(February 11, 2021) When Los Angeles native Sheree Brown released her first album in 1981 on Capitol Records, she set the pace for soulful female singer-songwriters to come. Penning all of the selections on the LP was a rare feat then —especially at a major label—for a woman in the field of R&B. Along with producer Dick Rudolph and arranger/conductor Patrice Rushen (who had recently emerged as a hit-making artist in her own right), Brown delivered unforgettable gems like “You’ll Be Dancing All Night” and “It’s a Pleasure” (the latter receiving particular notice in the UK over subsequent years) as part of the aptly titled Straight Ahead.
Although Brown’s musical output has only been occasional in the decades since, each release is thoughtfully conceived and engagingly executed with rich songs and vocal textures. Her new single, “Take a Walk with Love,” continues in her tradition of optimistic soul tunes brought forth with vibrant lyrics and laid-back-in-the-groove arrangements. Taken from the upcoming disc, Messages from the Spirit…The Collective, the pleasingly strolling number builds with her warm vocals and subtle guitar work complemented by the sunny trumpet of Marcus Paul, colorful percussion by Edward Cartwright, Jr., and tight drum groove from Patrick Jarrett, Jr.
Of the concept behind Messages from the Spirit…, Brown says the “tunes and stories celebrate…victory of the spirit told by women who owned and overcame their challenges.” She notes that works such as Gil Scott-Heron’s Pieces of a Man and Minnie Riperton’s Come to My Garden “were albums that ushered me into my young adult years and inspired me. Songs of love and songs with a social conscience are as relevant today…Wanting to capture the same kind of vibe in my latest musical effort really was a labor of love.”
Take a First Listen to “Take a Walk with Love” below, as we await the March release of Messages from the Spirit… (and its accompanying book)!
by Justin Kantor
Sheree Brown - "Take A Walk With Love"
