CONCERT REVIEW: Clif Payne and The Clif Payne Trio  

Live at Bird & Beckett, San Francisco

Saturday November 8, 2025
by Scott Yanow, jazz journalist/historian:
Clif Payne Sings Frank Sinatra and Stevie Wonder
Veteran singer Clif Payne, who had success with his album Welcome To My World a few years ago (highlighted by a very well-received vocal duet with Freda Payne on “No Payne, No Gain”), performed two special sets at San Francisco’s Bird & Beckett Books and Records. The venue, an intimate setting that often hosts live bands and poetry readings, was sold out for the show and proved to be the perfect place for Clif Payne’s singing.
 
The night featured the vocalist performing a set apiece of songs identified with Frank Sinatra and Stevie Wonder. Rather than make the mistake of trying to imitate the musical giants, Clif Payne presented the tribute in his own style and musical personality, finding fresh ways to sing the wide-ranging songs. As Sinatra might have said, “He did it his way.”
 
Clif Payne was joined by a versatile and skillful rhythm section comprised of pianist Frank Martin, bassist Daniel Fabricant, and drummer David Rokeach. The first set consisted of songs from Frank Sinatra’s repertoire. From the start, the singer displayed a very appealing voice and plenty of enthusiasm. He was energetic on a slightly faster-than-usual version of “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” and the classic swinger “Come Fly With Me,” putting a lot of feeling and joy into the lyrics. After a concise “I’ve Got The World On A String,” he created a conversational version of “It Was A Good Year” that was often purposely out-of-tempo and as much spoken as sung. Fabricant’s bowed bass was an asset. “You Make Me Feel So Young” was taken a capella with the singer just accompanying himself on tambourine, displaying the power of his voice with power and wit. “Luck Be A Lady” was given a powerhouse treatment, “Put Your Dreams Away” was quietly expressive, and this half of the show concluded with an assertive and optimistic interpretation of “That’s Life.”
 
The second set explored some of the songs of Stevie Wonder. Bassist Fabricant switched from acoustic to electric bass and the rhythm section went from swinging Sinatra tunes to becoming funkier. They began this part of the show with an instrumental version of Wonder’s “I Can’t Help It.” Clif Payne was exuberant on “Sir Duke” (Stevie Wonder’s tribute to Duke Ellington), quite passionate on “Golden Lady” and particularly soulful during “Knocks Me Off My Feet.” On heartfelt interpretations of “Knocks Me Off My Feet” and “If It’s Magic,” he showed a deep understanding of Wonder’s lyrics. Clif Payne clearly enjoyed himself during an infectious “Overjoyed” and a boisterous “Master Blaster.” On the final number, “Superstition,” he stretched out with some inventive scat-singing, gave each of the musicians a chance to solo, and concluded with a gospel-lish groove that excited the audience.
It made for a fun night of first-class music from an appealing singer and a top-notch trio that were consistently successful in paying tribute to the timeless songs of Frank Sinatra and Stevie Wonder.
Scott Yanow, jazz journalist/historian
Bird & Beckett November 8, 2025
“"R & B of the highest level on this record of Clif Payne will surprise you."”

— CloudJazz.com

LINK TO THE U.K. REVIEW OF 2018's TOO by BRIAN GOUCHER

THE BREAK IT DOWN SHOW- BREAK IT DOWN

Italy with Angelo Petruzzi & Rosemary Mazza


CEO & Founder at Radio Indie International Lounge and more, 
C.E.O. at Radio Indie International and Talent Agent at Smooth Jazz Directory

"Hi Clif;
I just wanted to represent you all my appreciation for this masterpiece of your music;
is an amazing thing and it's a growing feeling that takes the body, the soul, the mind.
Absolutely outstanding and incredible. my congratulations and I am really impressed by your enormous talent;
We will put your music in rotation on Radio Indie International, and this is great for me.
Absolutely wonderful! simply unique!"  (Feb. 17)

April 18, 2016
   Angelo and Rosemary, I once again thank you for including me on your list of illustrious stars
   in rotation on RadioIndie International CP

NIGERIA 98.1 Smooth Jazz with Bola Sonola

Bola Sonola
July 23 at 8:20am · 

The Luxury Soul show is live from 5 pm GMT. This evening we got some scintillating jams on the show and I can't wait to share them with you on my magic carpet ride. New music from Euge Groove feat Rahsaan Patterson, Bey Bright, Nia Simmons, Sharon Rae North, Selina Albright, Trina Broussard,Ronee Martin, Frank McComb, 
Clif Payne, Victor Haynes, Michael Goldwasser, Gwendolyn Collins, Will Downing Singer, Clifton Crawley, Greg Dean, Heston Francis, Tahirah Asha Memory, Jarrod Lawson, Melba Moore,Maleke O'Ney, James Day Songs, Kenya SoulSinger, Kenya McGuire Johnson, Gordon Chambers, Toni Redd, Johnny Britt, Terry Harris, Kejam Majek, Vin Keatin, Bob Baldwin, Kevin Whalum and so much more. Log on towww.smooth981.fm to listen live or on tune in.com search for Smooth FM Lagos or better still download our app in the google play store. Ready for the ride?
   
Bola Sonola
June 25, 2016 at 9:36am
 
The Luxury Soul Show goes out in a few minutes. Great music as always on the show and the best independent soul music that there is on the planet. The list is endless. This week we got Will Downing Singer, Kenya McGuire Johnson, Donald Hayes, Clif Payne, Ty Stephens, E Sulpacio Jones, Nia Simmons, Gregory Porter,
 

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