The Amy Black Band at Seaside REP Theatre

he Amy Black Band is LIVE@TheREP on Friday, Oct. 21 at 7:30pm. Tickets $25 and available at LoveTheREP.com.

“The album finds Black offering terrific versions of some of the vintage soul and R&B numbers recorded in Muscle Shoals.” Philadephia Inquirer
Amy Black’s third solo release, “The Muscle Shoals Sessions” (June 2015) was recorded at historic FAME studios in her family’s homeland of Muscle Shoals, AL and features Spooner Oldham, the McCrary Sisters and Will Kimbrough. The result was, “a blend of sultry desire, ardent passion…a sound that’s both tough and tender” (Relix). “To showcase her true potential as a bluesy, R&B heavy hitter, Amy Black had to go home. Black’s soulful chops shine.” (Elmore)
 
For Amy Black, Muscle Shoals, Alabama, has always held a special magic. Her parents were born there, and some of her fondest memories were made during frequent visits to both sets of grandparents. She spent so much time in “the Shoals,” it felt more like home than many of the places she’d actually lived. She even knew the local hangouts and town lore. Or thought she did.
 
Black remembers passing FAME Studios often; it was right on the main drag. But she had no awareness then of its musical history or impact, much less any inkling that she’d wind up making music her career. Little could she know that one day, a session with the legendary Muscle Shoals keyboardist Spooner Oldham would launch her on a journey of discovery that would give her an even deeper connection with a place she loves. After Oldham, one of Muscle Shoals’ original “Swampers” session players, was serendipitously invited to perform on her 2013 EP The Muscle Shoals Session, her interest in the sound and its story was awakened. She fell so in love — and felt so at home — with the sweet soul music he’d helped craft decades before, she expanded the EP into an entire album of Shoals classics and seamlessly blended originals.
 
Recording the album at FAME, Black never fails to nail the spot where gospel, blues and R&B collide — and transform into soul. Blues in Britain wrote, “Black Is blessed with a deeply soulful voice that melds elements of Dusty Springfield, Mavis Staples and Alberta Hunter.” Inspired by Etta James, Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples and so many others who recorded some of modern music’s most iconic songs in this little Alabama hamlet, Black’s project pays homage to magic made at both FAME and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, as well as to her beloved grandparents, and the cherished memories she carries of childhood sojourns.

For the cultural-minded, visit the Seaside Repertory Theatre for performing arts events including music concerts and main stage productions.  Hailed as Northwest Florida’s premier professional theatre company, the Rep has built itself into a first-rate regional theater, attracting some of the finest talent from around the country. Please visit the SoWal Events Calendar for current REP event times. Join the South Walton community in supporting the REP by becoming a member.

Stay up to date with season performances on the main stage and outdoor stages throughout SoWal beach towns by visiting LoveTheRep.com and purchasing tickets. Follow Seaside Repertory Theatre on Facebook for regular updates, photos and events.