November 2024 – Nearly every week at Middle C Jazz, you can find Charlotte-based performers with national credentials. Charlotte is home to some incredible musicians. Whether backing another artist, showcasing a tribute to a favorite artist, or performing their own music, you can bet they always own the stage.

You might describe musicians like Rodney Shelton and Robyn Springer as a quiet storm in the local scene. Keep your eye out and you will discover them quietly interwoven into the fabric of local live music of Charlotte. Keep your ears out and you will discover them as powerful artists.

Robyn Springer

Vocalist Robyn Springer boasts a versatile and sultry style known to transport audiences from church pews to Delta juke joints to downtown jazz cafes.

A native of New York City, Robyn grew up in the Bronx singing in church and listening to the then-popular gangsta rap. These influences melded into her unique, rich vocal style. Robyn started singing commercial jungles at age 16. She signed with Atlantic records in her 20’s, and has since recorded on such labels as Atlantic, Transparent and Verve/ Forecast.

Robyn has been featured on albums by contemporary jazz saxophonist Najee and Fugees’ alternative/rapper John Forte. She has graced stages from New York to Greece, where she appeared with such legends as George Benson, Herbie Hancock, Isaac Hayes and Kirk Whalum.

Robyn decided to make North Carolina her home when she had small kids, and has since spent most of her career performing in this region. “I tell young people you can enjoy the music business as an independent artist, be part of the fabric that contributes to people enjoying music.”

Robyn’s favorites are a mix of classic soul and classic rock: Luther Vandross, Al Green, the Stylistics, Phyllis Hyman, Janis Joplin, and Bette Midler.

She has released a few projects of her own. Robyn debuted an R&B solo album in 1992, Makin’ Moves. She was introduced to Larry Farber, who ultimately brought her into his band, now called Farber and Friends. That led to her 2011 collaborative album The Acoustic Project, with fellow band member, guitarist and songwriter Greg Cagle.

Recently Robyn released a remake of the single “If I Can’t Have You” as an independent national solo artist, which hit #5 on the independent R&B charts.

 Rodney Shelton

Growing up in Virginia, Rodney “Keys” Shelton started his career at age 13, with his own band performing at schools and local clubs. After his degree at Johnson C. Smith University, Rodney started touring the East Coast with the show band “Time Square”. Rodney lived in LA for 15 years, essentially bicoastal, as he toured the East Coast.

In the 90’s, Rodney’s band “Curio” signed a deal with Motown records. During the recording of their album, the band performed in the hit movie “Another 48 hours” featuring Eddie Murphy. While signed to Motown, Rodney wrote the now platinum single “Kissing You” with Keith Washington and Marsha Jenkins, earning him a Grammy nomination, and still rocking the airwaves after 2 decades.

Rodney ultimately shifted primary focus into his calling as a songwriter/producer, creating hundreds of songs for signed artists. He made the decision to get off the road and settle in Charlotte to focus on writing and producing. “Basically, now you can be anywhere to be in the music business. I found that Charlotte is the place that really felt like a home,” says Rodney.

As a musician and a producer, Rodney has worked with an incredible A-list that includes Tracey Hamlin, Ray Fuller, James Brown, Ce Ce Peniston, Howard Hughes, K-Ci Hailey, Fantasia, and so many more.
Reflecting on the many places Rodney has performed, he referred to Middle C Jazz as a world class club. Reflecting on the work that Rodney has done, we’d acknowledge Rodney as a world class producer.

For more about Rodney’s journey, enjoy this 2020 podcast episode of “That’s My Story”, by Ken Knoxx and Shelly Clark.

Robyn and Rodney have performed together in many settings, including the delegation parties of 2 presidential elections back-to-back. Robyn is featured on the tune “Count on Me” from Rodney’s newest instrumental album “My Gift”.

Coming soon, Middle C Jazz presents two opportunities to enjoy these artist gems that are part of the vibrant Charlotte music scene.

WEDNESDAY, NOV 27
Farber & Friends
Featuring Robyn Springer & Brandon Stevens, plus Rodney Shelton, John Dillard, Joe Lindsey, and Larry Farber.

FRIDAY, NOV 29
Robyn Springer performs Sade
Joined by the amazing Ziad Rabie, Rodney Shelton, Joe Lindsey, John Dillard, Brian Houze, and Michelle Renee.