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For music lovers, the industry's pledge of artistic revolution has become a pipe dream. Fortunately, every so often the universe births an anomaly--a virtuoso whose essence defies categorization and whose artistry serves as a barometer for musical greatness. She is Leela James. Soulstress. Prodigy. Radical. Phenom.
Indeed, Lady James represents many things, but what she'll never be mistaken for is an ingenue. One listen to her nostalgic debut, A Change Is Gonna Come (named after Sam Cooke's 1964 ??? hit), and it's evident that James is a pupil and conduit of classic soul. "You can't fake or buy soul," says James. "It's either inside of you or it isn't." Invoking the fiery spirits of Tina Turner and Parliment-Funkadelic with the soulful timbre of mavens such as Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin and Mahalia Jackson, James embarks on a melodic pilgrimage offering her special brand of "back porch" soul. "I call what I do 'back porch' soul because it reminds me of being home and listening to my daddy's record collection."
A Change Is Gonna Come ingeniously serves as a personal covenant about relationship do's and don'ts. From the exalting tribute "Music," which begs the pardon for today's generic music to the confrontational "Ghetto," warning an unrequited love to stop his advances before she loses her cool to the funky "Rain," to the lengendary title track, the songstress delivers a blueprint survival guide for the strong and brokenhearted. However, it's paens such as the defiant "My Joy," melancholy "MisTreating Me," remorseful "When You Love Somebody" and the gutsy "Didn't I" that James bellows with haunting conviction. "I can't sing about things I can't relate to because it wouldn't be sincere. I have to feel the song."
Surprisingly, the Los Angeles songbird's emotive vocals and ardent lyrics belie her youth and diminutive appearance. "Because I have a high-pitched speaking voice and I don't have a 'big mama' soul look, people are always surprised when they hear me sing." Perhaps, James' vocal prowess is a culmination of years of performing on the indie circuit and opening for R&B dignitaries such as Stephanie Mills, NAME ARTISTS TK. Allow Lady James to hip the world to her soul and funk inspirations and they'll discover that her back porch soul diet was served up in church pews and family functions. "I was raised on gospel, blues and funk," explains James. "My father had a huge record collection--B.B. King, Al Green, Marvin Gaye--that I listened to, so I'm simply a product of my environment."
Although the former Cal State business student developed a cult following during a year-long tour, she's certain to harvest a healthier crop of loyalists with the help of some notable producers. Forming a musical alliance with Commissioner Gordon, the album's executive producer, who also worked on Lauryn Hill's Miseducation, James hand-picked her dream team. Enlisting the talent of renowned chairmans-of-the-soundboard such as Kanye West, Raphael Saadiq, Wyclef Jean, James Poysner, Chucky Thompson and Mtume, James served as co-writer for the project. "It's great when others can lend their talents to help guide you toward your vision," says James. "All of these men have such an incredible history of music, so it was a pleasure to collaborate with them."
Judging by Lady James fervor and indelible talent, the industry has been blessed with another dignitary--one who not only evokes soul, but lives and understands it. "I want my music to be more than just good memories. Bringing back lyrics that touch people hearts and melodies that stick to their ribs, is a change I believe everyone is ready for."
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