The Band

Schedule
Song List

Watch and Listen

Reviews

Gallery

Contact


The Soul Providers
are a band that has filled a unique niche in the Buffalo area.  Their music is based on classic soul music from the 60’s and 70’s.The band also branches out and covers more traditional dance songs from the 80’s and 90’s. As all the members of the band have decades of playing experience, they feel very comfortable playing a variety of musical styles including jazz standards, ethnic wedding songs like Hava Na Gila, Latin music, Blues, and of course good old Rock and Roll.

    But where the band makes a sharp left from what most bands play is their selection of  classic soul music. Not only is a variety of Motown music covered but also music that is deeply fabricated into the heart of the classic soul sound that was so popular in the early years of rock and roll. It is not only their song selection that makes The Soul Providers so unique but their approach to playing the material. When you listen to them you can hear the band has really made a commitment to make this music style shine the way it was meant to be played and most importantly how much fun and excitement the band brings to the material. Four part harmonies are a common occurrence in many of their songs. These classic songs often take on a new life as lead singer CJ Swann sings with such enthusiasm it’s almost impossible not to get caught up in the excitement. It’s easy to see how much he loves and respects the style of this genre of  music and the band creates just the right atmosphere for the show to take off to new heights each night. Often songs are extended to include audience participation just as you would experience in a live concert atmosphere. 

    The Soul Providers have quickly become one of the top acts in the Western NY area winning Best R&B Band and CJ Swann's Best R&B male vocalist in Buffalo music awards. Their popularity began in the Williamsville area and has quickly spread to other communities. They have played numerous weddings at such prominent venues as The Parklane, and The Westwood County Club and Salvatore’s. They have been used for such esteem events as the annual Children’s Hospital Fund Raiser at the Hyatt. The Soul Providers  have also performed at private parties held by organizations such as the Erie County Bar Association and The Albright Knox Art Gallery Foundation. A small list of the venues that The Soul Providers have performed at for private parties include: the Transit Valley Country Club, The Saturn Club, The Buffalo Club,  Four Points Sheridan, Samuels Grande Manor, The Marriot, Salvatore’s Restaurant, and Fanny’s Restaurant.  

 

 

Lead Vocalist and co-founder of The Soul Providers - Front Man C.J. Swann is undoubtedly one of America's most dynamic and entertaining showmen. In the early 80's he was the Lead Vocalist for Europe's popular funk bandThe Funkateers. After returning home to the states, C.J. went on to being the front man and driving force behind Western NY bands Bam and The Soul Committee. C.J. Swann has also been honored in many talent showcases including The Buffalo Music Awards, where he has won the Top R&B Male Vocalist  award an amazing five years in a row (2005-2009). Most notably, in 2010, C.J. was inducted intoThe Buffalo Music Awards Hall of Achievement  for his many years of outstanding work and showmanship.


 

Keyboardist and co-founder of The Soul Providers - Steve Stempien has received numerous awards in various genres of music, including R&B, Classic Rock and Blues. A graduate of the University of Buffalo with a major in Classical Music Performance, Steve took top honors in the late 90's at The Buffalo Music Awards by winning Western NY's Best Blues Keyboardist with his band Win, Lose, or Draw. In the early 80's Stempien co-founded the highly popular band Lizard King, who covered classic rock tunes from The Doors and was reviewed highly for capturing the advanced keyboard mastery of their music, both in the USA and Canada. 

 

Bassist for The Soul Providers, Thomas grew up in Niagara Falls, NY where he played bass and was a featured vocalist at several church choirs in the area. He co-founded his first group Supreme Soul, and played R&B and pop cover tunes in local nightclubs as bassist and lead vocalist for Brimstone. In the 80's Thomas spent 10 years in Toronto playing with a variety of singers and song writers, and had the privilege of performing with the late Colleen Peterson at Massey Hall while opening for Gordon Lightfoot. Nelson has performed throughout the States, Canada, and Europe including television and radio programs, festivals, concert halls and nightclubs.

 

Guitarist for The Soul Providers - Sal’s music career extends back to the 60’s when he played in the band The Lonely Souls, later called Chenango, who were known for their Blood, Sweat and Tears/Chicago sound. Sal has also performed with the groups Pressure, Isaac and Good Times. In the mid 70’s, Sal toured the country with the Jamie Marred Revue.  He returned in 1978 and worked with Buddy Miles, Spyro Gyro’s Eli Konikoff and many legendary Buffalo musicians over the years. He has performed at the Playboy club with The Scintas and most recently has been the guitarist for The Pyramid Band, a prominent 16 piece swing orchestra. 

 

The Band

Schedule
Song List

Watch and Listen

Reviews

Gallery

Contact

 
The Soul Providers

(716)836-9650
(716)390-2768


Dates are filling up fast so please book early to reserve your special celebration with us!
Also - Dates are subject to change so check back frequently for the latest schedule!!

Entertainment for Buffalo Niagara and all of WNY.
© 2007 The Soul Providers
Any unauthorized duplication or reproduction is prohibited by law.

Buffalo New York        Buffalo Bands and Music

Photos taken by:
Jenifer Christiano

 

website design companies and services