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2006-07-20
7:30PM
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"While the lineup is similar to Chaka Khan & Rufus, the sound--on record anyway--is mellower than Rufus' energized, excellent engineered sounds. Ledisi sometimes fuses R&B, hip-hop, urban, jazz, and funk in the same pot."
-Andrew Hamilton, AllMusic Guide |
[ Complete Show Schedule... ] |
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FEATURING:
Ledisi - vocals
other artists - tbd |
Born in New Orleans Lousiana but raised in Oakland California with a name that means "To come here; bring forth", a Nigerian word based in the Yoruba religion.... when you see LEDISI live she brings it to ya for real! The daughter of "The Prophet of Soul" Larry Sanders and the grandaughter of late-great blues singer Johnny Ace and her mother Nyra Dynese who co-wrote the 70's hit with Larry Sanders "Pillow Talk" there was no doubt Ledisi would recieve the gift of song. Growing up watching her mom sing in a local band in New Orleans, Ledisi learned early what it meant to be a leader, singer, songwriter and a woman in music. Writing her first song at the age of 4 on a casio keyboard, Ledisi had the bug and studied jazz, classical and R&B, piano, drums and violin.
When the family moved to Oakland Ledisi was the youngest choir director at her church,studying classical singing and classical piano at The Young Musicians Program at U.C Berkeley and President of her highschool Gospel Choir. After High school she studied Music and did Theater Performances at Chabot College and Cal State Hayward. Starting her first band during the Acid-Jazz Brand New Heavies Phase she formed her band "Anibade." When looking for a keyboardist she found her musical soulmate to play in her band. Ledisi started an independent label LeSun Music with her business partner Sundra "Sun" Manning releasing two very hard to find records Soulsinger and Feeling Orange But Sometimes Blue.Selling records out of their cars and at the shows and begging record stores and radio stations to play and sell their music gaining a powerful fan base. This also led to a new trend that most new Bay Area artists have followed.Both records selling online for more than $40-$180 a record.These records have sold over 160,000 copies and continue to be one of the most hard to find independent albums to date.
Feeling Orange recieved a 2003 California Music Award for Outstanding Jazz Album and Soulsinger has recieved many praise since it's initial release in 2000 and re-distributed by Tommy Boy Records in 2004. After being an independent artist for 6 years. Ledisi had her first major break after appearing as a guest artist on Verve's grammy nominated album "Forever For Always For Luther." (2005) Audiences got a taste of her singing "My Sensitivity" being one of the two singers (Lalah Hathaway) featured on an instrumental album. After many years of being a independent artist Ledisi has now leaped into a new phase of her career and has signed to a major label(Verve/Universal). Not only is Ledisi a powerhouse vocalist and a incredible producer/songwriter.She is also an actress. She has performed in Theater on and off Broadway. Tony Kushner/George C.Wolfe "Caroline or Change" and has helped with the writing and production of "The Color Purple." She has worked with Moby, The Roots, Rockwilder, Boney James, Will Downing,Maysa Leak, Meshell N'degeocello, Frank McComb, Robert Glasper, Chaka Khan, Steve "The Scotsman" Harvey, Poncho Sanchez, Lenny Willams, The Funk Brothers and so many more. If you have not seen her Live you are in for a phenominal show. She has been underground for so long. Now that she has signed to Verve/Universal we hope that she won't be underground for long.
www.ledisi.com |
