Music and Arts Section
An Intimate Chat with Saxophonist , Lord
God is brilliant at orchestrating our steps and making integral connections in work and in life . Such was my experience in meeting one of my newest ‘ Earth Angels ’ in the person of my friend and my brother , acclaimed Saxophonist , Lord Yancyy . Social media was the catalyst for the formal introduction ; and with the initial exchange of correspondence in the form of encouragement and mutual appreciation for our life ’ s work I knew that this was one of life ’ s rare encounters when you are blessed to meet a new bestie almost instantaneously .
In our discussions about faith , life , the arts , humanity , passion , purpose and leaving this world better than we found it , I knew that Yancyy was the perfect choice to grace the cover of The DIVA Zone Magazine ’ s relaunch holiday issue .
Lord Yancyy has opened for scores of contemporary music giants , including Stevie Wonder , Average White Band , Temptations , Neville Brothers , Jean Luc Ponty , George Benson , Four Tops , Yellow Jackets , Pieces of a Dream , Earl Klugh , Gerald Levert , Jeffrey Osborne , Atlantic Star , Ohio Players , Kem , Miki Howard , Regina Bell , Oleta Adams , as well as peers , Kirk Whalum , Gerald Albright , and George Howard . He has also worked with violinist , Karen Briggs . This is by no means an exhaustive list .
His gift has allowed him to grace the stage of some of the most sought-after jazz festivals in the United states and abroad . In September 2010 , Yancyy was the headline artist for the Smooth Grooves European throughout Germany and Italy . In June of 2011 he was the headline artist for the Alaska Jazz Festival and in September 2011 his music was selected for The Weather Channels ' playlist .
A native of Detroit , Lord Yancyy earned his Bachelor of Arts in performance from the University of Michigan ' s acclaimed School of Music . While an accomplished saxophonist , Yancyy will sometimes dazzle audiences with his skills on clarinet , flute and piano . He is also a gifted composer and arranger ; contributing keyboards and vocals on his first solo release . His jazz release , ‘ Sax Chronicles , Volume 1 ’ incorporates several talented composers and Grammy Award winning producer , Phil Davis , similar to his previous hit CD entitled FOR YOUR LOVE and his holiday CD entitled REJOICE .
If you attended The DIVA Zone ’ s A Jazzy Wonderland holiday affair on Saturday , December 9 , 2017 at The Woodland in Maplewood , NJ , OR were in attendance at our 15th Annual DIVA Zone RestoreHer Retreat ( Virtual ) in December of 2020 , you already know ; Yancyy is a force to be reckoned with .
Aside from his tremendous musical gifts and talents , Yancyy ’ s generous heart , infectious spirit , love for God and His people is what got my immediate attention . Ladies , there are some beautiful men in this life . Be encouraged ! It is my honor to introduce to you the artistry , and heart of an all-around , good brother , Lord Yancyy .
DZ : Thank you for taking time for this interview . How is your spirit feeling right now ?
LY : I appreciate the time , Najiyyah . My spirit is at peace . I ’ m excited about life . I ’ m ready to be used for His purpose however He sees fit . I am in a really good place .