They are among the First Families of Detroit Music, and for years Joan and Marcus Belgrave represented the Motor City soul, gospel and jazz communities in their tours around the world. But the last few years have brought many challenges to that family. Noted trumpeter Marcus died in 2015, and more recently Joan has battled with triple negative breast cancer.
But Joan has taken those challenges and has used them to push forward her creativity, first in the Marcus Belgrave documentary that is currently in production, and more recently in the creation of a brand new EP that she hopes will inspire others facing major headwinds in their lives.
They are among the First Families of Detroit Music, and for years Joan and Marcus Belgrave represented the Motor City soul, gospel and jazz communities in their tours around the world. But the last few years have brought many challenges to that family. Noted trumpeter Marcus died in 2015, and more recently Joan has battled with triple negative breast cancer.
But Joan has taken those challenges and has used them to push forward her creativity, first in the Marcus Belgrave documentary that is currently in production, and more recently in the creation of a brand new EP that she hopes will inspire others facing major headwinds in their lives.
Oooo Boy is a playful three-song collection that touches on elements of soul, blues and jazz, with Belgrave showing off her renowned pipes on music that has a timeless feel. The album leads off with the title track single, a sensuous tale of that me-watching-you-watching-me origin of a new romance, which is stylishly captured in the music video below. Its follows with “Dreaming of You,” a midtempo R&B number that has a sweet Philly feel to it, before closing with the beautifully lush ballad of faithfulness, “I’m Not Going Anywhere.”
The EP may have been recorded during difficult times, but its expression is a pure joy that should make SoulTrackers smile, giving them the chance to again enjoy this master at her work. Check out Oooo Boy below; it is our Album of the Month for November.
Album of the Month
Joan Belgrave – “Oooo Boy”