Philadelphia, PA — On Thursday night, the Dell Music Center hosted an unforgettable evening of jazz, soul, and smooth grooves, as four powerhouse artists—Pamela Williams, Mike Phillips, Maysa Leak, and Booney James—brought the heat to the stage, captivating the audience with their mesmerizing performances.
Pamela Williams – The Saxtress Sets the Tone
The night began with the sultry sounds of Pamela Williams, also known as “The Saxtress,” whose incredible skills on the saxophone created an intimate, yet powerful atmosphere. Williams wasted no time in showing why she’s a force in the jazz world, effortlessly blending smooth jazz and soulful melodies.
Setlist Highlights:
“I’ll Be There” (Jackson 5 Cover) – Williams’ interpretation of this classic was smooth, letting the crowd sway with each note.
“Jazzy Touch” – A piece that truly showcased her command over her instrument, bringing a mix of elegance and excitement.
“What About Us” – A beautiful ballad, played with intensity and emotion, demonstrating Williams’ ability to blend her saxophone with deep feelings.
The crowd was already in the palm of her hand, drawn into her melodic world, as she laid the perfect foundation for the night ahead.
Mike Phillips – The Flute King Brings the Heat
Next up, Mike Phillips took the stage, and his dynamic performance immediately upped the ante. Known for his mastery of the flute and versatility, Phillips brought a fresh, high-energy vibe that added a touch of R&B to the mix. His stage presence was undeniable, as he interacted with the crowd, coaxing them into a spirited groove.
Setlist Highlights:
“The Movement” – A smooth, hypnotic groove that highlighted Phillips’ unparalleled ability to blend jazz and contemporary rhythms.
“Tennessee” – A heartfelt, soulful track that had the audience feeling every note, blending Phillips’ flute with an emotional backing track.
“Heavenly” – A track that perfectly showcased his ability to transition seamlessly between energetic and calming passages on the flute.
Phillips’ performance was an absolute highlight, bringing not just technical brilliance, but also a palpable connection playing his sexy black saxophone in the audience.
Maysa Leak – Soulful Vocals and Smooth Jazz Vibes
The next artist to grace the stage was Maysa Leak, the renowned vocalist with an effortlessly smooth, yet powerful voice that can rival the greats. Maysa’s performance elevated the evening, as she blended classic jazz standards with contemporary soul and R&B flavors. Her voice was a revelation, rich and full, and she drew the crowd in with every note.
Setlist Highlights:
“Lover’s Chant” – Maysa’s smooth vocals on this song had the audience swaying, showing off her impeccable control and vocal depth.
“I Can’t Wait” – A more upbeat, funky track that showed Maysa’s versatility, moving from smooth jazz into R&B territory effortlessly.
“My Funny Valentine” – A beautiful, stripped-down rendition of the classic that showcased Maysa’s ability to capture the raw emotion of a song and make it her own.
Her performance was an emotional high point of the night, with her voice ringing out through the Dell’s acoustics and leaving a lasting impression on all who heard it.
Boney James – The Master of Smooth Jazz
Finally, Boney James took the stage, closing out the night with the unmatched smooth jazz sounds that have made him a household name in the genre. With his signature smooth saxophone tones and seasoned musicianship, James had the audience on their feet, dancing and grooving along with every note.
Setlist Highlights:
“Butterfly” – A crowd favorite, this track encapsulated James’ ability to combine smooth jazz with just the right touch of funk.
“Seduction” – With its sultry, mellow vibe, this track had the entire crowd hypnotized by the seductive charm of his saxophone.
“Street Life” – One of his biggest hits, this lively track brought an infectious energy to the night, getting the crowd out of their seats and dancing in the aisles.
“Grazing in the Grass” – A smooth, upbeat rendition of the classic that had everyone clapping and swaying along.
James delivered a masterful performance, playing with the skill and experience of a true veteran, making sure the night ended on a high note.
Final Thoughts:
The evening at the Dell Music Center was a true celebration of jazz, soul, and the kind of smooth grooves that never go out of style. Pamela Williams set the tone with her sensual sax playing, Mike Phillips brought an energetic spark with his flute and sax, Maysa Leak filled the room with soul and emotion, and Boney James closed the night with the kind of performance that only a true legend can deliver.
With each artist bringing their own unique flair to the stage, the night was a reminder of the power of live music and the magic of a well-curated show. Fans left the venue buzzing with excitement, already anticipating the next time these incredible artists come to town.
