My third album, I Am A Woman Again, is finally out in the world. This album is inspired by and named after an article written by Gladys Bentley in 1952 for Ebony Magazine.
Some of these songs were started in 2018. Others were started last summer. I’m so happy to finally share this part of my heart and mind with you all, and to close out this chapter of the Gladys Bentley Project.
Thank you to @_royal.jay__ for contributing beautiful saxophone playing to “Undone”. And thank you to everyone along the way who had supported me in the creation and releasing of this project. Thank you thank you thank you.
Cover art shot and edited by me. 🖤
#newmusic #neosoul #jazzfusion #blackmusic #archivist
“Die Easy” Tiny Desk audition is live on YouTube. Link in my bio. 🖤
Inspired by @carriemaeweems ’ Kitchen Table Series
Features record sleeve for Nancy Dupree’s 1969 Ghetto Reality album, released on @smithsonianfolkways . One of my favorite finds ever.
#tinydesk #tinydeskcontest #tinydeskconcert #soulmusiclovers #vahnblack
“Hit Em Up Style” by Blu Cantrell. Another oldie that’s fun as hell to sing lol. I can’t go without acknowledging the Carolina Chocolate Drops’ version which feeds the barefoot guitarist in me and caught me soooo off guard when I first heard it lol. This is mostly inspired by the Postmodern Jukebox version.
I know yall have asked for more looper so here it is. 🖤
#looper #jazztok #blackmusic #rnbvibes
Your favorite archivist has arrived. I now have my Master of Library and Information Studies degree! Obtaining this degree was certainly a journey, but I am beyond grateful.
Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way. Community makes us stronger, and I am grateful to you for being a part of mine.
Here’s your reminder that artists have other passions even if music is the top priority. We’re multifaceted, multitalented, and full of ideas. Also, the gear don’t pay for itself lol.
With gratitude,
Vahn
Throwback Vahn. “Spain” by Chick Corea (singing Al Jarreau’s version here over the original recording). Love this tune so much had to bring it back. Can’t wait to do it live.
#bam #jazzsinger #chickcorea #livemusic #blackmusic
“Believe In Yourself” from my favorite movie, The Wiz. I feel so lucky to have found the vinyl for the movie AND two copies of the original musical soundtrack. This song always brings me to tears. I hope you believe in yourself today!
#thewiz #broadwaymusicals #believeinyourself #gretschguitars
10 whole years. I remember standing in the West End mall Payless when the news broke.
Shit felt crazy. Still feels crazy. I wonder what sounds he would be making now. At least we have a world of sounds to imagine to. We miss you, purple one.
It was hard to choose a song for this post cuz I have so many favorites. Love Symbol era is so underrated.
#prince
Are you going full groove or stripped down? 👀🖤 “Drive (acoustic)” is in my bio! Have you heard it yet????
#blackmusic #neosoul #soulmusiclovers #acousticsoul
It’s an acoustic summer 🤭 Add “Drive (acoustic)” to your playlist by clicking the link in my bio!
#neosoul #acoustic #blackmusic #soulmusiclovers #rnbvibes
Ooh, WIP Wednesday. I started this like two years ago now I’m dedicated to finishing it lol stick along for the journey to see if I do.
#wipwednesday #crochetersoftiktok #crochetgirl #blackmusic
