Dionne | Living in the Music (EP)
Album Review: Dionne – Living in the Music (EP)
By Peggy Oliver
Listen to song samples from "Living In The Music'', exclusively from Amazon on our R&B/Soul Page by clicking here!!
I
must give kudos to 111 East Music for doing their homework in finding
vocal jewels like Dionne, a singer/songwriter who paints plenty of vivid
pictures with her music. The Texas born, now Washington, DC based
neo-soul/jazz stylist simply loves to inspire those who want to live
life to the fullest. Every time she blazes the stage, one seems to
gravitate towards her sincere, energetic personality who takes the
inspirations of India.Arie and Anita Baker right along with her. A
graduate of the Arts Magnet School in Dallas who boosts Erykah Badu and
Kirk Whalum as their alumni, Dionne (who used to perform under Deedee
Kirby) has been around several job blocks before blossoming into a full
time musical artist. From the traditional office job to teaching
students in pushing for their highest potential in life, the launching
point for Dionne’s ultimate destiny was in 1997. Her demo took half a
year to realize; fighting self-doubts from all the dues she paid as a
background singer and locking in a decision regarding her future.
Dionne’s final dream was released in summer of 2010 with the independent
disc – Unrealistic – which is now repackaged but with the same material
on Living in the Music.
Despite
several different producers, each and every track shines with Dionne’s
dynamic voice powering through the neo-soulful vibe. “Ooh” with an
enthralling hook, chills out with hypnotizing beats, hand claps and
strings in a song about experiencing joy to the fullest. “Move” speaks
loudly in Dionne’s personal life: “I’m inspired to go higher for the
dreams that inspire me.” This first single from Living in the Music
not only induces the head nods, but is a perfect choice for rhythmic
R&B and adult contemporary radio. The same could apply for “Lucky”
with its shivering synth fills and electric piano glistens. A song that
deviates a bit from the positive, “Allergies,” is a jazzy soul ode
geared for Mr. Misery regarding frustrations in a cool but firm
demeanor: “Your insecurity made my eyes swell.” Where the rest of the
tracks are primarily producer driven, “Sure” maintains the sweet
grooves, only with a more organic flow. Backing Dionne are Keith Hammond
on guitar and bass guitar, Elliot Jefferson on keys and Lamonte Silver
on drums and percussion.
Five tracks may not be enough to properly judge Dionne’s full potential. For now, Living in the Music
is a soulfully delicious introduction for Dionne; one of 111 East
Music’s growing list of neo-soul/jazz artists to keep those ears perked
for.
Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene
Posted by Administration at 4/17/2011 8:05 AM 
Categories: Soul, Rhythm and Blues, Song Samples, Neo-Soul, Video
Tags: Music Videos Rhythm And Blues
Categories: Soul, Rhythm and Blues, Song Samples, Neo-Soul, Video
Tags: Music Videos Rhythm And Blues
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