Volume 33 Number 6 July 8, 2009

Norman Sylvester brings expanding family of
musicians to perform, always aims to give back

By Lucy Hammond

The man, the sound, the ENTERTAINER!! Norman Sylvester is one of Portland's musical and community treasures!! Anyone who knows Sylvester, knows him to be a helper of people. He thrives on doing what he can for others, both personally and professionally.

To witness a professional at work is to watch him get the crowd groovin' with his own "Boogie Cat" style. The recent grand re-opening of the Tillicum was the site for this night's entertainment. They sport nine new flat screens, lighting and their signature razor clams; the backdrop was complete for the master's performance.

Sylvester brings with him an always expanding, perennially-gifted family of musicians. This performance included Dover Weinberg doing double duty on keys and keyboard bass. Pete Moss dazzled all with his command of tenor and baritone sax and some of the most beautiful flute work you're likely to hear. Jolie "Groove Machine" Clausen kept the bottom rock solid on her signature, hot pink sparkle kit, bringing the beat with style and perfect meter. LaRhonda Steele's beautiful, powerful, and soulful voice, is one of the most compelling to be heard. She stirred the crowd with her duet with Sylvester, on B.B. King's Rock Me Baby. Steele is a commanding vocal presence that enhances Sylvester's already top notch crew. Sylvester's own vocal prowess cannot go without mention. His inimitable vocal style is undeniable!

Other musical family members are saxophonist Renato Caranto and Jefferson High school chum, Frankie "The Funkmaster" Redding. Not present, but always involved, is Sylvester's friend and long time band mate, bassist Rob Shoemaker.

One of the most fulfilling projects Sylvester is involved in is a new one called "Music for the Children.” Inspired by a reporter's question of what his New Year's resolution would be this year, Sylvester decided to dedicate his attention to doing something to bring music into the lives of children. That opportunity came when his son's fifth grade class at Boise Elliot’s Middle School principal Molly Chum approached him. Sylvester devised a class bringing together civil rights and music history, to show the children through practical application, how blues music has influenced and shaped history and modern day popular music.

Sylvester had the fifth graders first write about their lives, then taught them to construct lyrics, operating from a City of Portland grant. Next, using his guitar, a drum machine and his voice, he demonstrated how to create a melody and ultimately, a song with their lyrics. He made rough cut recordings of their compositions and sent them home to work on them.

Sylvester returned with musicians, bassist Rob Shoemaker and local legend, keyboardist and vocalist Janice Scroggins. Together with all the fifth graders of Boise Elliot, they created a professional quality recording using a donated computer and on site recording! That CD is now sold as a fundraiser for the school. The children's pride in that accomplishment is one that brings Sylvester great reward.

Sylvester is also actively working with another musical organization benefiting children, Ethos Music Project. With the help of a M.E.A.P.s (Musical Education Assistance Project) grant through the AFM Local 99 and the Ethos group, Sylvester is expanding this program to include the sixth and seventh graders in the 2009-2010 school year.

Of his numerous upcoming performances, Sylvester is much anticipating the reunion with his daughter and vocalist Lenanne. She and Janice Scroggins will be opening the show at Jimmy Mak’s with "Divas of the 20th Century," featuring LaRhonda Steele and Renato Caranto. Norman and his "Big Band" will come on and close out the show at 9 p.m..

Now writing material for his latest recording project, Norman is excited to be working with another world-class drummer and neighbor Michal Bran (Hall & Oates). He's looking at studios and finalizing the details in preparation.

The message Norman would like to leave is, "Get out and support live music, if you want it to survive! We're out there 365 days a year doing our part, you do what you can to keep the music alive." Norman, we all owe you! See ad and Bandstand for upcoming schedules; also see www.normansylvester.com