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Deja Vu The Dionne Warwick Tribute
by Debórah Benton
Concert Reviews
“As Ms. Warwick’s publicist of 40 years and friend, I can say, “There is only ONE Dionne Warwick.” Upon hearing Debórah, it was clear that she has loved and studied Dionne Warwick all her life, because she is the most reminiscent of Dionne than anyone else I’ve heard. I’m in total support of Debórah’s Déjà vu Dionne Warwick project. Debórah’s energy is enough to put anyone in the clouds.” — Angelo Ellerbee, Double Xxposure Media Relations Publicist-Author-Speaker
“...the most important thing, of course, was the music, and it was a stroke of genius to team Warwick and Rawls in a tribute show. It seems like something that should have happened years ago, as both artists have an incredible body of work and very distinctive voices. … They also had the voices. Benton captured the wistful Warwick and her mood-setting ways. And Julien is among the few crooners anywhere who can naturally hit the bass notes like Rawls, exuding warmth. ” - Guy D’Astolfo, Author and Entertainment Editor for The Business Journal
“Both Dionne Warwick and Lou Rawls would have been proud to see and hear how magnificently and professionally Debórah and Leonard paid tribute to their wonderful music”
— Otha 'Shaft' Cooper, Chief Sales Associate of 99.7 WKTX The Drum
“For an enjoyable evening of entertainment, check out the “Dionne Warwick Tribute show performed by Debórah Benton. The show will carry you back to a much simpler time, to reminisce such marvelous hits such as Alfie, Walk On By, I say a Little Prayer and countless others. If you get the opportunity to see it, please do. It will be an evening to remember.” - Martha Robinson, Writer-Director of "The Magic of Motown" Tribute, CEO, Dreams 4U Productions
“You'll never find a better tribute than Déjà vu Dionne Warwick and Lou Rawls. The spectacular renditions of classics will have you moving and grooving. Debórah Benton & Leonard Julien, III along with the Déjà vu Tribute Band, performed masterfully the classics of the incomparable Dionne Warwick and Lou Rawls. As they engage the audience with soulful sounds, a spectacular wardrobe interspersed with extra features such as urban ballroom dancing. Don't pass up any opportunity to immerse yourself in an experience that will engage and enthrall, leaving you enamored!” — Rev. Lewis W. Macklin, II, Buckeye Review News Faith and Inspiration Writer
Déjà Vu Dionne Warwick Tribute by Debórah
Solo Act Concert Reviews
“As a performer and entertainer for over 40 years, and having performed all over the USA, I have seen musicians from many walks of life, and of every genre. Debórah Benton is, in my opinion, the most amazing singer I've heard in decades! Her Dionne Warwick tunes are so spot on that you'd swear that Dionne herself was on the stage! Debórah's professionalism is unquestionable. Her stage presence is impeccable. Her connection to the audience amazes me, every time I see her sing, and certainly every time she performs with my group. She is a joy to have entertain the people who come out to see us play, because she brings a genuine love of music and her personality shines through every note.” – John Reese, John Reese Trio.
“… I knew she had the voice… I’m from Motown, been performing all over the world with the Spinners and The Temptations for 50 years, and that Dionne Warwick sound is unique. There’ll never be another Dionne. But Debórah is the next best thing – hands down.” - G. C. Cameron, Award-winning recording artist; Former Lead Singer of The Spinners, and The Temptations
“Debórah is the only viable option to book for a Dionne Warwick Tribute.” – Dunn Pearson, Maestro, aka Black Beethoven.
“Debórah can bring the crowd to their feet. She played at Charbenay's Wine on the River, a tribute to Dionne Warwick. It was an outstanding, fantastic performance.” - Char Butcher, Owner Charbenay’s Wine on the River.
A STROKE OF GENIUS
Something that should have happened years ago - - - - By ---Guy D’Astolfo Author and Entertainment Editor of The Business Journal
YOUNGSTOWN – Déjà Vu, the Dionne Warwick-Lou Rawls tribute show May 1 at the DeYor Performing Arts Center, had an elegance and intimacy that extended into the audience, thanks to the easygoing demeanor of singers Deborah Benton and Leonard Julien.
The seasoned performers had a comfort level that was respectful to the material but with room for their individuality. Benton and Julien shared stories in between-song banter to create a rapport with the audience.
But the most important thing, of course, was the music, and it was a stroke of genius to team Warwick and Rawls in a tribute show. It seems like something that should have happened years ago, as both artists have an incredible body of work and very distinctive voices.
For many songs, just a few opening notes brought a wave of pleasure to the assembled – and maybe some good memories.
All of the hits were there, from “The Look of Love” and “I Say a Little Prayer” to “Lady Love” and “You’ll Never Find.”
I’m not sure if Warwick and Rawls ever performed together, but Benton and Julien teamed up for a few numbers to close the show and complemented each other nicely.
The right phrasing and pacing are required to do justice to songs by Warwick and Rawls, and the two singers were fully on board.
They also had the voices. Benton captured the wistful Warwick and her mood-setting ways.
And Julien is among the few crooners anywhere who can naturally hit the bass notes like Rawls, exuding warmth.
The stage at Ford Family Recital Hall was sparse for the show, keeping the focus on Benton and Julien, who wore stunning evening wear. The sparkle really came out in the second half, as both artists returned to the stage in glitzy attire.
Holding the show together was the tight and agile Walt Barnes Jr. Band.
The ensemble showed off its jazz chops in an interlude at the start of the second act.
On occasion, band members stepped joined in the fun. The sax player stepped off the dais to engage with Benton on “Do You Know the Way to San Jose” and other songs.