ABOUT US
We3 -
We3 performed their very first concert together on October 1, 2016, at the Nash in downtown Phoenix. An undeniable chemistry was recognized, and the group continued to perform sold out shows at the MIM and Phoenix Theatre along with recording their first full length CD, “We’ll Meet Again”.
These ladies are a powerhouse of talents combined, featuring vocalist Renee Grant Patrick (daughter to the late George Grant of the world famous Ink Spots), violinist Suzanne Lansford, and pianist Nicole Pesce.
They have appeared on AZTV’s Channel 7 as the “Best of the Daily Mix” and made special appearances at the Chandler Jazz Festival and AZ Classic Jazz Festival, paying tribute to timeless tunes with new and familiar interpretations of popular, jazz, swing, blues standards, and so much more!
Summer of 2019 found We3 entertaining in jazz clubs in Paris, France and during most of 2020, We3 successfully presented live-streaming concerts for fans all over the world and helped Phoenix Theatre open their new outdoor stage with a two-week concert series run of "Happy Birthday Dionne!"
Exciting endeavors are on the horizon for 2021 so stay tuned!
Renee Grant Patrick -
Renee has connected with individuals and crowds with her voice and music over the past 12 years in the Valley. Her music is shockingly honest and emotionally charged. Listeners find Renee's sound somehow familiar, but one that is refreshingly original and inviting. Singing a variety of genres from Jazz Standards, to classic R&B, Renee's music will capture you with her powerful voice combined with a passionate delivery.
Born in Philadelphia PA, to now 31 years in Arizona, music has been a way of life for Renee. Her father was a member of the world renowned Ink Spots, inducted in the Doo Wop Hall of Fame in 1997. Renee’s mother Theresa is a local legend, having recorded duets with Terry Johnson of the Flamingos in Detroit’s Motown Studios along side of greats such as Smokey Robinson, and Marvin Gaye. It is safe to say that music runs in her family.
Visit Renee's Website for more.
Suzanne Lansford -
Suzanne's Mom and Dad taught her all kinds of music before she could even walk. They also say it took a very long time before she begin to walk! Beginning with classical lessons and quitting them at 13 to play jazz at the Arizona Biltmore and other venues and radio shows across Phoenix and Scottsdale, Suzanne has always kept music high on the list. In Chicago, she was with Chicago's eclectic classical / jazz / Latin group, the 3rd Coast String Quartet, and even today when visiting Chicago, she makes time to visit with and play Gypsy Jazz with Alfonso Ponticelli and Swing Gitan at the Green Mill.
In rural Florida, she was immersed in bluegrass, twice winning the Yee-Haw Junction Bluegrass Fiddle Championship. Back home in Phoenix since 2011, she doesn't have to pick a favorite genre, because everything gets cameos of Latin, Jazz, Classical..even Blues, Greek & Scottish flavors. It's all fair play. During the day, Suzanne is a registered professional engineer (PE- electrical) for nuclear power & public infrastructure projects through her firm, REDD Inc.
Nicole Pesce -
Nicole’s "Happy Birthday Variations” video has nearly seven million views on YouTube and over eight million shares on Facebook. Recognized by the Arizona Republic as one of the “top ten musicians to hear in Phoenix”, Nicole has performed for Muhammad Ali, Ricky Martin, George Benson, Waylon Jennings, Shaquille O’Neal, Jimmy Carter, The Gypsy Kings, and Brian Setzer.
Nicole enjoyed a residency as the house pianist at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Phoenix, AZ for over a decade...entertaining audiences with everything from Bach to Lady Gaga. With additional performances at such venues as the Tempe Center for the Arts, Herberger Theater, Desert Ridge Marriott, ASU Kerr Cultural Center, Mesa Arts Center, Phoenician Resort, Wrigley Mansion, & The Princess Hotel.
Additional Appearances include performances with American Idol contestant David Hernandez, The Moscow Ballet, Zowie Bowie, The Cast of Mary Poppins, Young Frankenstein, Mamma Mia, and White Christmas.
Visit Nicole's Website for more.
Personal Messages and thoughts from We3:
- from Suzanne to Renee:
"When I got a radio as a kid, I scanned every station to see what I wanted to listen to. The only two that held my attention for longer than a second were the classical station, and KLFF, AM 1360, “The Music of Your Life,” music from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. I guess that was because Mom and Dad always played that music at home, and Dad is a jazz piano player. KLFF played big band music, and tunes from singers and vocal groups like the Mills Brothers and the Ink Spots. I listened to it every day.
Then in high school, when I got to play in a band with Gaines Steele, I already knew most of his Ink Spots tunes. We played them live every weekend for a couple of years at Lulu Belle’s in Scottsdale and on KLFF live radio broadcasts. What I remember most about his singing was how important it was to him to play very evenly and quietly. It’s so easy to get caught up in speed and loud volume; he knew it actually takes much more skill to play beautifully and quietly.
Fast forward a few decades, and I meet you, this fabulous singer, with the closest-possible connection to that very same music, and my only thought was, 'We must play those songs together, we must!'”
- from Nicole to Renee & Suzanne:
"The first Ink Spots’ song I ever learned to play on the piano was when I was about 11 years old; It was a beautiful ballad called “If I Didn’t Care”. Shortly after, “Java Jive” was added to the repertoire and quickly became one of my favorites.
All of these years later, an amazing opportunity has come along to learn and explore so many more of these wonderful selections recorded by the legendary Ink Spots.
Renee’s powerful relationship to this music is indelible, and listening to her interpret these songs with her soulful, compelling style is truly surreal. When you combine that with Suzanne’s dynamic connection to these selections along with her mastery and musical artistry, the result is indeed magical.
I thank both of these talented ladies for the opportunity to learn and delve into new arrangements and renditions of these beloved classic tunes. Every time I get to work with Renee and Suzanne, it’s truly a musical gift like no other!"