Terence Price

The love of music came natural for T. Price, who at 5 years old would spend hours listening to records and playing soul melodies in his head. A true child of the seventies T. Price was influenced by The Jackson Five, Graham Central Station, Earth Wind and Fire, and the Brothers Johnson just to name a few. At age 10 T. Price began playing guitar and bass. At that point he would join his first band in Columbia Md, which was a so-called junkyard band that did mostly Trouble Funk covers and a few originals. By the time Price turned 13 he began to Dj, and master turntablism, becoming more and more influenced by the rise of hip-hop, but never forgetting the deep R&B roots that helped mold him. The next 7 or 8 years would be spent learning how to program drum machines, and sampling, and developing other aspects of production such as vocal arrangement, mixing, tracking and sequencing. From time to time Price would pick up session work as a bass player for various artists such as Gerald Levert (School me), Gladys Knight (Men), and a few other independent projects that never really took off anywhere. Price also ghost wrote and/or made beats for other artists such as EPMD, The Large Professor, Direct Info, and many many more.

Also in 94' Price did some fill-in work on a Japanese tour with Rachelle Farelle. For many years after that Price would try to break into the mainstream as a producer, but found out, as have many other people that Major record industry doors don't open that easily, In 2005 Price launched 721 productions, where he would have total autonomy over Production, writing, singing, and artist developement. In 2007 Price produced the title track from " The Malisha Jones Project", entitled "It's Never Too Late", also on the same effort Price did some keyboard work as well as some background vocals. Still unable to get major distribution Price decided to call his own number and develop, " I can't stop the Raindrops". Price got help from long time friends Eugene Caster III (writing,vocals), and Eric "Enote" Bailey, (production,utilities). Along the way Price acquired the fresh writing style from author Kendell Lenice ( Lifetime Membership) to come in and lend her skills to two of the tracks. " I can't stop the Raindrops" is a blend of R&B rhythms, Hip-Hop driven beats, and slick production. It is also an answer to also of Price's critics who said that his music is this, or his music is that, and it will also fly in the face of these big record companies that want to decide what the people are gonna listen to. " I just wanted to put out a working man's project, that you can just sit back with a cold beer, or whatever you drink, or ride in your car with the windows open, and just head-nod, and feel good at the same time, trust me there is something in here for everybody!"

As Terence says: "I didn't choose music, music chose me! I think about my journey, living and growing, and transcending through various periods and Genres of music, and that is how I arrive. Being involved in music is not a way of making a living, but it is my way of life. My latest effort “I can't stop the Raindrops", was written with you in mind. I wanted to do a feel good album where you wouldn't repeat the same track over and over but start from track 1 and end on track 16,! I wanted to take you through various emotions from joy to desperation, from jubilation to heartbreak. It is all in this record".

People ask me “what is your favorite song on the album?", and I ponder and I say, “All of them!" My musical influences shine through on this project, Artists like Luther, Howard Johnson, Rick James and Smokey, Marvin, and Atlantic Starr begin to come to mind when you listen to the first track, " Don't be Afraid', Funk and Hip-Hop influences are blazing through on " Every time I see her face", and Faithful Remix. I am in love with every track, and extra tender loving care was put into each one so that the people that listened to it would feel the same way. The title track “I can't stop the Raindrops" is my personal favorite hence why it is the title track. In a world where I feel like "real" music is being push aside for gimmicky auto-tuned dance numbers, “I can't stop the Raindrops", is my contribution to the journey to take back "our" music, one soul at a time!" So sit back with a cold brew, or in your car with the sunroof open, and get to know me through my music.

You can read the album review by clicking here.

Vick Allen - The Velvet Voice Of Soul

Vick Allen began singing and playing piano from the age of 5 years old. He found his best audiences at the age of 5 years old to be his family and church members who were astonished at Vick’s ability at such an early age.

Vick grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, a city known as a breeding ground for some of the hottest Blues and Gospel talents in the history of music. At the age 15 years old, Vick Allen produced and recorded his first CD; the CD was recorded in Jackson, Mississippi and served its purpose of getting his music and his name circulating in the Jackson music community. After graduating from high school, Vick started singing professionally with the popular gospel group “The Canton Spirituals." Vick later ventured out on his own as a soul singer sharing the stage with such artists as Bobby “Blue” Bland, The O’Jays, Buddy Miles, and Willie Clayton. Vick Allen is a well-known singer, producer, performer, and musician in both the Gospel, R&B and Blues genres.

