In a musical wasteland crowded with posers, gimmick peddlers and rump-shaking pop tarts, singer, songwriter and vocal arranger LeNora Jaye stands out like a luxuriant diamond amongst the ashes. Possessing a soul-sweetened voice that evokes the magic of the 1970s, LeNora’s original songs reconcile old skool R&B, street-wise funk and velvety Adult Contemporary pop, while her deep-felt lyrics capture the essence of modern femininity in all its wondrous complexity — independent yet nurturing, strong yet alluringly vulnerable, cautious, yet capable of wild-eyed impulsiveness. Formerly the lead female vocalist for the Black Rock Coalition band Rhythm Republik, LeNora has opened shows for the esteemed likes of Teena Marie, The Meters, Roger Troutman & Zapp and Roy Ayers, while her solo career has found her sharing stages with some of the classiest names in hip hop, pop and soul, including The Roots, Floetry, India.Arie, Amel Larrieux and others.
Now, with the release of her independently produced solo debut album, the talented Ms. Jaye officially steps onto the world stage, with magnificent results. Featuring 15 original compositions and interludes, The Story is an answered prayer for the legions of doubters who thought they couldn’t write and sing ‘em like they used to. Assisted by a bevy of skilled co-producers including Supa, Steve Wallace, Thierry DeJean, Armand Tulumello (Astral22), Angela Johnson and Jonathan Lloyd/Douglas Glover (aka NewBlackMusic.net), The Story heralds the arrival of a truly unique singer-songwriter. Asked if there is a theme to the album, LeNora contemplates for a moment, then replies matter-of-factly. “It’s a woman’s experience… an urban black woman’s experience.” |
