EBONY JO-ANN DEBUT CD PARTY PREVIEW-PLEASE SAVE YOUR LOVE FOR ME(c)2015 - CNN i
A review of the new CD by the multi-talented actress/singer, Ebony Jo-Ann.
A review of the new CD by the multi-talented actress/singer, Ebony Jo-Ann.
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At New York City’s SUGAR BAR on July 15, <strong>2015</strong>, an excited, lively SRO<br />
crowd listened intently as Ebony Jo-Ann sang from her debut <strong>CD</strong>, <strong>PLEASE</strong><br />
<strong>SAVE</strong> <strong>YOUR</strong> <strong>LOVE</strong> <strong>FOR</strong> <strong>ME</strong>.<br />
No stranger to this genre, Ebony’s introductory blues performance was in<br />
Frank Silvera’s production of BESSIE SMITH: EMPRESS OF THE BLUES in<br />
1981.<br />
In 2010, Ebony’s earthy voice caught the ears of legendary R&B songwriting<br />
team Nick Ashford, and Valerie Simpson when they launched the Tuesday<br />
night NUTTIN' BUT THE BLUES at the Sugar Bar. Working with producer<br />
Danny Kean, the project was two years in the making. They believed in her<br />
talent, and the results are the ten tunes best described by Ebony:<br />
“Vintage blues tunes married with original songs written expressly for me.”<br />
<strong>PLEASE</strong> <strong>SAVE</strong> <strong>YOUR</strong> <strong>LOVE</strong> <strong>FOR</strong> <strong>ME</strong> mixes jazz, blues, spoken word<br />
(ancient Griot tradition of storytelling), and lyrics that speak to the underlying<br />
themes of love. Love in all its tenderness, and passion. Love you never<br />
thought you'd feel or know. These compositions are brought to life by Ms. Jo-<br />
Ann's confident delivery, as she belts out with passion, conviction, and a voice<br />
that captures your attention.<br />
YO <strong>LOVE</strong>, I'M GLAD I WAITED <strong>FOR</strong> <strong>LOVE</strong>, NOSYBODY, BURNING<br />
WORLD, IS IT BECAUSE I'M BLACK, MUDDY WATERS, SEND <strong>ME</strong><br />
SO<strong>ME</strong>BODY, SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD, JUST RAIN, (described by<br />
Ebony as inspiration), became the: "catalyst and inspiration for the entire<br />
project."<br />
The title song completes the set.<br />
<strong>PLEASE</strong> <strong>SAVE</strong> <strong>YOUR</strong> <strong>LOVE</strong> <strong>FOR</strong> <strong>ME</strong> is music you can play anytime,<br />
anywhere---in the car, at a backyard barbecue, with someone special, or even<br />
solo. The overall treat is how <strong>EBONY</strong> <strong>JO</strong>-<strong>ANN</strong> blends vocals with the<br />
outstanding musicians who compliment, rather than overshadow her<br />
recording. I’m particularly partial to the “call, and response” cuts, which<br />
featured outstanding guitar solos by Guy Davis. She takes this music, inhales<br />
life into song, and then shares the magic with us,-- the audience, as the tight<br />
crowd grooved.<br />
This was a memorable evening with Ebony Jo Ann in live performance, and<br />
her debut party was a double treat. The total blues experience is one not to be<br />
missed. On this remarkable accomplishment she expressed a nod, or ode to<br />
an ancestor--<br />
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1263352<br />
12/3/15, 2:07 AM<br />
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