Vick Allen has produced records for Grammy-nominated artists such as Blues legend Bobby Rush, and Gospel Greats, The Canton Spirituals. Vick has also produced records for other well-known Blues artists such as Tyrone Davis, Willie Clayton, Peggy Scott-Adams, Mel Waiters, Shirley Brown, Toni Green, Omar Cunningham, Mose Stovall and many others for his production company, Test-Mic Productions.

As a performer, Vick has made a huge impact on the Soul/Blues genre in his career. He’s known for his electrifying stage shows, classic recordings and his vocal prowess proving that he truly is “The Velvet Voice Of Soul”.

In 2009, Vick Allen embarks on the next stage of his career as an artist with the hot new label, Soul 1st Records, which produced last year’s biggest Southern Soul CD, “Time Served” by Omar Cunningham and the hottest new artist, Mose Stovall. “Vick Allen is a natural fit with Soul 1st Records as part of the next generation of Southern Soul superstars poised to take over and take Southern Soul to new heights,“ says Reg McDaniel, CEO. Vick Allen has a proven track record with great hits such as, Baby Come Back, Clean House, and When You Pack Your Bags, just to name a few. His new CD on Soul 1st Records will set a new standard in Southern Soul and R&B music.

Interview with Unified Tribe's Magic

UNIFIED TRIBE

Magic's Potion: Life, Love and Unity

By Barry Towler, "the Vibe Scribe"

Magic, by definition, is something that is both bewitching or charming. Apt it is, then, that Magic is also the name of the founder and producer of the phenomenal musical combo, Unified Tribe. The Tribe have contributed their fourth album to the music world with their new album, “On Purpose”, and listening to the music, hearing the lyrics and seeing the imagery they use in their artwork I wanted to delve a little deeper than I had done before on the particular brand of magic has been woven by this group. Fans of the group will love this new album, and if you listen real close then you will, as Gamble and Huff would say, hear the message in the music.

Magic rates as one of the most sincere, wise, real, and truly spiritual people I have ever had the joy to come across. This man is someone I feel kindred to, and as our conversation deepens this feeling grows. Humble, thankful and never conceited, Magic is someone who digests what I say, takes the time to think then when he answers me his insights simply blow me away. Magic indeed. I ask him about the new album and we discuss the important difference between hearing and listening to music. “You have to listen to this” Magic says emphatically, totally understanding the difference. “These are not just songs, but they are also stories. Stories that everyone can relate to”. He continues, “There is nothing new under the sun!" Magic speaks with great conviction and is cheerfully worldly wise, yet is not worn down by it. His conversation and observations are at all times bouyant, exuberent and one can feel his deep inner strengths, passions and I know that I am in the presence of a Man who has lived, seen and experienced many things and has come through the fire stronger and, more importantly, positive. "Everyone has a story to tell, we are all different experiencing similar things but the truth is all our stories are the same. One way or another we all have the same feelings, emotions and daily experiences”.

I agree. We all live, we love and we are subject to happiness and pain. The Tribe know this well. “Unified Tribe make music for the soul”, relates Magic, emphasis deliberately placed on the word 'soul'. Magic is sincere, passionate and serious in the most uplifting way when he says “We have a responsibility as artists. Music can change lives. We all have to evolve. On this, our fourth album, you can hear the natural evolution of the group. You have to leave a legacy to be proud of. Now, you can use words and music to create anger and cause destruction or we can make a beautiful noise, and communicate with the universe. In our harmonies, we are very close and tight. We work together. Our energies and our vibrations affect everyone.” If this sounds weird to you then please check out the work of Dr. Masaru Emoto and the effects of words and music on water crystals. To my sheer delight Magic - and the Tribe who I discover are listening in – know of this great scientist's work. Enthusiastically Magic continues, “Take kids...feed 'em angry music...and they will grow up as a product of that auric environment. We make our own destiny, and I know that I am responsible for my life. I create my life in my own conscious mind. It's important we understand this. Instead of blaming others for what happens to us in our daily lives, we need to take ownership of our actions, and take the responsibility. Knowing this empowers me! Music is part of what I do...it's about waking up to what is real and understanding that we are divine, and we all have the divine spark. In life we are bombarded daily, and told otherwise. This is an insult to the divine creator. We are responsible, and the changes we have in our lives have to come from within us.”

