Eddie Sherman Presents ... KJ Denhert and The NY Unit Sept. 13

The first time true music lovers hear artists like Joan Armatrading, Joni Mitchell, Laura Nero, and Rickie Lee Jones, the music strikes them with its sheer originality, complexity of songwriting, power and beauty of lyrics, and prowess of both vocal ability and musicianship. That feeling will return when Eddie Sherman Presents… extraordinary urban, folk and jazz artist KJ Denhert Saturday, Sept. 13, upstairs at Saketumi.

Denhert is a multiple award-winning singer/songwriter, with her most recent award coming in 2012 as the grand prize winner of the John Lennon songwriting award in the World category. NYC music critic Rich Cuccaro wrote, “Listening to KJ Denhert sing for the first time, I thought to myself, it’s like hearing Roberta Flack with an acoustic guitar! Every time I’ve seen her, the silky-smooth vocals and the jazz-laced guitar phrasing have always reinforced that first impression. Her fluidity and command of every element in her arsenal has never ceased to amaze me.”

She has been an artist in residence at Italy’s Umbria Jazz Fest for 10 consecutive years. She is a veteran of jazz fests in Syracuse, Rochester and Cape Cod. Denhert has a winter residence at Baz Bar in St. Barts and has been in residence at 55 Bar since 1997. She will make her return to the Cape Region for one night only Sept. 13, and she brings with her a formidable lineup of musicians.

Adam Klipple on keys has been described as “a standout pianist who has gone to school on McCoy Tyner and Cecil Taylor and earned his degree.” As a composer and musician, Klipple plays piano, Hammond organ, sample and a variety of vintage pianos. He leads three of his own groups. One of his groups toured Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim as part of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rhythm Road series. His jazz piano quartet toured as Jazz Ambassadors sponsored by the Kennedy Center and the U.S. Department of State. He is a seasoned veteran of jazz fests both internationally and at home including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest, the JVC Jazz Fest and fests in Italy, Turkey, Brazil and Germany.

Ray LeVier is a touring drummer, composer, producer and educator. He is an all-around musician who has the drum world in awe of his skills. He has reached the top tier of professional jazz drummers, despite having substantially lost all 10 fingers to severe burns in a camping accident as a child. He refused to be defeated, and his love of drumming was - and still is - the key to his healing process. Internationally known drummer and clinician Don Famularo says, “I play my students Ray’s recordings and they are blown away by his skill. Then I tell them Ray’s story and their eyes get wide. After that they have no excuses.”

Denhert and her amazing band, The NY Unit, will be in the area for a Sept. 13 show in the Upstairs Club at Saketumi, 18814 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and a dinner seating is available from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Showtime is from 8:30 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $22.50 and sold as best available seating. Go to www.eddieshermanshow.com or purchase at the door with cash or PayPal Secure Credit Card.