Soulful Femme as proved a unique female twist on the blues and funk genre, and “40 Under” is a prime example of this. The group consists of vocalist Stevee Wellons and guitarist Cheryl Rinovato, so it is no surprise why the vocal performance and guitar playing on this record are the standout aspects of it. Wellons carries her voice across the instrumental deep into the listeners chest, resonating with her vibrato and haunting lyrics while Rinovato accentuates these emotions with an equally eerie guitar melody. The single appears on their debut album, It Is Well With My Soul, which has been on of Pittsburgh’s most impressive releases of the summer and one of many to come from this dynamic duo.
Vocalist Stephanie Wellons, aka Stevee Wellons, has been performing in
the tri-state area for the last 25 years and is known for her
high-energy stage presence and performance. Stevee has performed with
numerous area bands and currently teaches and coaches voice at numerous
CCAC college campuses in the area. Formerly, she taught at the
prestigious Afro-American Institute (AAMI), in the Homewood Area of
Pittsburgh. An experienced recording artist as well, Stevee has recorded
in Pittsburgh, New York, Chicago and Baltimore. Stevee Wellons Band won
the 2015 Blues Society of Western PA’s Blues Challenge and represented
Western PA at the 2016 International Blues Challenge.
Studying Applied Music with a 2nd major in Arranging and Composition at
famed Berklee College of Music, Cheryl Rinovato began her musical career
as a studio musician throughout New England. Since moving to Pittsburgh,
Cheryl has pursued her musical career as a professional musician for
numerous area bands and has done extensive studio work. Cheryl has also
been the recipient of the prestigious Jim Weber Award, given to blues
guitarist of the year, three times; in 2012, 2013 and 2015. She is a
Delaney (out of Austin, TX) endorsed guitarist with 2 signature guitar
models.
Stevee and Cheryl have performed with: Shemekia Copeland, Ana Popovic,
Samantha Fish, Tas Cru, Miller & the Other Sinners, Joann Shaw Taylor,
Tommy Castro and Mike Zito.