Magic is reflective for a moment when I ask him how this has been taken on board by the Tribe, and his answer is honest and insightful. “It's been a long and rough road. I've learned that if you can make it through the fire then you can make it. The Tribe...we understand things, together, at a totally different level. We all face problems – we're like a family with the issues all families have. But we love and respect each other and if you make love bigger than the problem then we will get there.”

So what of the philosophy behind Unified Tribe? Immediately, Magic says “Our philosophy is very simple. If you are kind, love, respect and honour people then our lives would be a lot better.” That I can certainly agree with. “As a race, we all wear masks – something the animals do not do. We have different faces for different people and situations. For example, when I was a kid growing up in New York I was doing things and going places that simply were not me. I learnt that violence and negativity does not work”. We discuss the emotive, ambiguous and oft-used word 'love'. “People talk about love...it's a word that is bandied about, misused. True love is an intangible thing, and love and forgiveness are ONE THING. I now live a more peaceful life and whenever my last day comes I want to know that I led a peaceful, fulfilling life. Love is a concept – it has no beginning or end. It's not corny. Love and forgiveness are the same thing”.

Magic warms to this theme and his true nature reveals itself more and more as the conversation progresses. Magic is more than a musician, a singer or a writer or producer. More importantly, Magic is a Humanitarian. This is woven into every aspect of Unified Tribe's music, of which Magic is totally humble about his role. “Unified Tribe is not just me. I'm just a small grain of salt. Unified Tribe is not a group, we're an action. When you hear us, or especially come and see us perform, then you will see and sense that we have more in common than our differences”. And this is the very essence of what Magic and the rest of the Tribe are about. They are One and part of the bigger plan. “I have had lots of experiences” Magic says quietly. After a slight pause he says with real conviction – and with a conviction I feel too – that “people need to live for NOW. People...they regret the past and also fear the future, and in doing this they miss embracing right now! If we do this - embrace now - then we can really live and love.

You have to inspire each other, as we do in our group, to be better spiritual and human beings. We aspire to do this. At our performances,” he says, “we go out into the audience and we literally go out and into the audience and greet every person! Our concerts are interesting!” We laugh, continuing on this theme Magic says “After the concert we invite people along to a restaurant where we will be for breakfast next day. We don't see fans as fans. They are friends and family. The title of our new album is 'On Purpose'. What we do – everything we do – is On Purpose”. I ask Magic about a possible visit to the UK. This idea is met with relish! “Man, in the UK people either like music or they don't. In the US we are really jaded in that department. Older artists should be revered, and they still are in the UK. The US is very 'throwaway'. We would love to perform in the UK. I feel spiritually attached to the UK – our music is warmly received and my wife is also British so I have strong links with the UK.” Magic is enthusiastic about the UK and Europe as he continues “In the US things are like a fad – but not so in Europe – especially in Spain and the Netherlands. It's great to know that when people over there buy our music they look at the artwork, they read the booklet and they know our music! I have played to an audience of 60,000 but I prefer smaller settings with, say, one or two hundred people. In this way I can reach out easier. Less is definitely more! I would love to do this in the UK”.

On the new album I ask about the nature of the songs. My favourite song, “Living Without You” has literally just been cut by Magic for inclusion on the upcoming Inspirational CD by the legendary Whispers. “The guys loved this song, and when you hear them do this it will blow you away! There are actually two new albums coming from the Whispers and we're working on those right now! This is an Inspirational album in that it is all about love and positivity. When I wrote “Living Without You” I was asked what made me so emotional about it. Well, it relates to me, and my experience – it has auric energy and when you realise that music is a spiritual thing you know why music can make you happy or sad.”

I also talk about the song, “Monkey” which interests me. “It's about things that overtake and control our reality. It's all about shrugging off negative energy. People get into situations where they gossip, slander etcetera...I have learned that what other people do is not my business. So – get the stuff weighing you down off your back”. I mention that much could be discerned about the ethos of Unified Tribe from the booklet and artwork. Magic is very happy that I had noticed this. “You will see on the book that there are DNA strands, helixes and the symbol for infinity. These are images for those out there who are 'waking up'. We are living through a time of great change – now and in the years ahead and more and more people are feeling and seeing this. We as people see and hear everything, at every level. Inside the booklet are lots of eyes. I call these the windows to the soul and magic totally agrees. “Eyes open us up. You see our inner self. I enjoy this...vulnerability. I am a very sensitive, loving, kind being and in the past I have been negative, and it grew to a point where I wanted to open my book, let everyone see me, what I had done. I believe that I am now on my way somewhere. Music comes through me, it's from a higher source. I am a public servant. Music is my tool. The way I see life is that I am here in this life until I'm not! And when I'm no longer here my music and our legacy will still be here”

