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Leela James
I just wanted to send a special note out to my SoulTracks Family, thanking them for making my record number one. It's such an honor to be recognized by those who truly love soul music. Let's keep this music alive and thank you again!
Lots of Love
Leela JamesWeb Sites:
Official Site
Biography
Her personal trials as an artist in limbo led to the overall theme of the debut album she put together for Warner. Called A Change Is Gonna Come, the album was designed to capture the varied influences in James' musical life, ranging from Gospel to the Blues to classic Soul, and the lyrical theme of facing and overcoming obstacles -- a subject she came to know well during the long period working to get the project released. The album's executive producer, Commissioner Gordon (who also worked on Lauryn Hill's landmark Miseducation of Lauryn Hill disc), helped bring together an All-Star list of producers to work on the CD -- surprising for a new artist's release -- including Kanye West, Raphael Saadiq, Wyclef Jean, James Poysner, Chucky Thompson and Mtume.
A Change Is Gonna Come was released in June 2005 to favorable critical response, and with good reason. "When You Love Someone" is a deep, soulful love song that could have come from 60s Memphis, and James' deep, expressive voice wrings everything out of the cut. Equally impressive are the organ-based "Music" and the bluesy "My Joy." James' voice has been compared to Aretha Franklin and Chaka Khan, but I hear a gutsier Angela Bofill. And guts are what are required to take on a cover of Sam Cooke's seminal "A Change Is Gonna Come," a song she put on the album at her mother's request. While the disc has some uneven spots, overall it is a triumph for a new artist with a great voice and surprisingly soulful expressiveness. We can't wait to hear more...
By Chris Rizik
Video
Comments
The Nubian Princess sings
KeithKNOWS - April 15th, 2009
The Nubian Princess sings Soul Gems effortlessly and with abundant emotions. "Baby, I'm scared of you", is a wonderful remake of an all time favorite, I know the djs are gonna love re-mixing this hit! Excited to checkout her concert in Atlanta on June 4 at the Loft.
She sounds like Candi Staton
ashdaddy - April 16th, 2009
She sounds like Candi Staton on that new piece of music "Baby, I'm Scared of You" I Love her sound, she is fresh and mellow. Old School with a New Groove!!! Waiting for her to appear in an area near me.
"Music is the healing force of the world"
Ashdaddy
