New Jack City

There are lots of changes brewing for the Riverside Rhythm and Bluez Review, or rather New Jack City.
The local soul R&B band – originally comprising singer Jennifer Kemple, bassist Paul Carter, drummer Steve Hulburt, keyboardist and sax player Rory Marrero and guitarist Kenny Lawson – has changed its name and expanded the lineup.
New to Jack City is backup singer Monet Hamm and the band's star, Max Daniels, whose powerful R&B voice and massive range has taken the band's sound to the next level.
Two of his original songs, "Better Man" and "Angel," have been drawing a strong response locally, and band manager Mike Cosentino said Daniels is talking with major labels.
"If you liked Riverside before, you're going to freak when you see New Jack City," Cosentino said. "It's like a whole new band."
With the addition of Daniels, former lead vocalist Kemple moves to backup singer, but she still is featured on a couple of songs.
For a short time the band took in LaSalle, a keyboardist who recently returned from touring with R&B singing sensation Angie Stone. However, he parted ways with New Jack City because of creative differences, Cosentino said.
Like Riverside Rhythm and Bluez Review, New Jack City remains a dance-oriented soul band that occasionally dips into funk and hip-hop.
Catch New Jack City tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m. at Annie Fannie's, 3827 E. Boone Ave - Spoksman Review