I ask Magic what else the group do regarding their positivity and legacy. His answer really warms me. “at Christmas we perform in hospices and such like. You get educated to a whole different level here”. He adds with more than a hint of a smile “We've also been on TV – we were extras on CSI and we've done some work on the new George Clooney film “Up In The Sky”!” I love this. This is a man and a group who are switched on, very awake spiritually and at ease with themselves, each other and the world. A Unified Tribe indeed. I ask about any special message for their fan base here in the UK or Europe, and here Magic is very sincere and appreciative – so much that it is tangible. “I extend my extreme gratitude to my brothers and sisters in the UK. I give you my word to create quality music. I have a spiritual connection to the UK and look forward to coming over and meeting as many of you as I can”. “On Purpose” is a cracking album and is readily available through CD Baby.

Interview With JC Bentley

JC BENTLEY

No boundaries: making music and living life with no limitations

I was once told that there are two types of people that I would encounter in life. One is a radiator, the other is a drain. Now, I have found this to be true, and when I answered the phone and heard the lovely tones of JC Bentley, it was immediately apparent that this Lady was certainly NOT a drain! JC Bentley simply oozed positivity. It was this 'can do' attitude that won me over and made for a great, great conversation. A very positive person, proactive, insightful, intuitive and wise beyond her years, we spoke – mostly laughed – about life, the universe and music. Now, music is JC's passion and her appreciation of music is long and deeply rooted. I asked her about her introduction to music. Her energy sizzles on this point and the answer is simply delicious. “Oh! It was Stevie Wonder in the back of Dad's car! Dad bought all his albums, and when I heard these I thought 'Wow!' Dad also was – and still is – heavily into Earth, Wind & Fire and George Benson!” Great introductions then, I say. This is not all though as JC explained enthusiastically with more than a modicum of love and pride. “My Dad is a musician. He plays bass, lead guitar and drums – AND he sings! He used to be in a group that travelled around Europe. The group was called The Twilights. They toured a lot, had fun here and in Europe! Both Dad and his favourite music inspired me a lot”. JC is then very animated, and her positivity and sheer joy for the theme bursts forth again, the smile is still on my face.

“When I was born the nurses on the maternity ward nicknamed me 'La La'. The Matron said I did not cry but I SANG! How mad is that?! When I was about 4 or 5 Dad realised that I was repeating melodies and chords, and it really surprised him. Aged 7, I was taken to the Mavis Bennett School of Singing, who would usually take in students from age 8, however Mavis Bennett agreed to audition me. She listened and told my parents I had perfect pitch and that I was 'exceptionally talented' and agreed to take me in a year early. I trained as a Classical singer for 8 years and then – JC laughs – I heard SOUL. This gave me a BIG change in my direction and when I heard Gospel...well...it was 'Wow!'...I thought I had arrived!!! JC laughs and her excitement and sheer enthusiasm is addictive. Her love for her craft is more than apparent and at no point is she egotistical or self-adoring. This is a genuinely wonderful Lady with a God-given talent and she is loving every second of it, and her love for her craft is simply contagious!

JC's very proactive, positive and 'live for this very second' attitude has has opened up the most amazing opportunities as you will see. This Lady is full of conviction when she tells me “You need so much more than talent. You need the RIGHT non-egotistical attitude and accept no limitations!” Ah, I'm now warming to her theme. We talk more. A lot more in fact! “I pride myself on LISTENING”. I smile at this. JC laughs, 'I told my producer that I had taken the cotton wool out of my ears and put it in my mouth. I am working with people in the industry who are literally at the top of their game which means they know what they're doing & it's important to listen to what they say!.'

