WITH ELVIS, TINA TURNER AS ROLE MODELS, SWEET ANGEL PROMISES A UNIQUE SHOW

Memphis vocalist combines saxophone, glamour at Sunflower Fest

CLARKSDALE – With the gyrations of Elvis Presley and Tina Turner as role models, it’s not surprising to hear Sweet Angel emphasize, “I don’t just sing on stage, I bring a song to life.”

Making her first appearance at the Sunflower River Blues Festival, the multi-talented musician is renowned for her big, bold voice, “razor sharp” diction, and virtuosity on saxophone.

Speaking from her home in Memphis, she talks about coordinating these talents into a unique show.

“With a lot of animation, I open as a vocalist, and introduce the saxophone later,” she said.

Accomplished on 15 woodwind instruments, Angel earned top ratings as a member of the All-City and All-West Tennessee Bands and played in jazz bands at Libertyland.

Although a late entry among professional vocalists, she won her first national award from the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame in 2010.

She was named R&B Female Artist of the Year with her recording, “Don’t Let the Cleanup Woman Pick up Your Man.”

Angel’s father is a singer, and she credits heredity for her success.

Sometimes compared to Denise LaSalle and Millie Jackson, Angel creates a signature all of own via close-cropped blonde hair, glamourous make-up, and haute couture.

Opening at 5 p.m. Friday, August 7, in historic downtown Clarksdale, he Sunflower Festival is free, open to the public, and produced entirely by volunteers. In 2012 the festival was honored with its own Blues Trail Marker, and USA Weekend has included the Sunflower in its Top 10 places in America to hear authentic music.

For updates and a complete lineup visit www.sunflowerfest.org.

Sweet Angel performs on the Friday night stage before Nathaniel Kimble