Writer: Scott Homewood

As a patron, you’re likely aware that Charlotte’s Middle C Jazz stands out as one of the East Coast’s pre-eminent jazz clubs. This is for many reasons, not the least of which being how particular the club’s booking committee’s standards are for talent. The club has always focused its sights on the best in jazz and musical entertainment and strives to bring in the best national and regional talent to our stage.

What makes us the happiest, however, is when we can uncover local musical artists that shine as brightly as the national names you already know. We look to find that diamond who only needs a little polishing, or even sometimes, none at all—an artist who is ready for bigger things but needs a little exposure to get to the next level.

The Grammy-nominated producer and classically-trained vocalist Tyra Scott, known by her stage name Satyr Black, is one of these such artists. A Durham, North Carolina native, you may have seen her on the Middle C Jazz stage before, as she’s done many shows with us including a Christmas show that has made patrons’ jaws drop and eyes well with the sheer crystalline beauty of her vocal tone and phrasing prowess. Over the six years (and counting) of the club’s existence, Black has consistently been one of the local artists people rave and inquire about.

Her musical choices and vocal delivery defy stylistic pigeonholing, often blurring the lines between classic jazz, neo- and traditional soul, as well as straight R&B. When you hear Black sing, you will notice both tradition and innovation intersecting at every one of her immersive performances. Her skill at reinterpreting standards is just as adept as anyone nationally known, with comparisons of her artistry usually ranging from Sarah Vaughan to Samara Joy and beyond.

If Black seems talented beyond her years, it may have more than a little to do with how her artistry has been influenced by her parents. As one might have surmised from hearing her performances, Black’s life has seemingly always been filled with art of various disciplines. Both of her parents are talented artists, her father a professional bassist and guitarist, and her mother an opera singer and clarinetist.

Black began singing in church at a young age and by the sixth grade was already singing at gigs outside of church at various functions. At first, her family was surprised by how pure and clear her vocal tone was, but soon accepted they had a talented singer on their hands, and their appreciation of Black’s artistic gifts were not just relegated to singing. Black was encouraged to pursue whatever she was interested in with no barriers. If she thought she wanted to pursue it, her parents were all-in with letting her find out what her passions were going to be. A little-known fact about Black is that she is an accomplished ice-skater, who pursued the sport from grade school all the way to high school. Add to that some little-known talents in poetry and pottery, and you get a fuller picture of her many artistic talents.

A 2018 graduate of North Carolina Central University with a degree in Vocal Performance, Scott has shared the stage with Branford Marsalis, Take 6, Lalah Hathaway, and Nnenna Freelon. Her talents extend far beyond the stage—her music production and programming were featured on a gospel album nominated for a GRAMMY® Award in 2020, showcasing her versatility and mastery of sonic storytelling.

Currently, Black produces and performs her own shows at Carowinds during the Halloween and Christmas seasons as well as being a full-time chorus teacher in the Raleigh-Durham school system.

Performing “Ladies of Soul”, Satyr Black joins Middle C Jazz Friday, November 21st.

Enjoy her interpretation of Caravan, recorded live from Middle C Jazz 2024.