Junior Scaife

Description

I perform what Oleta Adams refers to as "Highly Emotional Music." This music doesn't straight-jacket you to one aesthetic of artistic expression. I am a singer, pianist, bandleader and songwriter. I take pride authentically performing many styles of music including (but not limited to) Blues, Gospel, Jazz, R&B, Country, Reggae, Soul, Pop and Dance music On stage you will get my full experience: singing while playing, just singing, just playing, and singing while dancing while playing while conducting!
"An artist's duty... as far as I'm concerned... is to reflect the times" -Nina Simone

Biography

A native of Auburn, Alabama, JUNIOR SCAIFE grew up drenched in Gospel, Blues, Choral, and Soul music. As a serene and very observant child, he began singing in his father’s church. Influenced by his musician/educator mother, he began playing piano/organ and directing the choir; by ten he was on to the drum set. In 2012, Junior was awarded a Full-Tuition scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where served as student teacher and staff musician in the Voice/Liberal Arts/Ensemble departments. He is a 2016 graduate of Berklee College of Music. Junior is the founder of DJ & the Yams, a NYC based ... quartet steeped in the multi-faceted Afrodiasporic traditions. As a young musical griot, his dedication to social justice through artistic expression has led him to the classroom on many occasions. His teaching experience includes the Highly Emotional Music International Academy of Music (China), Harlem School of the Arts (NYC) and St. George’s School (RI). Junior recently served as interim “Set it Off Man” for the Amateur Night at the world famous Apollo Theater. He has performed both for and with several notable figures and institutions, including The Little Rock Nine, Berry Gordy, Valerie Simpson, Nona Hendryx, Lawrence "Larry" Watson, Jennifer Lewis, Harry Belafonte, Mark Wahlberg, Evan Ross, Yolanda Adams, Terri Lyne Carrington, Gabe Roth, Niels Lan Doky, Dave Koz, Craig Robinson, Debbie Sledge, Jennifer Holiday, AR Rahman, Me’lissa Morgan, Ben Vereen & Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He was a Top 50 Finalist on the 2014 Season of American Idol.
DJ & the Yams independently released their debut album Let’s Ride in 2022.
From 2016-2022, Junior served as a NYC piano-bar favorite at Redeye Grill, Mastro’s and other Midtown lounges. Greats like Denzel Washington, Irene Gandy and Phylicia Rashaad would come to see him pack out a room!
True to his diverse musical fashion, Junior recently stepped out as a solo artist with the West Coast soul label Penrose (Daptone) Records where he has released four classic anthems that are already climbing the charts.
Junior founded Birdgravy Music Group in November 2023 in honor of his family’s musical legacy. Read More

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Experience

Piano bar & other venues in NYC: So & So's, Redeye Grill, Mastro's, Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar, Barretto, Harlem Nights, 4West Lounge, Minton's Playhouse, Red Rooster
Independent Artist with Steve Beyer Productions & Element Music ( singer & pianist for various corporate music performances. i.e. opening for Bruno Mars at a Microsoft Event - MGM Las Vegas)
Bandleader and front man for my own soul revue Junior Scaife & The Band as well as DJ & the Yams!

Previous Clients

Valerie Simpson
Ben Vereen
American Idol
Microsoft Latin America
Seth McFarlane
Element Music
Evan Ross
Penrose Records

Suitable for

Anniversary Party Awards Ceremony Bachelor / Stag Party Bachelorette / Hen Party Birthday Party (Adult) Casinos Charity / Fundraising Event Christening Christmas Party Club Party Cocktail Party / Drinks Reception Community Event Concerts / Tours Conference / Meeting Corporate Event Dinner Party Engagement Party Festival / Outdoor Event Funeral/Memorial Service Graduation Party Grand Opening Party Halloween Party High School Reunion HM Forces/Army/Navy/Military Event Holiday / Theme Parks Hotel Event Jewish Wedding New Year's Eve Party Nightclub Event Nursing / Care Home Event Private Party Product Launch / Promotion Quinceañera / Sweet 16 Party Restaurant / Bar / Pub Event Retirement Party School Event Session Work Social Club Theaters / Stage Trade Show / Exhibitions University / College Event Virtual Event Wedding Ceremony Wedding Cocktail/Drinks Reception Wedding Reception

Virtual Services Offer

Online Voice Lesson

I am well versed in vocal prowess instruction. I teach from the practical perspective rather than the theoretical. I believe that classroom acumen must match real world experience. I focus on functional breathing techniques, ear training, vocalists singing as musicians, and utilizing emotional intellect to reinforce biological vocal technique.