If you missed CONNECTED with Yahzarah, then you missed out on something special. CONNECTED is an event that celebrates the current and past music of the featured artist with a dj, a guest artist to perform covers and an in depth look at the featured album through the eyes of the artist themselves...a very unique experience that gives an opportunity for the artist to interact with the fans in a new way. This time around, we had the honor of hosting Yahzarah aka Purple St. James!
Many of us are familiar with her through her brilliant work with the Grammy Nominated collective, The Foreign Exchange, but this evening was ALL about Yahzarah.
The night began with Indie artist Deborah Bond, who warmed up the audience with a few of her favorite tracks by Yahzarah, namely "Blackstar" which was an obvious crowd favorite. Deborah also performed "Where I Is" and " Same Page". She sang as Yahzarah looked on with admiration. Yahzarah later said that its was humbling to hear the renditions of her songs from her fellow DC sister in music. Deborah’s voice and sound is truly unique and I look forward to hearing more from her in the future!
Yahzarah took the stage and was simply electric. She blessed us with a live performance of a few select tracks off the album: "Cry Over You ft. Phonte Coleman", "Have A Heart", and one of my personal favorites, "Starship". The audience enjoyed the intimate setting, while listening to Yahzarah share the stories behind the music.
Now that we are coming down from all the excitement of Yahzarah's album release, we can give you the facts: The Ballad of Purple St. James is the story of the real Yahzarah, the story she's been waiting to tell three albums later. It is avant- garde, yet down to earth.
Strike Up The Band
The album kicks off with "Strike up the Band", which subtly opens you up into her world, echoing as if you were sitting front row and center at her live performance, with the all-inclusive 8 piece band. Unexpectedly, on the breakout single "Why Dontcha Call Me No More" Yahzarah channels her inner rock star. Her delivery on this particular song is edgy, full of attitude, and easily rivals the likes of Pat Benatar, and other indie rock chicas! This one has been on heavy rotation since the release.
Why Dontcha Call Me No More
Change Your Mind
Throughout the album, Yahzarah has the uncanny ability to make you feel like you are having coffee with a close friend, swapping stories of love lost, and new beginnings. Though the WHOLE album is rawkin some of the Gypsy Soul crew favorites include "All Of My Days" featuring Darien Brockington (we love DBrock!), "Change Your Mind" and "Starship". Despite having several solo albums, and her success with The Foreign Exchange, she describes The Ballad as a true rebirth. If you are expecting the Yahzarah we know and loved on Hear Me, then think again. The Ballad of Purple St. James goes deep, and has already landed the #58 spot on Billboards new artist chart! Buy yours HERE
Cheers to you Ms. St James, this is your moment!
1 comments:
AMAZING!
K~Fleye
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