RECORDED LIVE-IN-STUDIO… “The rich warm sound of accomplished jazz artists, acoustic instrumentation and the human voice in a portrayal of love lost and love found – through exceptional classic tunes from The Great American Songbook.”
NOW AVAILABLE: Limited Edition Audiophile 180g VINYL DOUBLE LP!
Wayne started out as a “boy singer” in New York nightclubs at age 16. “I wasn’t very good,” he freely admits, “but you’ve gotta start someplace – and I grew up with this music inside me – in my heart and soul – and treasure it enough to gladly do whatever it takes for me to live inside the music. You see, when I was growing up we couldn’t afford a piano (and we had no room for one, anyway). so I just learned to play the human voice.”
The Early Years
Persistence paid off as Powers eventually studied in New York with renowned vocal coach of the day, Fred Steele, mentor to Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, Eddie Fisher and widely credited with helping restore Tony Bennett’s voice. Wayne continued to hone his craft, performing in stage musicals, reviews and in nightclubs after relocating to the Midwest – and eventually, the West Coast.
Headlining at the Cinegrill (Hollywood Roosevelt)
After arriving in L.A., Wayne landed a job with Henry Mancini and, soon after, fulfilled another dream by establishing his network TV career. But Powers was still pulled to return to his roots, augmenting his comedy and acting work by putting together his “Hoi Polloi,” band with a uniquely joyous sound that dazzled audiences in some of the top west coast nightclubs, showrooms and jazz festivals.
The CD “Plain Old Me”
“Wayne Powers and his band, Hoi Polloi, were a knockout … one of the BEST shows I’ve seen in a long time! Get yourself to a Wayne Powers show. The guy is really terrific!”-Myrna Daniels, L.A. Jazz Scene
The sound was reminiscent of Louis Prima, “Fats” Waller, Louis Armstrong and others who were among Wayne’s major musical influences in creating this unique band. They released one CD, “Plain Old Me.”
It was recorded live in-studio, enjoyed national radio airplay and garnered rave reviews.
“Think of the infectious charm and musical wit of ‘Three Guys Named Louis’ – Armstrong, Prima and Jordan. Their upbeat approach personified.”– Jazz Times
CLICK TO LISTEN: Our “jazz cat” swings, struts & croons about those cats of the feline variety.
Today, Powers has further matured in both voice and approach. While he still revels in a swingin’-hard, wild jazz romp, (“Powers sings, mugs, scats and fairly bounces off the stage” – L.A. Jazz Scene), he’s equally at home immersed in the most poignant ballad or “saloon song.” The clear evidence is found in Wayne’s first new album in 25 years, “If Love Were All,”(Kabockie Records KCD-1031, KLP2-1031), in which he largely focuses on “The heartbreak and joy of that personal yet universal saga of love lost and love found.”
Still a “Saloon Singer”
Whatever the style – up, down or sideways, Wayne is known for his rare ability to convey musical and emotional authenticity in every tune he sings – and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Powers explains, “I’m so very blessed to have met, known and even worked with some of the genuine greats in jazz. The common thread is the core wisdom they all shared with me in one way or another. It was best summed up by the great Carmen McRae. On one special evening, during a lengthy chat in her dressing room between shows, she confided to me in her trademark direct manner, the musical advice I’ve kept with me ever since: ‘If it ain’t the truth, it ain’t worth messin’ with.’“
