Doors 6pm
Show 7:30pm
A Soul-Funk Odyssey
Powerhouse songwriting duo Sophie Foster and Michael Pignéguy return to The Ellington for the first time in 2024. The proactive pair teamed up with Dolce Ensembles earlier this year to record their moving power ballad See You Again which has garnered wide ranging praise.
Previously, the fruit of their creative partnership could be heard on the second disc of DUALITY by The Awakenings Ensemble. That release includes two co-writes by Michael and Sophie, namely Make Me Feel and Love Your Lies as well as the belting funk number, Forgotten Memories which showcases Sophie’s ample vocal talent.
This collaboration takes some of its cues from those recordings but moves a little more into areas of soul and R’n’B with a focus on solid but open drum grooves plus energetic and sometimes syncopated bass lines. Rich keyboard chords give harmonic colour and texture while tasteful arrangements allow the music to retain a spacious atmosphere permitting the guitar to move from lyrical vocal interactions to more driving funk-based rhythmic lines. Sailing above this instrumental bed, Sophie fashions highly melodic vocal lines into soulful musical statements which leave listeners craving the next phrase.
Michael and Sophie are joined by Jarrad van Dort (gtr), Joe Powell (bs) and Bob Tweedie (keys) and will present their signature mix of originals and thoughtfully curated modern soul selections. Some surprise special guests are promised in what will be a powerful night of music.
“As soon as they started working together, Foster and Pignéguy clicked. Foster is a fantastic soul singer with incredible dynamic range. As musical director, principal composer and arranger, Pignéguy is the force beneath the music.”
Ian Lilburne, X-Press Magazine
Check out Sophie & Michael’s music below:
