Coming from a rich gospel background, Angie Stone recorded a series of solo albums to become a certified-gold artist, a national and international star, and a much-in-demand guest. After releasing her last CD of original work in 2004, Stone Love, at a time when Angie felt at a plateau in her career, Collin Stanback of Stax Records brought Angie into a whole new creative family for Angie to call her own. Concord's newly reactivated Stax imprint is committed to legacy of its forbears and poised to be a dynamic force in contemporary R&B music. Stax holds a critical place in American music history as one of the most popular soul music record labels of all time, second only to Motown in sales and influence, but first in gritty, raw, Southern-steeped soul music.
As one of the first signings to Stax Records, Angie Stone is diva-ready with her best album to date. "I'm healthy, have a wonderful new creative family, two great kids, a new man in my life and a whole new chance to show what I'm made of. I'm ready to get loud," Angie proclaims, "so watch out!" The first song to radio "Baby," produced by Co-T, features R&B/soul/gospel great Betty Wright, who injects an irresistible groove. Of "My People" with guest James Ingram, Angie confides, "I hope it makes everyone aware of what we've been through and that the struggle continues." " She continues, "I wrote ["Happy Being Me"] because it describes right where I am and what I'm feeling right now, mentally and spiritually.
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This is the first thing I wrote after getting out of the hospital last year," after experiencing congestive heart failure. Stone wrote over 90% of the album, and the fourteen tracks on The Art Of Love & War showcase every nuance of her vocal range. She is powerful, playful, and coy, and her voice permeates every corner of every note. The Art Of Love & War is how Angie is meant to be seen and heard, and the sentiment is all hers.
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