Soul Sisters with Purpose
(3/6/02, Essence.com) A new age of soulful sirens brings music for the
ears of the masses.
A new wave of soulful sirens have embraced the so-called alternative R&B movement--that
musical convent for songstresses like India.Arie, Jill Scott, Erykah
Badu and Angie Stone. Joi, Ledisi, YahZarah and Karen Bernod are
innovative voices, characterized by a strong sound and lyrical
creativity. And they offer music lovers a refreshing alternative
to the bump-and-grind sensibilities that dominate the airwaves.
Essence.com gives a
respectful nod to these sisters who are making music their own
way--sensual, bold and uncut.
Joi
This rock-'n-soulstress
has been called a modern day Grace Jones with a southern-fried
twist. The Nashville belle's racy, hip-hop punk-inspired style is
befitting her retaliatory third effort, Star Kitty's Revenge (Universal
Records). "Star Kitty is a part of me. She
performs, makes appearances, talks [trash] and gets down and
gritty," says Joi, who has been married to Atlanta's Goodie Mob Big
Gipp for two years. "I used to just be that way [naturally],
but now I'm 30 and I have a husband, child and other responsibilities.
I just can't wild out all the time. I have to present an
appropriate appearance and my stage persona Star Kitty offers me
an outlet." This time around, Joi is committed to breaking
out of her underground status to reach a broader audience.
"I'd like to share [my music] with the masses," she
says. For more info, visit www.joi-online.com.
Ledisi
Ledisi doesn't like
labels. But if the industry classifies her sound as neo-soul,
"then so be it," says the 20-something New Orleans
native. "None of this is new. It's just recycled from
Chaka Khan and Rufus, Roy Ayers and jazz." Her sophomore
indie album, Feeling Orange, but Sometimes Blue (Le Sun Music)--a
musical potluck of jazz, funk and soul, is a fitting follow-up to her
2000 debut, Soul Singer, which has garnered her a cult following
domestically and abroad. Along with her talented keyboardist and
partner-in-rhyme, Sundra Manning, Ledisi has created a solid foundation
for innovation. "Our music was created to inspire
people," says Ledisi. "I hope that's what we've done--inspired
people to love themselves." For more info, visit www.ledisi.com.
Karen
Bernod
Everybody knows that
behind every great singer, there's an even greater back-up singer.
Erykah Badu, Luther Vandross and Mos Def are a few of the superstars who
can attest to Karen Bernod's talent. If her name doesn't jog your
memory, then her performance on Erykah Badu's 1997 Live CD
should. Bernod riffed and scatted so fiercely that some have
dubbed her Ella Fitzgerald's incarnate. Now, the siren has emerged
from the shadows with her indie debut, Some Othaness For U (Natively
Creative Music). "I've been offered deals, but I didn't want
to get mixed up with all the political stuff that goes on with record
companies," says the 30-something Bernod. "The indie
approach offers more for autonomy." For more information,
visit www.karenbernod.com.
YahZarah
Dana "YahZarah"
Williams may be young, but she is wise beyond her 22 years.
"I believe if you let your fruits speak for themselves, you'll be
seen by the world," says the former backup singer for Erykah Badu.
YahZarah's indie debut, Hear Me (Keo Music) is a melodic brew of
gospel, funk, soul and hip-hop. "I'm moved by the music of
the church," says the Washington, D.C.-based singer who's been
performing in the church since the age of 11. With influences like
Parliament, Sly Stone and Aretha Franklin, Yah's performances are
electrifying. "My shows are like a funky, juke-joint
experience--we go from hot church to [funk] in a heartbeat," says
the soulstress. "I just want to bring grittiness and
personality back to music." For more info, visit www.keomusic.com.
Vonetta Booker is a
Connecticut-based freelance writer. She edits the urban lifestyle
web-zine Triscene.com.
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