'Red' by Timotha Lanae
For the past couple of weeks I have been living with an album by a very talented singer- songwriter who until very recently was unfamiliar to me. I am so glad this is no longer the case.In such a short space of time I have found myself being drawn into the world she has created with her music and loving every moment of it. Her name is Timotha Lanae and she has delivered a collection of quality driven songs under the banner of 'Red'. An apt title as the colour red is usually associated with fire and heat, and believe you me Ms Lanae is a hot property. This gifted young lady, who hails from Prince's hometown of Minneapolis, has several talents to her name. Singer, songwriter, dancer, thatrical performer as well as the creator of Ladies of Jazz and MN Artists for Youth Art (MAYA).
The album's opening song 'Smooth Music' is a perfect way showcase Timotha Lanae's various musical flavours. On it she not only literally introduces herself, but sings the lines "A touch of jazz, r&b, soul and hip hop too. I mix these all together and make my own groove" which pretty much sums up the whole record. The influences from all the mentioned genres are evident throughout and her vocal style is reminiscent of Jill Scott. She belongs in that mould of the female modern soul/r&b singers who obviously have a love and a feel for jazz and incorporate those sensabilities in their rendering of the material.I can imagine her being a huge fan of Anita Baker, along with the usual greats, Billie, Ella, Sarah etc. Speaking of the material, it should be noted that Ms Lanae wrote 10 of the 12 tracks on the album. No mean feat as the high standard obtained throughtout 'Red' never falters.
The album's opening song 'Smooth Music' is a perfect way showcase Timotha Lanae's various musical flavours. On it she not only literally introduces herself, but sings the lines "A touch of jazz, r&b, soul and hip hop too. I mix these all together and make my own groove" which pretty much sums up the whole record. The influences from all the mentioned genres are evident throughout and her vocal style is reminiscent of Jill Scott. She belongs in that mould of the female modern soul/r&b singers who obviously have a love and a feel for jazz and incorporate those sensabilities in their rendering of the material.I can imagine her being a huge fan of Anita Baker, along with the usual greats, Billie, Ella, Sarah etc. Speaking of the material, it should be noted that Ms Lanae wrote 10 of the 12 tracks on the album. No mean feat as the high standard obtained throughtout 'Red' never falters.
The first single released was a classy r&b affair called 'Radio' featuring Stokley Williams and Walter 'Q Bear' Banks Jr. from another hot item from Minneapolis, the soul/funk band, Mint Condition. Another standout (the set's second single) is the sweet, melodic, soul shuffling 'Talkin' To Myself'. The current track released from the album is the smooth funky 'People Pleaser', another warm, inviting sounding effort. I think it's this overall ingredient of warmth, with it's soulful, jazzy sounds which is most appealing to me. In this day and age, where so much music being offered up is clinical and cold without any real depth, Timotha Lanae brings to the table good old fashioned feel good music sung with real feeling and real instruments, yet manages to keep it modern with a subtle hip hop feel.
One look at her videos and you can tell instantly that this lady does indeed have a background in theatre. They seem to tell a story and she has a sense of where she belongs in the world and refuses to forget what has happened in the past, at least in America. There is a constant sense of looking back while looking forward. The visuals are both interesting and intriguing, begging you to to inquire about the backstory of each song. So it seems quite natural to learn Timotha has written a play called REDdington which I believe will feature some of the music found on the album. If that magical combnation of soul, r&b, jazz and hip hop is your thing, you should do as I did, and make the acquaintance of Ms Lanae and her fabulous album 'Red'. You will feel the more better for it.
For good measure, here's the video for 'Talkin To Myself':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFqGmYIH4Ec
One look at her videos and you can tell instantly that this lady does indeed have a background in theatre. They seem to tell a story and she has a sense of where she belongs in the world and refuses to forget what has happened in the past, at least in America. There is a constant sense of looking back while looking forward. The visuals are both interesting and intriguing, begging you to to inquire about the backstory of each song. So it seems quite natural to learn Timotha has written a play called REDdington which I believe will feature some of the music found on the album. If that magical combnation of soul, r&b, jazz and hip hop is your thing, you should do as I did, and make the acquaintance of Ms Lanae and her fabulous album 'Red'. You will feel the more better for it.
For good measure, here's the video for 'Talkin To Myself':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFqGmYIH4Ec
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