Soul Summit II, presented by producer, arranger, composer, keyboardist Jason Miles, featured the best of soul music and an all-star lineup.  In a non-stop, 15 song set, Jason Miles once again shows his genius.  He has the ability to pull together the finest musicians and the most extraordinary song selections, and deliver a knock-your-socks-off performance from beginning to end. He never disappoints.  The crowd agreed, with several standing ovations for these superb performers.

The show was dedicated to drummer Uriel Jones, one of the original Funk Brothers, who just passed away. And to saxophonist Gerry Niewood whose life was cut short in the fatal flight to Buffalo.

The star studded line up included: Jason Miles on keys and vocals (Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, Michael Jackson); Steve Ferrone on drums (Average White Band, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Eric Clapton, Chaka Kahn); Bob Babbitt on bass (member of the Funk Brothers, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder); Reggie “Soul Man” Young on guitar – (Country Music Hall of Famer, toured with Elvis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, The Beatles); Eric Darius on saxophone; Jeff Golub on guitar; Richard Elliot on saxophone; vocalist Maysa; vocalist Simon; vocal duo the Soul Survivors; and The Berks Horns.

The show opened with Les McCann’s “Shamading” with Jason on organ-sounding keys, heavy on the Steve Ferrone drums and loaded with Reggie Young and Jeff Golub on guitars and that funky bass of Bob Babbitt.  Next came Eric Darius who kicked it up a notch with “Dippermouth.”  In his tribute to Les McCann, Jeff Golub wowed the crowd with his version “Cold Duck Time” backed by the horns and great groove of the rhythm section.  “Wrap it Up” featured the Soul Survivors, and we all fell in love with these harmonizing brothers.  Richard Elliot and Maysa performed

“Love Makes Me Do Foolish Things.”  When Maysa sings, something inside clicks on and makes me feel so good.  In luscious, warm voice tonight, Maysa threw back her head and crooned “Let's Stay Together.”  The crowd yelled “We love you, Maysa!”  We were knocked out with Eric Darius’ version of “Knock on Wood.”  He was rewarded with a standing ovation. Next, Jason Miles, Eric Darius and Jeff Golub were cookin’ with “Coming Home Baby. The biggest surprise of the night was to come next.  The daughter of Nina Simone came on stage.  Her name is Simone and talent oozes from every pore of her being.  We were treated to her sultry, sophisticated, and may I say, soulful, version of “Ain't No Sunshine,” which included a jam with Jeff Golub’s searing guitar.

We get to feel a lot of “Love & Happiness” with the harmonies of Simone and the Soul Survivors, with the Berks Horns contributing.  Richard Elliot brings the fire to “Rock Steady,” with backing vocals from Maysa and Simone. When he was finished, someone in the crowd yelled out, “Do it again!” That’s how hot the performance was.  Reflecting the spirit of change we feel in the country, the tempo is brought down for “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Did you know that Richard Elliot can actually make his sax purr?!  That garnered another standing ovation!   The Soul Survivors were back to do “Expressway to Your Heart” with some very funky bass from Bob Babbitt.  And the next big surprise of the night, in “Give It to the Kids,” Jason Miles plays his soulful keys and sings!  Richard Elliott adds a really nice solo, and the song moves straight into the finale, “Pick up the Pieces.”  Everyone is on stage and several get to solo including Steve Ferrone, the Berks Horns, Richard Elliot and Eric Darius.  The appreciative crowd gave the super talented performers a long standing ovation.  Jason Miles closed by saying, “Keep the funk.  Keep the groove.  Make this country something we can be proud of!”  Amen, brother!