Howard Hewett’s smooth, powerful and passionate style has long made him an acclaimed and popular soul and R&B vocalist, dating back to his days with Shalamar. As Shalamar, Hewett, Jeffrey Daniel and Jody Watley enjoyed a string of major chart successes from 1979 until 1985, but many fans felt he was hindered working in a trio format rather than showcasing his formidable voice with a solo project. And since Shalamar’s demise, Hewett has proven that he can indeed be a solo star. Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, Hewett had big hits on the urban contemporary charts while also occasionally shifting gears and doing smooth jazz. In the early 2000s he changed idioms again, recording a pair of celebrated gospel LPs. But in recent years he’s returned to soul, and his voice retains the range, flexibility and mellow sound that characterized his biggest hits from earlier decades. He’ll no doubt offer samples from throughout his career this week at City Winery. RON WYNN
Howard Hewett
