Normita Rodriguez Jeffery - Leader
'LadyFingers' as a stage name originated from the imagination of Normita Rodriguez Jeffery, a classically trained pianist who decided to express herself by playing contemporary jazz, fusion, and a little R&B. As a soloist, Normita provided musical entertainment for social occasions on a regular basis. She then was introduced to Sonjah Wise, who became the vocalist for the LadyFingers duo. Over the years, LadyFingers became a quintet. Normita can also play a smokin' left hand keyboard bass if the situation calls. LadyFingers' sound is unique, between smooth jazz and fusion. Not your run of the mill club dance band. The music is inventive, unpredictable, but with a groove that gnaws on your insides, and comes forth with a "'Yesssss!! How did they do that with THAT (cover) song???" LadyFingers' influence is from it's leader/keyboardist, Normita, who loves to arrange and re-arrange, and from the great UK sound of Incognito, Donald Fagen, and harmonies that are strange, but nice!!! Normita also has a thriving piano instruction business that she manages from her home studio in Tampa, FL. She also performs as a solo artist at many venues where classical piano programs are requested.
Sonjah Wise - Lead Vocals
LadyFingers' lead vocals are delivered by a dynamic singer/performer who gets 'into' the song and sings her way around in it, through it, and out of it.
A consumate performer, Sonjah has always been the vocalist for LadyFingers. She adds a Broadway/Vegas styled performance as she sings.
Basil Powell - Lead Guitar
Basil is a seasoned pro who has 25 years experience playing on the international stage and studio. He has been in the LadyFingers organization for many years, and is an in-demand musician and producer in his own right. His guitar style is flawless. He sets the tone of the piece whether playing lead or rhythm.
- Bass
Normita plays a mean left hand bass herself, and usually does so, but on some occasions, she pulls in master bassists like Ed "Mo" Lanier, Shawn "SW1" Wainwright, to name a couple. They are both at the top of their game, and in demand.
Gavin Riley - Drums
In the pocket, and on the one, Gavin,s skills are classic. He has a jazz/fusion style that other drummers envy, a signature in the pocket style not often heard. He plays intricate licks effortlessly.
Joel Brown - Sax
The newest member of the LadyFingers family is Joel Brown. Joel has been playing the saxophone for over 22 years. Music has been his passion since he began playing as a child, and his musical passion has continued to grow. After starting his own law practice, Joseph W. Brown, II, Attorney and Counselor at Law, P.A., he onctinued to play.
Joel practices law by day and records music by night. He achieved a Bachelors of Arts in Music from Florida A&M University. His first solo sax CD project, “Daddy Loves His Baby, ” is a testament to his skills.