Album Notes

From the solid groove of “Sea Line Woman” featuring guest artists Jacqueline Rago and Donna Viscuso of “Wild Mango” to the “can’t-help-but-get-up-and-dance-to” title cut, Sweetbread delivers. The hypnotic “Come Ye,” and the poignant “Universal Soldier/America the Beautiful” convey a message of peace in our time while gospel songs such as “My God is a Rock,” “How Long?” and “John the Revelator” speak to the faithful. “Four Women” and “Be My Husband” deliver a feminine perspective while the a cappella “Doncha Hear Your Poor Mother Calling?” is presented in full chain gang manner.

CHELLE! and Friends is made up of some of the most distinguished and accomplished musicians in the San Francisco Bay Area. CHELLE! and Friends perform music that is vibrant and alive with the driving voices of artistic director and founder MICHELLE JACQUES, along with RHONDA CRANE, JAY LAMONT and BRYAN DYER, all formerly of “Street Sounds.” DEBBIE FIER on percussion and SAM BEVAN on bass round out the group. With drums, percussion, bass and powerful voices, CHELLE! and Friends delivers musically rich performances of jazz, R&B and spirituals that lift and motivate in a way honoring richness and diversity. Sweetbread is an upbeat and joyous celebration of hope that you’ll want to listen to again and again.