Talented songstress Lorraine Reid is not just reveling in her previous
success as lead singer
for dance group Temperance; she's making a major shift in her career
with the release of a hot
solo R&B album "Lessons Learned." Hailing from Toronto, Reid has
opened for Lou Bega, Monica,
Coolio and Destiny's Child, and "is vocally ready to take her place
beside other international R&B
songbirds. Some would even go as far as to grade her deep, rich voice
against the bluesy sounds of
Billy Holiday or Sarah Vaughan" (Georgette Charlicombe, Mic Check).
It's no surprise that Reid lists Whitney Houston as one of her
influences, since her new album contains
vocals comparable to those of Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige and
India.Arie. Says Charles Bouley II from
Billboard, "Reid delivers inspired vocal[s] that prove she's a
seasoned performer; it could easily elevate
her to diva status. Her delivery is reminiscent of classic Donna
Summer."
Reid's musical style can be described as a combination of R&B and soul
with an edge. Having recorded
two previous albums with Temperance, Virtues of Life and If You Don't
Know, she has the experience and
the skills to infiltrate the music industry by simply sharing her
powerful voice-- with her help, Temperance
was able to secure more Juno nominations than any other dance group to
date.
Soon after Reid's 7th Juno nomination in 2000, she began to feel as
though her life needed a new direction.
She decided to pursue a teaching career while continuing to record
commercial jingles for radio and television,
as well as perform backup vocals for countless other artists.
In the fall of 2005, the combination of full-time teaching and evening-
gigging eventually took a toll on Reid's
health. She suffered a lengthy and extensive bout with laryngitis and
was diagnosed with vocal nodules. Reid
went through with an operation to have her nodules removed, which
caused some loss in range and forced her
to use an amplification system when speaking publicly.
Lessons Learned couldn't be released at a better time in Reid's life;
the album's title emulates the various
challenges she has faced to make this record a reality. You are sure
to hear a more soulful and established artist,
as Reid provides a window into her heart by sharing the experiences
that have made her the talented vocalist
she is today.
You can expect to see the highly anticipated album out soon this
summer, and while you're anxiously awaiting
the album's release, go see Reid live July 12th at the Montreal Reggae
Festival (www.montrealreggaefest.com).
Reid is also scheduled to play the Michigan Reggae Festival this
coming August.
http://www.myspace.com/lorrainereid
http://www.musicdish.net/lorrainereid/
|
|