SoulFire
Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025
8:00pm to 10:30pm
13
SoulFire came together with a shared vision: to explore and perform a groove-driven repertoire that fuses elements of soul, jazz, reggae, and Latin rhythms.
Drawing inspiration from legends like The Jazz Crusaders, Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample, Nina Simone, and Randy Crawford, SoulFire creates a sound that is both deeply rooted and refreshingly original. Forged from the diverse and extensive musical backgrounds of its members, SoulFire delivers a unique sonic experience that transcends genres. Their performances are rich in rhythm, emotion, and artistry—inviting audiences on a journey that is as dynamic as it is unforgettable.
Bassist and bandleader Steve Duben (Tommy Banks, George Blondheim, Martha Reeves, PJ Perry, Gay Delorme) and drummer John Ferraro performed and recorded with fusion Dale Jacobs.
Since that time, Ferraro relocated to Los Angeles where he played in Larry Carlton's band for eighteen years. In addition he has performed and recorded with Linda Ronstadt, Rod Stewart, Boz Skaggs, Burt Bacharach and countless others. An endorsing artist for DW Drums, he presents drum clinics throughout North America.
Brenda Morie a superb vocalist and flutist. She has toured, performed and recorded with notables such as Chet McCracken, Nancy Sinatra and Amos Garrett including the Honourable Tommy Banks. Her impeccable technique supports a delivery that is both heartfelt and seemingly effortless.
Keyboardist Jan Randall was music director for Second City for many years and in that role contributed hundreds of original compositions for broadcast. He has performed with Otis Rush, Bo Diddly, Amos Garrett and Gary US Bonds. Cliff Maddix guitar, is both performer and educator and former faculty at Berklee College of Music in Boston and Selkirk College. He has played with Frank Gambale, Max Bennett, Wayne Krantz, and Jimmy Haslip.
Percussionist Mike O'Leary is a graduate of Humber College who kept his finger on the pulse of the music scene through his years of representing major music manufacturers.
Paul Wainwright on alto and soprano sax has performed with Michael Bublé, Kenny Loggins, Stevie Nicks and Martha Reeves. His group of many years the Big Band Trio toured and released four cds which gathered worldwide airplay.
Band members
Steve Duben, bassist & bandleaderJohn Ferraro, drums
Brenda Morie, flute & vocals
Jan Randall, keyboard
Cliff Maddix, guitar
Mike O'Leary, percussion
Paul Wainwright, saxophone
The City of Edmonton has taken away the Yardbird Suite's parking discount code; they will not install a kiosk, so scan the QR code in the parking & pay online lot to ensure you will not be ticketed. You can also use the new HotSpot application available for all smart phones. The parking rate will now be $6 maximum from 5 pm to 2 am (or $2.50 per hour).
Tickets will also be available at the door if not previously sold out online. Doors open at 7pm. Music starts at 8pm.
Anyone with mobility concerns wanting to reserve an accessible table please email ed@yardbirdsuitejazz.com
Yardbird Suite has cabaret seating: seats are available first-come, first-served. Please be aware that a couple seated at a table for four may be sharing the table with new friends if the performance is busy.