I enjoy performing music that stimulates the mind, the heart and the soul from almost any genre; the stuff that ignites good vibes or encourages thought and growth. I was born into the 70s, surrounded by classic Soul, R&B and Funk on a daily basis. I grew up during the 80s and added an eclectic mix of artists mostly from Pop and Rock genres. In the 90s, while still following the development of contemporary R&B, Gospel, and Blue-eyed Soul, I really delved into musical theater which led to a love affair with American Popular Song (aka Jazz Standards). At the turn of the century, (it’s so great to be able to say that), I was excited to find several artists who seemed to be influenced by the same eclectic background I had come to know and love…those artists who have been named the pioneers of Neo-soul and Jazz-funk. Now all of that contributes to the music I choose to perform and create.

Classic Influences:

Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Dianne Reaves, Donnie Hathaway, Duran Duran, Earth, Wind and Fire, Ella Fitzgerald, George Michael, Hall & Oates, Jennifer Holiday, Journey, Luther Vandross, Minnie Riperton, Natalie Cole, Peabo Bryson, Phoebe Snow, Roberta Flack, Stevie Wonder, Tears For Fears

Contemporary Inspirations:

Amel Larrieux, Brand New Heavies, Commissioned, Donnie, Erykha Badu, Incognito, India.Arie, Jamie Cullum, Jill Scott, John Mayer, Layla Hathaway, Maxwell, Maysa, Oleta Adams, Rachelle Ferrell, Sade, Seal, Take 6, Vivian Green, Will Downing

 

Music Groups: Rhonda Denét and Juan Gallego Duo (2006), DeLaFeel (2005), Time Machine (2005), the Rhonda Denét Project (2002-2003), Denét Sais Quoi Jazz Ensemble (1999)

The wonderfully talented creative folks I’ve been graced to work with along the way…

Aaron Hamilton (trumpet, keys)
Andrew Maroko (guitar)
Carl Dixon (vocals)
Dawn Abignon (vocals)
Dave Willocks (guitar)
David Greenberg (keys, producer)
Dean Payne (writer – cabaret)
Enzo Di Paolo (drums)
Fabio Montiero (vocals)
Ivan Pantarelli (bass)
Jim Whitney (bass)
John Ferris (drums)
Juan Gallego (bass, guitar)

Kirk Peters (bass)
Laura Friedman (vibraphone)
Laura Kirk (vocals)
Martin Bejerano (piano, keys)
Max Farber (keys)
Paul Garafola (drums)
Paul Odeh (keys)
Quentin Chiappeta (producer)
Rhonda Bullock (vocals)
Richard Pardon (guitar)
Sir Knoxx (producer)
Tracy Stark (piano)

 

The Rhonda Dene't Project

 

 

ORIGINALS

Any Day Any Moment (aka A.D.A.M.) 1:29
DeLaFeel
(c. 2006)
mp3

Better Days 1:22
A. Hamilton, B Hawkins, Jr for HamHawkProductions
(c. 2006
mp3

Here To Stay 2:02
Sir Knoxx
(c. 2004)
mp3

COVERS/STANDARDS

Lovely Day 2:11
(S. Scarborough, B. Withers)
Rhonda Denét (vocals), Juan Gallego (guitar) recorded 2006
mp3

Nature Boy 2:09
(E. Ahbez)
Martin Bejerano (piano) – from “An Evening With Rhonda Denét”, recorded live at Izzy Bar (NYC), 2002
mp3