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Kosi

Pictures Of Us

Kosi: Pictures Of Us (Kosi)

New York jazz vocalist Kosi in an album extending her duo format to a larger ensemble using lyrical jazz forms to create an intimate and emotional album of original and traditional songs.
 

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Kosi-vocals


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UPC: B00MWBFEG0

Label: Kosi
Catalog ID: KosiPOU
Squidco Product Code: 19218

Format: CD
Condition: New
Released: 2014
Country: USA
Packaging: Jewel Case

Descriptions, Reviews, &c.

"It was a warm spring night in Harlem when Silvana hosted the CD release party of songwriter and jazz vocal stylist Kosi's (a.k.a. Kosi Gyebi Sorensen) newest recording Pictures of Us. The show was webcasted through concertwindow.com (and got good reviews).

Those who are familiar with Kosi will immediately know that this show, and the CD itself, was a departure from her earlier efforts. In the past, she'd had only a guitarist as a back up (on both stage and in the studio). This night, the band (Aron Marchak, guitar, Angelisha "The Trumpetess" Rodgers, trumpet, Brendon Biagi, saxophone, Dan Saulpaugh, guitar and vocals, Julian Smith, bass, and Isaiah Pierce, drums. On the CD, the only exception to this line up was Jonathan Rooke vocals) shared the stage with her. It was interesting to see how she presented herself in this context, as opposed to the stripped down setting she was known for and comfortable with.

They began their set with a lively and exotic take on the classic "Caravan." Brendon and Angelisha took interesting solos, and Kosi brought her own unique vibe to the song. This was followed by the classic "God Bless the Child." In keeping with the song's essence, the band played low key, and made plenty of room for Kosi's impassioned vocals. She was clearly in charge.

After this seeming warm up, they played an original; "I Already Knew." A fascinating drum intro focusing on the cymbals set up a midtempo groove. Here, the true nature of Kosi's essence of a singer and songwriter emerged.

After the group went once again into familiar territory with a playful and at the same time sultry version of "Satin Doll," they segued into the new CD's title track "Pictures of Us." A brief and very interesting drum solo set up a lively and infectious 5/4 groove. The powerful vocal line had a very memorable and authoritative quality, and allowed for some very fascinating possibilities for the solos. Aron's solo was particularly inventive. After the vocals returned with the final verse, the song shifted seamlessly into a 6/8 groove; a wonderful contrast.

After a brief break, they began their second set with "Corcovado." This was followed by a new interpretation of one of Kosi's originals from her first CD One More Cup of Coffee.

"Brianna." The song is, in its original form, extraordinarily beautiful. It was interesting to hear it in an unprecedented setting. Each musician offered their own interpretation; and Julian's bass solo was quite inspired, taking the song in an interesting direction.

Another original, "Once and Future" (also form Kosi's first CD) was next. This song is a blues, not so much in musical style and form, but in mood and essence. Kosi's vocals led and dominated the unfolding of the song.

After this, Kosi took the reigns off the band, and called for "Footprints." The band took off like a herd of horses let out of the stable, and allowed to run free. Angelisha's solo was particularly good. Isaiah and Julian took all kinds of liberties with the groove, shifting styles several times. It was all very good fun. Isaiah's drum solo was marvelous. It had a quality of subliminally implying the melody (as I've heard other great drummers, such as Idries Muhammad do).

They continued with another original from the new CD, "Valerie." Again, Kosi's voice was presented in an ensemble that contrasted earlier performances wherein, with a single guitar as backup. Normally, her vocal would be thrown into raw, sharp relief; but here, the interaction between the musicians provided an interesting contrast. It was also a challenge to the musicians: they must keep the essence of the song without sacrificing their own unique contributions. And they did. Yet, throughout, Kosi was never lost in the music; her voice carried the essence of the song clearly. This is perhaps Kosi's greatest strength; her ability to make the listener feel the emotional content of the song. This is something beyond mere chops (which she certainly has). This is in the realm of an invocation; the listener responding on a visceral level and experiencing the story as if firsthand.

The second set concluded with "Hoboken Blues" (another original from the new CD). As the title suggests, this was done in the tradition of a low-down, dirty, two-fisted, gut bucket blues. Everyone had a chance to strut their stuff; and Kosi's powerful voice belted out the blues as indomitably as the best blues singer you'd ever want to hear (it's almost incongruous to hear this powerhouse voice coming from such a physically small woman; like opening a small vial and watching a hurricane emerge). This blues was the perfect way to end the two sets!"-Dawoud Kringle, DooBeeDooBeeDoo


Get additional information at DooBeeDooBeeDoo

Artist Biographies

"Kosi (née Akosua Gyebi) is a New York City based singer/songwriter with nappy hair and jazz roots. Although she always brings just a little drama to her compositions and interpretations, she's more than just a drama queen. She's got piercing eyes and a voice that's larger than her body. But, small as she is, she won't fit in a box. She switches styles more quickly than you can follow, from jazz, to rock, then folk, but never more than a few steps away from the blues.

She cites Abbey Lincoln and Nina Simone as her main influences, and has been compared to Tracy Chapman, India Arie, Ma Rainey, and Bessie Smith. However, despite her comparisons and influences, everything about Kosi, from her nappy hair to her sometimes bare feet, from her occasionally jarring lyrics to her now-she's-sweet-now-she's-screaming dramatic interpretations, radiates authenticity. "I am not creating anything," she says, "nor am I deconstructing anything. I am neither an iconoclast nor a follower. I am simply myself, and that is enough." She's more than enough. You definitely want to hear this girl sing... if you can handle it.

Kosi is currently the lead vocalist of straight-ahead jazz group Sweet Blue Fire and indie rock group The Goddess Lakshmi."

-Kosi Website (http://kosi-sings.com/bio.php)
3/27/2024

Have a better biography or biography source? Please Contact Us so that we can update this biography.


Track Listing:



1. Wild Is The Wind

2. I Already Know

3. Brianna

4. The Star Crossed Lovers

5. Pictures Of Us

6. Your Angel

7. Valerie

8. Untitled Art Song (In E minor)

9. Hoboken Blues

10. Lovers' Song (Be The One)

Related Categories of Interest:


Improvised Music
Jazz
Song Based Music
NY Downtown & Metropolitan Jazz/Improv

Search for other titles on the label:
Kosi.


Recommended & Related Releases:
Kosi
Stranger In Every Town
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NY/East Coast Jazz vocalist Kosi presents her 5th album, a rewarding album of original songs that depict her experiences touring as an independent singer-songwriter through jazz idioms influenced by blues and rock forms, her strong voice emotional and expressive while supported by a core sextet of New York musicians; lyrical, solid, passionate.
Other Recommended Releases:
Kosi
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NY/East Coast Jazz vocalist Kosi presents her 5th album, a rewarding album of original songs that depict her experiences touring as an independent singer-songwriter through jazz idioms influenced by blues and rock forms, her strong voice emotional and expressive while supported by a core sextet of New York musicians; lyrical, solid, passionate.
Kosi
I Know Who I Am
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