TURN HER LOOSE

by Terron D. Austin

Riding the winds of change can sometimes cause even the strongest to waver in their faith. As the music industry’s systematic number-crunching schemes and the multitude of new sources where a consumer can discover new music all seem to change at the drop of a dime, one thing stays the same and that’s good music. Two-time Grammy Award nominee and singer/songwriter Ledisi proves that once again she can flow right along with this period of change as she returns to the scene with her spectacular new musical offering Turn Me Loose, her fourth studio album and sophomore release on the Verve Forecast imprint of Universal Music Company.  

Ledisi fans who are familiar with her powerhouse vocals, the incredible range and versatility she possesses and that polished stage presence will find this new collection of music more than rises to the occasion. Featuring 14 stellar selections primarily written/co-written by Ledisi, Turn Me Loose shifts seamlessly from spicy soul on “Say No” and progressive R&B on “I Need Love” – courtesy of top producers Carvin Haggins, Ivan Barias and Johnny “Smurf” Smith – to the Buddy Miles’ 1970’s soul-rock classic “Them Changes,” the very song Ledisi claims she built this project on. The album, which began to take form after Ledisi’s startling six-month writer’s block, proves evident the singer’s growth and perseverance, but also catapults her further into the realm of R&B mainstays like Chaka Khan, Sade and Anita Baker. After a friend presented her with the new music, Ledisi was inspired to explore such liberation as she explained in a recent interview. 

“I had never heard it [“Them Changes”] before,” Ledisi says. “Once I heard it, I wanted to be able to be free on the new album. On my previous album, I was contained a little bit, but I said on my next project that I was going to be off the chain vocally.”  

And so the chains were broken as Ledisi chose to flex her creative muscles with more adult contemporary selections driven by exquisite production elements from high profile Grammy-winning collaborators including Raphael Saadiq (“Love Never Changes”), Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis (“Higher Than This”) and Carl “Chucky” Thompson (“Everything Changes”) all detailing Ledisi’s life experiences with love, womanhood and the pressures of global fame and success.  

The New Orleans-native/Oakland resident doesn’t stray too far from what made her an instant mainstay on her Verve debut Lost & Found (2007). Instead, she continues to draw you in with her soaring vocals and a series of courageous songs like “Knockin’” – a funky, upbeat tune that easily drums up the attitude and strength of Tina Turner in her prime. Ledisi also reunites with Lost & Found contributor Rex Rideout on the lead single “Goin’ Thru Changes.” If you’re wondering if this is a new Ledisi you’re hearing, indeed it is. Today, she’s stronger than ever and more confident in her blend of rhythm and blues, classic rock, sassy soul and gospel. Even in the midst of change, Ledisi turns loose her inhibitions and goes for what she knows best – the freedom of making great, timeless music.

Terron D. Austin is a freelance editor and contributing writer currently residing in Cincinnati, Ohio.

THE MODEST ONE

Sherman Modeste is no stranger to music and its affect on the masses. This very shy man (and very kind) has the ability to draw attention to him without him even trying. His presence alone makes you feel like you're in the room with a long lost friend.

His first recording project, Modest Coversation is exactly that, modest - with a twist. This cd of mellow moods, smooth ballads, sultry uptempos with Gospel influences will put you in the mind of Musiq Soulchild or Maxwell but on Sherman's terms.

Sherman took the time to answer some of our questions about what he prays for and his music:

Where are you from? I was born and raised on the island of St. Croix, USVI. I have lived in Connecticut, Florida, New York, and Georgia. I currently reside in Rochester, New York.

When did you start singing and where? I started singing as a child in church. I can remember exactly when that was. It was a Sunday night testimony service, a friend of mine went up to sing a song and asked me to join her and I did. They tell me I got up there and stole the show. I've been singing ever since.

How did you get involved with music? Growing up I spent most of my time at home, school, or at church. Music was embraced all across the board. At home my mom played a variety of Gospel, Country, and love songs. In school, I sang in chorus, concert choir, show choir, madrigals, gospel choir, vocal jazz, and glee club....LOL...whew!

Who have you worked with? Currently, I sing tenor with Ricky Dillard & The New Generation Chorale (New G). In the future, I would love to work with Donald Lawrence, John Legend, Musiq Soulchild, Fantasia, and Jill Scott just to name a few.

Who inspires you through your music? Just living the natural course of life gives me all the inspiration I need. My mother also inspires me. Her strength is amazing.

Why did decide you to do an album? I'm most passionate about music and it is time to share my music with the world. Instead of sitting at home praying, hoping, wishing, dreaming about my place in music history, I decided to take my own advice and act now by stepping out on faith and making an investment in self.

You call you album 'Modest Conversation'. Can you explain the title? When I sat down to consider the direction of the album, I wanted to make music and write songs that music lovers will related to. My goal was to create a dialogue between me and those listening.

Do you consider your album Gospel or R&B? A mixture of both. If I had the power to create my own genre, I would categorize my music as 'life' experience music. Each song has a real life story attached to it and was written out of a personal life experiences.

Do you feel Gospel artists are losing their roots? No. Gospel has evolved and will continue to evolve like every other genre.

I looked at the credits in your album and noticed you wrote all of your songs. Why was it important for you towrite your own songs? As a singer/songwriter, it was important for me to write all of my songs to keep the conversation authentic and genuine.

One of my favorite songs on the album is 'Star Struck'. Explain the meaning behind that song? I'm the epitomy of a hopeless romantic. I wanted to write a song that will be played as brides are escorted down the aisle and I found the lyrics of "Star Struck" in a conversation I had with a friend about the joy of loving someone.

How do people find out more about you? www.shermanmodeste.com www.myspace.com/spottedmusic Stay tuned. I promise to keep making great music. My goal is to become a world-renown/top-selling artist.

Where can people buy your album? My CD is available at www.cdbaby.com.

When you aren't doing anything musically, what do you do? I'm a home body. I enjoy being home entertaining family and friends. During my down time, I read, watch a little TV, I enjoy walks in the park and long drives.

Random: When you go to the movies, what do you go to see? I like romance, comedy, suspenseful thrillers, and movies based on true stories that depict courage, strength, triumph, bravery, and hope.