#billoconnell

The problem with Nnenna Freelon is that when you start listening to her voice, you do not want it to stop. Smooth, articulated, a little bit of Carmen McRae, some Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald, Nnenna's bewitching voice is putting a spell on our ears. Born In Massachusetts in 1954, Nnenna decided to dedicate her time to her family until the early 90's where she was recommended to Columbia records by Elis Marsalis. At 38 years old, Nnenna recorded her first album for Columbia Exec producer Dr. George Butler would produced another 2 albums after the first one then Columbia dropped Freelon who was picked-up by Concord records. Other than her solo career, Nnenna has worked with other "landmark" voices such as Aretha Franklin, Diane Reeves, Ray Charles, Al Jarreau... I picked up a tune from her last recording for Columbia in 1994: "Listen" where Engineer Frederick Kevorkian masterfully capture the softness of Nnenna's voice while making the other instruments shine simultaneously. The cut is "Journey of the Heart" a beautiful Brazilian like ballad with Bill O'Connell on piano, Walter Booker on bass, Ricky Sebastian on drums and the vocal addition of Jon Lucien. Also appear as guests on the album, Dave Valentine, Yusef Lateef, Alex Foster, Earl Gardner, Cecil Bridgewater, Bill Fischer, Scott Sawyer, Warren Smith. #nnennafreelon #billoconnell #walterbooker #rickysebastian #jonlucien #columbiarecords #jazzballad #yuseflateef #davevalentine #alexfoster #earlgardner #cecilbridgewater #billfischer #scottsawyer #warrensmith