by Aura Lawson-Alonso
In a city that supposedly lacks soul, there will be no
question that Charlotte has it when
Leela James loans her soulful singing to corporate Charlotte
for one night.
James' music combines the best of R&B, hip-hop, funk and
gospel. Her voice trembles with soul as she reaches into the depths of her
petite frame to project her sumptuous voice into a world that is often out of
touch with the texture of reality.
James released her debut album "A Change is Gonna Come" in June 2005.
Although this was her first full-length studio release, she
did it with the energy of an old soul, far from amateurish.
Studio production is a major aspect of James' album, but her
self-described "back porch soul" provides a refreshing change from
the overly produced music commonly heard on the airwaves.
As one of the Neo-Soul singers of this generation, James is
going against the glossy grain of the mainstream by relying on the natural
rawness of her voice to give listeners a sense of nostalgic tenderness.
Surprisingly for a new artist, James had some top-notch
producers working on her album. None other than Commissioner Gordon, known for
his work with Lauryn Hill, was the executive
producer.
Some other well-known producers who lent their seasoned
touch to James' raw singing include Kanye West,
Raphael Saadiq, Wyclef
Jean, James Poyser, Chucky Thompson and Robert
Randolph.
This album is truly a dynamic collaboration between some of
the best of the present generation's musical talents, who, of course, tip their
feathered fedoras to their past influences.
The opening track is called "Music" and recalls an
era when that was the focus. James evokes the memories of Aretha Franklin,
Gladys Knight, Tina Turner, Chaka Khan, Marvin Gay and Donny Hathaway as she
wonders, "Where'd the music go / It's all just for the dough."
Of course, the Sam Cooke hit from which the album derives
its title is included on James' album, placing her with the likes of many great
soul singers who have covered this song, such as Aretha and Tina.
On the song, "When You Love Somebody," James
samples Hathaway's 1973 single "I'll Love You More Than You'll Ever
Know."
James is not limited to the past, though, as she proves with
her own rendition of No Doubt's "Don't Speak."
James' eclectic style not only borrows from the past, but it
also moves forward.
This powerful Neo-Soul singer performed last September in Charlotte
to a crowded house at Amos' South End. Without a major marketing scheme, James
is making a standout name for herself.
Keep an eye (and ear) out for James in the coming years.
It's rumored that she has already worked on a duet with jam-funk favorite
Robert Randolph and the Family Band, to be released on Randolph's
upcoming studio album.
James' album is currently available at most music retailers
and on iTunes.
For more info on Leela James, go
to www.leelajames.com.
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Posted: 5/30/06
Source: NinerOnline.com
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