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Newell & Sorrells

The Blues is the life-source of the great American musical inventions of jazz, gospel and rock ‘n roll. Newell & Sorrells explores jazz and blues from its earliest recorded sources.  Newell & Sorrells take their listeners on a journey of musical time-travel, from the songs of Bessie Smith, the ragtime and blues of W. C. Handy, the lonesome moan of Robert Johnson, to the hot New Orleans jazz of Louis Armstrong, and the smooth, sophisticated jazz and swing of Duke Ellington,  Count Basie, and the greats of jazz. Not to forget the seminal songs of Little Richard, Nat King Cole, and Ray Charles.

 

Click the video above for sample live performance of James Newell & Mark Sorrells

Newell & Sorrells Sound samples:

(Click on the song names below to hear audio files)

Saturday Night Fish Fry   Weeping Willow Blues   Nadine

James R. Newell and Mark Sorrells have worked together for over ten years. At one time appearing as the 'House Band' at authentic New Orleans style Restaurant "Chappy's on Church" Street in Nashville, TN every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, where they performed their unique blend of blues, jazz, classic standards, and oldies. James left home at 15 and began playing the blues with black bands and artists including John Lee Hooker, James Cotton, Junior Wells, Big Joe Turner, The Howlin’ Wolf Band, Luther “Georgia Boy/Shaky Snake” Johnson, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, to name a few.  From his teens, he has led his own bands, appeared solo and toured extensively.  Years of experience give him a relaxed, confident manner. He’s a powerful singer and an accomplished musician.  James is also a published songwriter and recording artist. James recently completed his PhD at Vanderbilt University.  

Mark Sorrells has played jazz piano in Nashville for over twenty years. Mark’s style shifts easily from smooth and sophisticated jazz and swing to barrelhouse and blues piano. His repertoire moves from Gershwin to Memphis, from swing to salsa to seminal rock ‘n roll, always with a special love of the diversity of our American musical influence. Mark’s performance history includes extended stays at Saffire, Merchant’s, 106 Club, F. Scott’s, Criallo's and many Middle Tennessee country clubs. Mark was the house pianist at the Belle Meade Brasserie in Nashville for many years, performing both solo piano and heading the Mark Sorrells Trio. Mark is also a multi-faceted, published songwriter, writing and producing in his own studio.


More Newell and Sorrells audio samples:

Choo-Choo-Ch-Boogie

I Hear You Knockin'

Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans  

I Can't Afford To Do It

 

 Repertoire

Click here to see a list of the Newell & Sorrells repertoire.

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