February 6, 2012
Spreading her
wings across multiple music genres, attracting crowds, Branice McKenzie touched
the hearts and souls of people of all ages on Sunday, February 5th.
McKenzie rocked
Oakland’s Heart and Soul Center of Light
congregation in freedom songs at their Sunday service in honor those of African
descent for Black History Month.
Having toured with
legendary singer Harry Belafonte, best known as an activist as well as a performer,
McKenzie led the congregation in songs of freedom.
The theme of her
selected songs for the service reflected on love and how to use it on the
spiritual and emotional journey for transformation.
Some of the
compositions featured were by Crystal Monet Hall, India Irie and many more.
The Heart and Soul
Center of Light Ensemble backed the multi genre singer.
McKenzie crafted and wove a fare of
newer smooth sounds while injecting various degrees of the familiar into almost
every number including “If I Had A Hammer,” written by Pete Seeger and Lee Hays
in 1949 in support of the progressive movement.
The folky sweetness, pop sheen and open-ended, jazzy
excursions, of love, freedom and peace songs embody transformation. The music
spawns countless disciples and admirers.
Her ministering of
the music found McKenzie and her musicians treating each piece as a separate
dramatic entity deserving of its own richly impressionistic flavoring.
As one of the soul
sisters of the Jazz genre, McKenzie swings heartily and dazzles vocal fans as
she delights jazz bands at Oakland’s 57th Street Gallery.
McKenzie fans are
always in full force.
“Her resonating
vocals penetrate my soul,” says community radio activist Kai Aiyetoro.
“An inimitable
voice. Distinctive style,” says classical singer Brenda Carpino-Usher.
Audiences seem to
hang on every word McKenzie says and sings.
As a wonderful
storyteller, every tune in her performances begins with a delightful talk.
McKenzie’s soulful
sultry, velvety, sensuous four-octave voice sends audiences into a hypnotic
trance.
As a woman who is
clear that she is to write, sing, teach, and minister through song as well as
live and love fully, McKenzie walks with compassion and wisdom.
“I am here to be
an example of what happens when you don't give up,” says McKenzie.
The songs she
writes are equally daring in their personal revelations and their musical
restlessness.
Her rich, finely
tuned voice is always in superb form and she is applauded throughout
congregations and audiences a like.
Earning a
Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Brown University and a Masters Degree in
Music Education from New York University, McKenzie has performed throughout the
United States, Europe, Africa and Asia.
Having toured with and the late
great Gregory Hines, McKenzie
has also performed with Roberta Flack,
Hugh Masekela, Carly Simon, BeBe Winans, Dianne Reeves, Peggy Lee and Miriam Makeba.
When singing the
songs of the greats, she makes them her own.
As a singer
songwriter, McKenzie encourages individuals to soar. Her CD, I FLY, is a
collection of her original compositions, composed for a film entitled,
“Gentelle’s Wings”.
“I FLY” is a
gorgeous song, just sitting in my office now listening to it,” said Donn K.
Harris, Executive Director, Oakland School for the Arts.
As an educator,
McKenzie develops curriculums, shows, writings and residencies. Her style of
working with children’s songs encourages them to use everything within to
create, participate and nurture all that is good.
“A fabulous
composer of beautiful melodies for those of all ages,” says Carpino-Usher.
Currently a
faculty member at Oakland School for the Arts and a past recipient of the Meet
The Composer Grant, she composes music for youth theater.
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