LaShell Griffin - Free - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Rudolf Schock - Idomeneo [COMPACT DISCS] date 01/01/2007

One of the rising stars of the Philly soul scene, the uniquely talented vocalist Tesa Williams has actually been making moves for quite some time. After years of lending her voice in a supporting role to artists such as Gerald Levert and Vesta Williams, Tesa has become a well-respected artist at the front of the stage, wowing audiences with her dynamic presence and beautiful phrasing. Her long overdue solo album is slated to be released in the near future and if this second single from that eagerly anticipated debut is any indication, Williams has a great chance of becoming a big star. On her latest single, Tesa puts her own spin on Deniece Williams' gem, InchFreeInch - which hit No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100, and also climbed to No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart for two weeks in May 1977. Tesa repurposes the classic song for these modern times with the help of legendary producer Butch Ingram and a superb backing group comprised of the Philadelphia area's finest musicians.

A member of the Enchanters and the Dell-Tones, two of the first all female R&B groups of the 1950's, lead vocalist and drummer Della Griffin became the first female drummer in a well known group. When the Dell-Tones began to drift apart in the late 1950's, Della left to perform on her own, most often as a singer rather than a drummer which helped her gain more notoriety. Over the years she toured and played in support to many artists including Jimmy Forrest, Sonny Stitt, Benny Green, Illinois Jacquet, Houston Person and her sister-in-law, Etta Jones. Della became a close friend to Billie Holiday, who she bears a strong vocal resemblance to. Presented here is Della's classic 1978 album on which she made her long overdue solo vocal debut as a jazz singer, accompanied only by a trio. The album was produced by legendary vocal great Sonny Til. All selections newly re-mastered.