Colby Dobbs and Shana Blake are the quintessential working musicians who shape the undercurrent of the Charlotte music scene. While the Queen City rapidly builds shiny new skyscrapers, Dobbs and Blake ensure Charlotte’s artistic foundation remains firmly grounded in quality musicianship like his authentic, piano-driven grooves and her soulful vocal excellence.

Sonic chameleons, they are equally at home delivering smooth vocal textures at an intimate wine tasting or fronting a full party band for a crowded festival. Listeners easily catch the musical DNA of Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse, Steely Dan, and Billy Joel woven into performances that treat classic influences as a launchpad for their own creative explorations. The heart of Dobbs’ appeal lies in a mature, polished approach to the piano that echoes the golden eras of Motown, yacht rock, and sophisticated fusion, while Blake tears up the microphone with her singular sultry style.

For Dobbs, this dedication to craft found definitive expression in his 2023 sophomore album, In The City, a sprawling, eleven-year labor of love. The release synthesizes rock, jazz, funk, and pop to create an atmospheric tribute to urban life.

Dobbs stays remarkably busy, dividing his creative energy across several projects. In partnership with Key Signature Entertainment, he spearheads 3 Of A Kind and 5 Of A Kind, shifting effortlessly from instrumental jazz standards to high-energy hits. For their upcoming Middle C Jazz show, Dobbs collaborates with powerhouse vocalist Shana Blake in “Flip the Script: R&B Favorites from the Other Side.”

The collaboration sparked from a suggestion by Middle C Jazz owner Larry Farber after hearing Dobbs’ incredible delivery of a Bonnie Raitt song. Building on the idea, Blake suggested the concept of singing songs in the opposite gender of the original artists. This production promises to breathe fresh life into classic soul tunes, relying on the undeniable chemistry between these seasoned performers. Notably, both artists will be performing songs they have never sung live before.

What elevates Dobbs and Blake is a seasoned, intuitive ability to read the energy of a room. While they actively embrace video and social content to connect with modern fans, their hearts remain tied to the sweaty, unforgettable magic of live, independent rooms like Middle C Jazz.

Every day that begins with a keyboard and a microphone is a victory for relentless North Carolina artists like Dobbs and Blake. As the Charlotte landscape evolves, they remain vital keepers of its musical soul, proving that real excellence is forged from within through late-night highway drives, persistent studio sessions, and an unshakeable love for the groove.

Friday, June 5th, don’t miss your favorite tunes, performed from another perspective by Colby Dobbs and Shana Blake.

Article written by Middle C Jazz Marketing Support, Scott Homewood.