Everything I am hearing, the enthusiasm, the creativity, the love and passion for music is amazing. This is surely going to shine through on JC Bentley's début album. So, what of the album? This is when our conversation gets very intense and excitable. This Lady is telling me things that I really want to hear and when we start talking about the album...it's a breathtaking who's who of who I can only describe as the crème De crème of modern quality soul music. Peep this.
The album is produced by none other than Brian McKnight and his brother, Claude McKnight wo is the founder member of the 10 times Grammy-award winning group, Take 6. Incidentally, she adds, Take 6 are also on the album. How's that for a début?! Brian McKnight has, to date, sold more than 16 million albums! That, coupled with the extensive knowledge and experience he & Claude share together and apart as artists is immeasurable. But there's so much more. At this point I am wondering how a girl with no manager and no major recording deal could rub shoulders with the best of the best? Before I could put this question to her JC spills the beans on the rest of the project, and I was amazed by I heard! In fact, by the end of it I am blown away. One name makes me sit up. The LEGENDARY Leon Ware, responsible for Marvin Gaye's “I Want You” album, Quincy Jones' “Bodyheat”, and Michael Jackson's first ever number one single is also working closely on this album. I smile when JC tells me that “Leon is like family to me.” I nod in assent to this, as I know exactly what she means. JC continues, “I went to see Dionne Warwick in concert and it was there that I saw Leon Ware. He was sat alone, in a corner, so I walked over to him, slapped my hands down on the table and exclaimed 'Mr Ware! I know that you are dying to write me a song, but I let's get acquainted first!' Leon smiled, and suggested I send him a demo. It was at this point I decided to seize the opportunity whilst I had it. After all, many demos never get listened to, and I was not going to take that risk so I burst into song!' Not only was Leon so impressed by her performance but he invited her to perform a duet live with him three days later at the Jazz Café.

If this wasn't enough to tell me about the guts of this Lady I next hear about her meetings with UK Soul Star Omar and the legendary Alexander O'Neal. “I saw Alexander O'Neal in concert, and was fortunate enough to get a backstage pass” I knew what was coming, so my only question to JC was 'what song did you sing for him???', to which she roared with laughter, replying “Never Knew Love Like This. Alex was very impressed!” I was not surprised when JC tells me that Alex invited her to join him on stage at the Hammersmith Apollo to perform his smash hit duet “Saturday Love” to a sold-out audience of 3000 people. That performance was captured on film for a live DVD which is now available to buy in stores!
And what of Omar? “I was sat in a restaurant in London, having lunch with a friend when I happened to see Omar walking past. I dropped my cutlery and ran out of the restaurant! Once I caught up with him, I told him how much I loved his work, and that I had all of his albums. I then told him I was a singer who would love to work with him. Like Leon, he asked me to send him a demo. Again, not risking anything I sang for him in the street, there and then! A couple of days later I received a phone call from Omar's manager telling me that he had been impressed with what he had heard and that I had been invited to his recording studio a week later. It was there that we wrote the duet “Be A Man”, which I'm delighted to say that Omar has included on his new album, “Sing (If You Want It)”. It was at this point that I suggested the irony of this title as this was exactly what JC had done with Alex, Leon And Omar. And look at the results!

From here, I ask JC about Brian McKnight. How did this amazing hook-up take place? There's a pause, a moment of reflection. In the silence I hear deep respect. “I owe my thanks to his brother, Claude McKnight. Take 6 had already agreed to work on my album and Claude and I got to know each other better. One day he rang me saying 'I think you should meet my brother. I received a text 10 minutes later saying we were going to meet at Brian's house!!! After Brian heard me sing he sat back in his chair and after a brief silence smiled and said 'You can really sing'. At this point he grabbed his guitar, and he, Claude and I wrote the song “I'm Just Me” which will be on my album.' I recant to JC about the calibre of those giving her compliments...Leon Ware...Brian McKnight....Omar...JC Bentley does not need me to tell her likewise, but I do. JC is very happy that I liken elements of her vocals to Regina Belle – and even more happy when I consider her to be BETTER than Regina Belle! I ask if there are any songs on the album that are very special and personal to her. JC is quiet for a moment and says “Butterfly. It's about my Nan dying. It's very emotional right from the start”. JC proceeds to roll off the lyrics. I choke up. It's deep, personal and beautiful. JC understands. “I have seen 3 fully grown men crying to this song”. Well, here's your fourth.

For all that I know and have heard through music and in conversation I am well aware I am in the presence of soul music MAJESTY. Do NOT get JC Bentley wrong. There is no sense of ego, no big head nothing like that. There is nothing but self-belief, conviction and a wholly rare British 'Can do' attitude. I am very impressed. Like me, JC Bentley lives in a world without frontiers and without limitations. She knows what she needs – not wants. Both JC and I know that many people cannot separate the two. JC adores life, adores music and when she does what she loves doing wild horses will not bar her way. But JC is reflective and she listens and she learns. This is very important. There are no coincidences in her world, and all things are synchronised. The old adage of what is meant for you will not go by you is all too true in the wonderful JC Bentley story. For JC Bentley, success comes in 'can's' not 'cannots'. JC is living her dream.. Just look at the artists she is working with! JC NEVER says she cannot do anything. It is at this point I ask her how she funded the project. “I knew that I needed money to enable me to pay for studio, musicians, producers, flights, hotels etc., so I put a business plan together for an investor”. JC tells me that the man who stepped forward to help her is so much more than an investor. With so much gratitude in her tone, JC tells me of how this man has been so supportive, caring and understanding: “He is truly a wonderful human being and I cannot express how blessed I feel to have met him. He inspires me, and his belief makes me work harder in order to make him proud of me.”

