R&B Icon's Stax Records Debut a Commercial and Critical Hit
June 2009 - Legendary R&B trailblazer Teena Marie's new album Congo Square, her first for celebrated soul label Stax Records, sold over 18,000 copies this week to debut at #20 on Billboard's top 200 album chart and the #4 spot on the R&B Core Store album chart. The record marks the return of one of her generation's most important voices and has been incredibly well received both over the airwaves and in print. The first sultry single, "Can't Last A Day" featuring Faith Evans, is a Top 15 hit at Urban AC and continues to build, tracking top 5 spins in crucial markets like Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and New Orleans.
Congo Square is Teena's tribute to her New Orleans heritage recalling the best of the many classic artists that have influenced her along the way including Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, the Emotions and of course, Rick James. The album has received raves from the press including People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly and USA Today.
The new collection is a passionate, accessible and, as always, autobiographical adventure that cruises smoothly from southern soul and smoky jazz to dance floor funk. Along for the party are special guests , the aforementioned Faith Evans, Howard Hewett, MC Lyte, pianist George Duke, drummer/co-composer Terri Lyne Carrington, bassist Brian Bromberg and Teena's daughter Rose LeBeau.
Look for Teena live in concert this summer, demonstrating once again that she remains among the most prolific and compelling live performers in pop music. This weekend, she will perform at the West Oak Lane Festival in Philadelphia and on July 5th at the Essence Festival in New Orleans. Teena's August dates include performances in New York, Chicago, Detroit and San Jose.
Click Here to hear clips from "CONGO SQUARE"
Teena Marie Tour Dates
6/21 Philly West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival - Philadelphia, CA
7/5 Essence Festival - Louisiana Superdome - New Orleans, LA
7/19 Bonelli Park - San Dimas, CA
8/8 Spirit Fest - Merriweather Post Pavilion - Columbia, MD
8/29 Country Club Hills - Chicago, IL
8/30 Fox Theater - Detroit, MI
9/4 Spirit Mountain Casino - Grand Ronde, OR
9/26 Viejas Casino & Resort - Alpine, CA