Ranky Tanky & Lisa Fischer – The Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield, CT, USA

Charleston, South Carolina based Ranky Tanky is comprised of Quentin Baxter on drums and percussion, Kevin Hamilton on bass, vocalist Quiana Parler, Clay Ross on guitar and vocals, and Charleton Singleton on trumpet and vocals. When Ranky Tanky came on stage, Charleton Singleton explained, “Where we’re from, it’s all about participation and having fun;” and that is exactly what the concert was all about. Ranky Tanky brought their Gullah-Jazz blend of music as well as tremendous energy and excitement that had the audience dancing in their seats, in the aisles, and on their feet to show their appreciation all night.

The band opened with the song, Be Alright, and got the music party going. Next came the song, Down in my Heart, which had great harmonies as well as instrumentals. Interesting to note about the band is that they have all known each other for about 30 years and decided to put together the band to celebrate Gullah music in 2017. In 2019 they released their debut album, Good Time, which won a Grammy for Best Regional Roots Music Album in 2020. Their second album, Live At The 2022 New Orleans Jazz And Heritage Festival earned them their second Grammy for Best Regional Roots Music Album.

Raised In the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn, New York, Miss Lisa Fischer has an amazing musical backstory. For over the past 40 years she has made music her career, and her storied resume includes singing background for the legendary Luther Vandross for two decades. She toured with The Rolling Stones on their 1989 Steel Wheels Tour and then spent the next 26 years with them, and also performed with Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, Nine Inch Nails, and others.

Stepping out on her own, when she released her debut album in 1991 entitled So Intense, she earned her first Grammy award in 1992 for the song How Can I Ease The Pain, in the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance category. Lisa brought home her second Grammy for the film 20 Feet From Stardom in the Best Music Film category.

Lisa Fischer joined Ranky Tanky on stage for the song This Land – Freedom, and this was a powerhouse of a song with two tremendous female vocalists. Lisa dedicated the next song to all those in the audience who were brave enough to find someone and stay together, before segueing into the song Wild Horses joined by Quentin Baxter on drums, Kevin Hamilton on bass, and Clay Ross on guitar. This song earned a standing ovation, one of the many that would occur over the course of the amazing concert. Lisa is a consummate performer with an amazing vocal range whether she is singing low or letting her voice soar to the back row of the theatre, and when she is on stage, she has the star power to make an immediate connection with her audience.

Ranky Tanky & Lisa Fischer

Next on the setlist was, Can’t Judge A Book, where Quentin’s drum solo set the pace as the full band returned to the stage. This song also had a great trumpet feature by Charleton Singleton. With each song, there were great story introductions as Ranky Tanky and Lisa Fischer moved through the set list of Time Has Come – Sometime, This Village, Good Time – Let The Good Times Roll, and the traditional Gullah song Shoo Lie Loo, which had the audience singing background.

Lisa Fischer

Ranky Tanky and Lisa Fischer closed out the concert with the song, Imagine – Come Together, followed by the song by the same name as the band, Ranky Tanky, which in the Gullah culture means funky, and had the audience singing along for one last memorable moment of music in a night full of performance magic.

Edward F. Nesta & Quentin Baxter

After the exceptional concert, there was a VIP reception where guests had the opportunity to meet with the Ranky Tanky band members, and Lisa Fischer, making it the perfect finale to another musical highlight at The Quick Center for the Arts.

Debra C. Argen & Charleton Singleton

Until next time, keep enjoying the music!

Watch a teaser Ranky Tanky (with Lisa Fischer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2FdPEYMnv8

A Sampling of Upcoming Performances at The Quick Center for the Arts

Please visit The Quick Center for the Arts’ website to see the full 2023-2024 Season Program: https://quickcenter.fairfield.edu/2023-24-season-calendar/index.html

There is free on-site parking at The Quick Center for the Arts.

Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts (The Quick Center for the Arts)
Fairfield University
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, Connecticut 06824-5195
United States
Box Office: 203-254-400
Toll-Free: 1-877-ARTS-396
Email: quickboxoffice@fairfield.edu
Website: https://quickcenter.fairfield.edu
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/FairfieldQuick

Ranky Tanky Information:
Website: www.rankytanky.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RankyTankyMusic
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/rankytankymusic

Lisa Fischer Information:
Website: www.LisaFischerMusic.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LisaFischerSings
Instagram: www.instagram.com/l.i.s.a.f.i.s.c.h.e.r

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