Although they get little respect, San Diego’s cover bands, playing familiar songs to tourists and regular clubgoers alike, are among the most consistent draws in area venues.
These groups are rarely considered in the same league as other locals playing original music, despite many of San Diego’s top musicians moonlighting with them.
Jazz and rhythm and blues singer Stellita Lindgren is a case in point.
A staple of the local club scene, Lindgren’s sultry vocals on her debut album, “Finally “¦” have brought comparisons to Sade and Diana Ross. Ironically, when not performing her own music, Lindgren can be found singing Diana Ross and other 1960s “girl group” hits with her trio, The Corvelles.
Lindgren, who performs with The Corvelles at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge on March 21, was inspired to sing by her mother.
“I grew up with music all around me,” she said. “My mom sang gospel at an early age and she’s still singing today. I went to all her rehearsals and said, ‘One day I want to have a group too.'”
Lindgren didn’t make her public singing debut until she was 21, singing Whitney Houston’s “Saving All My Love” at a karaoke bar.
“When I was done, everyone stood up and applauded,” she said. “I knew then I needed to go further.”
However, she still had to overcome her shyness. Though a seasoned vocalist today, it took a little while to build her confidence.
“When I first started performing, it actually made me nervous when people would stare at me onstage,” she said.
She joined her first group, The Ravells, in 1989, performing music in the same vein. That experience directly contributed to the formation of The Corvelles, which also includes singers Janet Peãa and Beverly McDonough and a five-piece backing band made up of Bernard Battle (keyboards), Dave Lindgren (guitar), John Simons (bass), John Soderman (drums) and Ian Tordella (sax).
“I loved the music that The Ravells played so much that five years ago I decided to put together a similar band,” she said.
After picking out a set list, she found McDonough and Peãa, rehearsing for six months before their first show.
“I was very fortunate to find them,” Lindgren said. “It’s hard to find vocalists who can sing lead and backups.”
The combo’s name was easier to come up with. It has no real significance.
“I made it up,” she said. “I just wanted it to sound like the other Motown group names.”
Her reason for choosing the girl-group lineup for The Corvelles was visual. She considers the overall look to be sexy and particularly likes the “dress-up” aspect of their show, which includes vintage gowns.
“Dressing up is the fun part,” she said.
The multi-generational appeal of the music is also a plus.
“Everyone loves these tunes,” she said. “The songs we play are practically part of the public conciousness. Songs by The Ronettes, The Shirelles, Mary Wells and others are great for dancing or just feeling good. The older crowd loves the memories while the kids enjoy the upbeat nature of the material.”
She admits to having a favorite performer to cover.
“Any of the Supremes tunes are great,” she said. “I love being Diana on stage.”
While some music fans consider cover acts to be a less serious concern than artists who play original music, according to Lindgren, she is equally satisfied playing her own music or working within the confines of The Corvelles.
“I dreamed of putting together my own group like this,” Lindgren said. “It’s hard work keeping a group like this together. When we actually started performing, I was just so proud of myself for making it happen.”
The Corvelles perform at Humphrey’s Backstage Lounge, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, on Friday, March 21, beginning at 6 p.m. The show is for audiences 21 and up.
For more information, visit www.humphreysbythebay.com.