(October 2, 2018) Music is the family business for vocalist Vivian Sessoms. Her mother Sharmaine Sessoms worked as a jingle and session singer in the 1960s and 70s, and her father, Lemuel Smith, served as flutist and percussionist for James Brown. Oh, and her aunt is Nancy Wilson. You can’t do much better than that.
The legendary Wilson speaks with a great deal of pride when talking about her niece. “I am extremely proud of Vivian. She has her own distinctive style and sound and her interpretation of a song is fabulous.” Keep Wilson’s words in mind when listening to Sessoms take on the Stylistics’ “People Make the World Go Round,” which is featured in this First Listen.
Sessoms transforms the Stylistics R&B standard into a jazz tune. Vocally, Sessoms stretches the notes, singing behind the melody. Her band stretches the tune to seven plus minutes of jazz improvisation and instrumental conversation. I see why her auntie Nancy is so proud. Check it out.
By Howard Dukes
Vivian Sessoms - "People"
