray and Solomon Burke. Whitfield appeared on the BBC's Jools Holland Show and also made contributions to film scores, such as those for the 2007 film Honeydripper. Barrence Whitfield & The Savages' 2022 album 'Dig Thy Savage Soul' is influenced by the old R&B masters and the Sonics. He himself describes his music as "giving a musical karate blow to the head of youth". He has been called the "missing link" between Chuck Berry and Jack White and currently lives in Boston.

The Savoys were founded by Dutch 'guitar slinger' CC Jerome. CC has been touring the international rhythm 'n blues and rock 'n roll circuit for years and has made a good name for himself in the process. Besides CC Jerome, The Savoys consists of lauded musicians, incl. sax, organ, bass and drums. The gigs are always a big swinging party. CC Jerome & the Savoys have regularly accompanied foreign artists over the years, in various genres such as R'nR, R'nB, Rockabilly, Blues, Soul, Gospel, Ska, Rocksteady, Swingjazz, Boogie and Jump-Jive. This has included recordings and/or performances with such names as Gizzelle, Natty Bo, Nikki Hill, Earl Jackson, Dylan Kirk, Georgina Peach, Cody Lee, Augie Burr, Rusty Pinto, Mike Sanchez, the Firebirds, Si Cranstoun, Laura Ashleigh and Otis Gayle. Now they join forces with Barrence Whitfield for a hi-energy R'nB show!