Ashaki
Detroit, MI | Established. Jan 01, 2000 | AFM
Music
Press
Catch one of Ashaki Zeigler's live sets and some things will be clear. She has an infectiously upbeat stage presence and a Champagne-bubbly voice that work together to disarm you. Once your guard is down, you're hit all the harder by her chops and artistry. She strives to be classy, but if pressed, she can be a bit of a ham too.
At a concert last summer, for instance, she co-led with vocalists Armond Jackson and Kimmie Horne, masterful scatters both. Knowing Zeigler isn't big on scatting, Jackson and Horne put on a display, showing off their scatting abilities as if performing at Buckingham Palace for the royal family.
When they were done, it was Zeigler's turn, and she didn't buckle. She matched them note for note, scatting across her octaves and shifting tempos so skillfully that the original scat cat Louis Armstrong probably would have winked.
And, in case you had any doubts, she'll emphasize that when you come to her shows, have no fears of less than ladylike behavior — or as Zeigler puts it, booty-bouncing or that dropping-it-like-it's-hot mess. To Zeigler, it's all about a singer's voice, and using that voice to sell a song. - Metro Times
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Ashaki Zeigler was destined to be a great vocalist even before she was born. Dating back to the 1940s when her maternal grandmother sang with Detroits legendary Dupree Choir and later when her mother and father formed The Disciples of Joy; a local gospel group, Ashakis pipes were already in the making. Currently, her brother is a Minister of Music, her cousin solos in the Lincoln University Choir and her aunt is vocally featured in community theater with the Park Players of Detroit.
While her roots are in gospel, Ashaki embraced jazz at an early age and has performed both nationally and internationally. She has been accompanied by such greats as Marcus Belgrave, Harold McKinney, Dr. Teddy Harris, Jr. and Don Mayberry. Ashaki has also worked with gospel great Tramaine Hawkins, the late director Ron Milner and jazz artists Dee Dee McNeil and Beans Bowles. Venues at which she has performed include: Bakers Keyboard Lounge, Berts Place, The Comfort Zone, Absolute Tiffanys, Caf Mahogany, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History, The Music Hall, Orchestra Hall and with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra.
Look out for Ashaki who is rapidly emerging as one of the most talented jazz artists of her time. Her future plans include a new CD; tentatively out by summer 2013 while continuing to light up jazz stages in and around town and to possibly land a feature role in one Detroits emerging film projects. (The camera loves her just as much as the microphone does) This native Detroiter is destined for a star-studded career in the music industry or any other entertainment field she endeavors. Stay tuned!
Band Members
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