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Shakura's debut solo blues album “Blueprint”, signals a new beginning with some very old music. Blessed with the human musical reservoir Eddy B, some inspiration from Bill King and a lot of time in some very dusty places, Shakura was able to narrow in on songs that she felt ‘gave her something to sing about’. Songs that were once sung by Big Maybelle, Memphis Minnie, Big Mama Thornton and other phenomenal women of the time each become Shakura’s personal anthems. Bringing together the musical talent of Denis Keldie, Howard Ayee, Michelle Josef and guitarist/producer James Bryan gave Shakura’s blues a new canvas to paint on. Guest artist David Rotundo and Harrison Kennedy added a little grit and enough silkiness to spice and smooth wherever necessary, and divas turned back-up singers for the night, Shannon Maracle and Jackie Richardson sashayed where no one has ever gone before. TRACKS: By Kerry Doole (Exclaim Magazine) , March 2007 She has long been tagged as a rising young blues star and Shakura S’Aida shows why on this very impressive album. The Toronto songstress teamed up with producer/guitarist James Bryan (the Philosopher Kings) and the sessions at Canterbury Music featured an A-list of local players. The result is a production sound that’s a cut above that of your standard low-budget indie offering, and this does full justice to S’Aida’s powerhouse voice. It’s refreshing to find a contemporary blues singer unafraid to stick to a classic style, rather than trying to throw hip-hop or modern R&B strains into the mix. Some of the tunes she covers here are familiar (“One Monkey Don’t Stop The Show,” Brownie McGhee’s “I’m Living With The Blues”), others less so. They range from soulful ballads to more up-tempo, horn-driven songs, while “Me And My Chauffeur Blues” is a classic double-entendre song perfectly suited to S’Aida’s lusty, full-blooded voice, one that never gets excessively histrionic (though the finale of “Rain Down Rain” comes close). Shakura contributes just two original songs, but judging from the closing tune, the righteously affirmative “Gotta Live,” she’s no slouch as a songwriter either. This is a genre as much about interpretation as creation though, and S’Aida does that superbly here. (Independent) Shakura S'Aida's blueprint for
success American born, but long a proud citizen of Toronto, Shakura has long been considered a shining star within this city's live music scene. She's also a very accomplished actor on stage and screen, but is quick to call music her true calling. Her greatest passion is singing live, and those who've seen her in action in the clubs, at Massey Hall with the Womens Blues Revue, or at the Beaches and Distillery jazz and blues festivals know she's a natural. "For me to sing live is to give thanks in the hugest way possible for what I've been given. "The best way to sing live is on an open stage. It feels like you're singing to the heavens and to the entire world and that there's no place your voice can't reach. Technically you know you're not hitting the CN Tower but it feels like that. Also, you can react according to the energy that is coming at you." It's no surprise, then, that Shakura's first solo CD, Out There And Lovin' It, was recorded live at the Trane Studio. A bigger budget was involved with Blueprint, recorded at Canterbury Music with an A list of local players. Thankfully, a live vibe was captured, and S'Aida is full of praise for producer James Bryan and the band (veterans Dennis Keldie, Howard Ayee, Michelle Josef and Simon Wallis). "I got my dream band, musicians who respect the blues. They
are singers' musicians, as they leave space for the singer to sing their
heart out. Don't treat me like a diva but just give me a little space to
do what I need to do. To have musicians with that experience yet who
respect what you can bring to the table-was an honour." "What the....." was my first reaction when I put on this album by Miss Shakura. What a voice! I think she is the coming lady of soul blues. With a voice that\'s equal to people like Denise LaSalle, Dinah Washington, Etta James, Bettye LaVette and many other female R&B vocalists. She has rounded up a great band: James Bryan: Guitar/Dennis Keldie: Keyboards/Howard Ayee: Bass/Michelle Josef: Drums and Simon Wallis on Saxophones. Appearing as guest musicians: David Rotundo on Harmonica, Harrison Kennedy on vocals, guitar and harmonica and Jackie Richardson and Shannon Maracle on background vocals. James Bryan also produced this great album. Let this album be a blueprint for the career of Shakura S\'Aida. She is truly wonderful!!! “If you didn't know of her before you must
do so now. A blues voice this special does not come along very
often.” “One of the most inspirational singers
I’ve ever heard” “A charismatic performer, whose warmth,
talent and good nature narrows the distance between stage and
audience.” “The blues ….. manifests itself with soul,
power and emotion every time she hits a stage.” “Man, what a voice!” Shakura S' Aida - Toronto Beach Jazz Festival
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