(September 22, 2021) Over the past six years, visitors to this site have come to learn about and appreciate the soul music talent that comes from Portland, Oregon. And perhaps no person has done more to bring that talent to the forefront than Ronnie Wright. In 2015, Wright lead the collaborative effort Bespeak Love, a highly regarded album that featured some of Portland’s talented R&B performers. Three years later, Wright returned with a.k.a Bespeak, his debut solo album.
Now, Wright comes back with Bespeak Empower, another compilation album showcasing some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest artists. Wright conceived Bespeak Empower as a record that seeks to speak light into a world consumed by darkness. The cut “In Awe” that is featured in this First Listen pairs Wright with Joyya Marie. Wright says that the tune is a different kind of love song in that expresses that kind of all-consuming and unconditional love that people have for their children as well as their life partners.
When listening to the lyrics sung by Wright and Marie, it becomes clear that many of the words used and ideas expressed in songs that talk about romantic love can carry the same, yet deeper meaning with used to explain the way we feel about the other important people in our lives. That sentiment delivered musically by the likes of Minnie Riperton and it also comes through powerfully on “In Awe.” Check out Ronnie Wright and Joyya Marie on “In Awe” here.
By Howard Dukes
Ronnie Wright feat. Joyya Marie
"In Awe"
