Built in 1938, located in Piazza San Babila in the underground of Palazzo del Toro, you can find the “Teatro Nuovo” a magnificent and historical theatre of Milan that along the course of time has seen its stage hosted from international and renowned artists and its calendar always full of great shows. In this fantastic place, during Christmas celebrations, I was invited to witness a truly thrilling show, the show of a gospel choir that can go from the harmonies of Soul even to Funk, named: “HARLEM VOICES”.
This amazing group with all their different and particular voices involved me in a tornado of emotions, finding myself singing and dancing with them, and to admire in the background their fantastic choreographies. All members have at least twenty years of experience, in the universe of musical entertainment, and have played with some of the most famous world stage names such as U2. I was so fascinated by them that I have decided to contact Eric B. Turner, the choir leader, to interview him personally.
The interview took place in the “Nidaba Theatre”, and it couldn’t be any better. This charming little theatre is considered as a live club of excellence in Europe and even in America. Thanks to the passion and the commitment of the owner, Massimo Ricciardo, the city of Milan conferred Civic Merit certificate to the Nidaba Theatre. This marvelous place is dedicated to live music and every evening jazz, folk, soul, blues are played and a lot of important artists from all over the world perform.
(photo:Pasquale Ricci) Massimo Ricciardo
(photo:Pasquale Ricci)
Here I could listen the Soul concert by Eric B. Turner called “The Soul Doctor” with his band Forever 97, composed by Sam “Trax” Aristil on keyboard, Sam “Ripley” Nazaire on bass and Ian Eanes on drums.
(photo:Pasquale Ricci)
(photo:Pasquale Ricci)
From the beginning Eric’s vocal performance with his power, energy and empathy amazed and struck me totally. A show absolutely not to be missed! I also have to mention the intimate atmosphere of the Nidaba Theatre that makes you in close contact with the show and feel any different vibrations and emotion that the singer wants to transmit.
(photo:Pasquale Ricci)
(photo:Pasquale Ricci)
(photo:Pasquale Ricci)
(photo:Pasquale Ricci)
Eric was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, began exploring his singing talents in the church choir, becoming Pastor of The Wokship Center Church and Professor Psychology at the renowned New York University School, actor and musician in many Broadway musicals, participated in films such as “AMERICAN GANGSTER” (2007), “Synecdoche, NEW YORK” (2008), a famous TV series like “Law & Order”, “CSI-NY”, “NBC’s 30-ROCK”, “Cenric Network – My 2 CENT”, “NBC’s – SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO” and made various commercials.
(photo:Pasquale Ricci)
Eric performed in 2008 at President Barack Obama’s Neighborhood Ball and collaborated with great music international artists like Mariah Carry, Vickie Winans, Karen Clark-Sheard and many others. Even his success he devoted himself to the most needy people becoming an important reference inside the community of Harlem where he organized a series of beneficial concerts. Eric thanked me for my interest in his art, saying: “I am honored that you enjoyed my show! This is my purpose, to make the difference in someone’s life”.
(photo:Pasquale Ricci)
Meeting Eric B. Turner was for me a great opportunity. I would like to tell you that Eric is an extremely positive and energic man, full of great values. Thanks to his voice he is able to make your soul vibrate. This is an experience I will always keep alive in my memories and makes me feel America not so far.
– CRISTINA –
Eric B. Turner
Forever 97 Band
A special thanks to :
Eric. B. Turner
Forever 97 Band
Massimo Ricciardo
NIDABA THEATRE – Via Emilio Gola,12 – Milano – ITALY
Phone +39 3393477512
Pasquale Ricci – Official Photographer
