Jeanine Fuller brings old-school soul to Market Square

By Ken Lay

Fans of Motown and other old-school soul and rhythm ‘n’ blues braved the heat and packed Market Square Thursday night as Jeanine Fuller & True Funk SOULdiers Tribute Band took the stage.

The show is part of the City of Knoxville’s Concerts on the Square summer series presented by Comcast. Some in the crowd were there to bring back memories of the old-school funk, soul and R&B from the 1960s, 70s and 80s. For others, it was a musical history lesson as Fuller and the band performed a few original tunes slated to be released on an upcoming EP.

But that was only part of the show as Fuller and the group also performed their renditions of “Proud Mary,” which was a mega-hit for both Creedence Clearwater Revival and Ike and Tina Turner.

The two sets included tunes such as Aretha Franklin’s 1985 hit “Freeway of Love.” The group also performed tunes by Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight and the Pips and other stars from the golden age of soul music.

Fuller, a regular on the Knoxville music scene exhibited passion and energy and the band played as well as any fan could hope for as fans took a musical stroll down Memory Lane.

The Concerts in the Park Series continues through September with jazz taking center stage on Tuesdays and other genres performing on Thursday nights.

All concerts are free and artists take the stage at 7 p.m.

Remaining Tuesday jazz dates include:

June 25: Larry Vincent Quartet

Sept. 3: Matt Nelson Trio

Sept. 10, 17, 24: Artist To Be Determined

Remaining Thursday concert dates include:

July 18: The Richo Brothers

Aug. 15: Liquid Velvet featuring Fleetwood Mac/Journey Tribute

Sept. 19: Square on the Square. That event will enable the audience to enjoy the opportunity to square dance on Market Square and some lessons will be provided.