Parlor Social, an L.A.-based 15-person unit, offered a time-warp blend of Harlem Renaissance music and hip-hop. The group showcased singer/songwriter Dessy Di Lauro and multi-instrumentalist Ric’key Pageot for songs such as Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell on You” and “The Joint Is Jumping,” featuring tap dancers/backup singers Kayla Watson and Samantha Schultz, with Lopez joining in.
Dessy Di Lauro and Ric’key Pageot, now known as Parlor Social, releases its speakeasy/soul rendition of the Screaming Jay Hawkins’s classic ‘I Put A Spell On You’. It became such a crowd favorite at their live shows that their fans were requesting the duo to release it as a single. The song is finally released today, just in time for Halloween and you are all in for a treat.
Parlor Social has managed to bring new life to a song that has been covered by many incredible artists such as Nina Simone, Annie Lennox and Buddy Guy. While still paying homage to the signature horn riff from Jay Hawkins’s original version, singer Dessy Di Lauro truly makes the lyrics and melody her own with a breathtaking vocal performance as the band is led by producer/musician Ric’key Pageot’s squeezebox accordion. The track is also driven by a thumping kick drum, stabbing horns, and a melodic banjo, but the true icing on the cake here is the 20-piece orchestra led by none other than Dr. Benjamin Wright who is also known for his horn and string arrangement work on chart topping songs and albums such as Michael Jackson’s ‘Don’t Stop ‘til You get Enough’ and ‘Rock With You’; Outkast’s ‘The Love Below’; Raphael Saadiq’s ‘Instant Vintage’; Tony Toni Tone ‘It Never Rains in Southern California’ and ‘Anniversary’; Frank Ocean’s ‘Pink + White’ and countless of other artists spanning the last 40 years - check out Ric’key Pageot’s Spotify playlist for an extensive list of songs.
Hiring an entire orchestra comes with a price tag that exceeds most indie band’s budget but when there is a will there is a way. So with the help of an ongoing crowdfunding campaign, Dessy and Ric’key were able to fund the recording session for Benjamin Wright’s orchestra resulting in a stunning performance that takes their listeners on a musical journey.
If you would like to contribute to their ongoing crowdfunding campaign to help further finance the production of their music video for this single, please log on to gofundme.com/PutASpell They’ve got exclusive gifts and Madonna memorabilia draw prizes for donations of $5 and more. Campaign ends and winners will be announced on October 31st. Look out for Parlor Social’s new album in early 2018.