I discuss JC's attitude, the sheer talent she has, and the talent she is working with...this is surely going to be evident in the album isn't it? The album is quite varied. Brenda Russell has written a song for the album and the Black Eyed Peas also feature on the album on a song which looks set to be the first single. “I wanted to work with the Black Eyed Peas because I knew they could bring the commercial element to the album, which is exactly what they have done.” Brandon Barnes (Co-writer with Brian McKnight on “One Last Cry” and “Anytime”) is now involved on the project too. “Claude got Brandon involved” says JC. JC continues. “AND I am recording a duet with Stevie Wonder!” Wow! I had to dig a little deeper on her meeting with Stevie Wonder! “The first meeting with Stevie was with Omar and my benefactor, and I sat at the piano with Stevie and we played around and sang. He was warm, genuine and has a great sense of humour. I cannot wait to get into the studio and record with him!” None of this would be possible without Claude McKnight. I am eternally grateful for his support, encouragement and belief. I never expect anything from anybody, and it means so much that Claude has gone out of his way to bring these amazing people to my project. With him and Brian as executive producers, the amazing team of songwriters, artists and my benefactor, I know now that we have a winning team!”

No artist without a major record deal or management has done what JC Bentley is doing. Look at the artists, producers she has worked with and this she has done all of this on her own. I give this young Lady so much real credit. I am so pleased for JC, and I cannot wish for success enough. This is going to be a wonderful album and from what I hear it is going to be one of THE highlights of the soul music world when it's released later this year. Remember the name. JC Bentley. She knows what she wants and she gets it I guarantee that before long your heart, mind and soul will be hers. I, for one, am more than sold and I wait with glee and anticipation to see what the future brings. It's great what you can do with no boundaries and lots of self-belief. You go for it!!!! I am right behind you every step of the way.

Interview by Barry Towler - The Vibe Scribe

Chidi

With passionate vocals and a rich velvet tone that caresses the ear UK Singer-Songwriter CHIDI takes you on a musical journey beginning at the first note. Raised on an eclectic mix of music, she borrows from the rich traditions of classic soul music and blending a fusion of Rock, Reggae, Pop and Jazz Chidi delivers her own brand of UK Soul.

Her first foray into music began at her local church, where while attending a funeral, she heard such wonderful music that drew her; she decided to come again and again. After singing with the church youth choir for a number of years she then ventured out into a girl-group named 'Redeemed', and their first appearance was as supporting act for Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Choir.

She began touring Europe and supporting major Gospel artists such as Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, and Winans Phase II as part of a National choir which gave her more confidence to sing both lead vocals and backup, She has shared the stage with some big names; James Brown, Prince, Corinne Bailey-Rae… but it wasn't long before she realized that her true passion was to be a solo artist. Her energy and ability to communicate a song with intensity will leave you in no doubt that the stage is her home...

Her first solo project entitled 'Unrehearsed' is filled with honesty as she expresses her faith, her love and her heartbreaks along this short but interesting journey called life....

To listen to her music check out Chidi's website

Check out her CD on CD-Baby.

Sophia Nelson

Sophia Nelson was born in Accra, Ghana to a family of 7 children of which she is the youngest. Artist at heart, she appeared for the first time on stage at the age of 10 as soloist in her school choir. At the age of 14 she studied theatre and drama and participated in a lot of cultural activities organised by her school. She took up modelling as a hobby at the age of 17 and worked as a model for 3 years at the ..House of St Osei.. in Accra, Ghana.

Home for Sophia was a melting pot of music. She attributes developing her acoustic alchemic sense of rhythm to growing up in a very diverse musical household. Whilst her older siblings listened to James Brown, Aretha Franklin and their likes, her parents listened to jazz, classical and Highlife music (signature music of Ghana). This musical diversity will eventually be the backbone for all her future compositions.

In 1985, she finally embraced an opportunity to leave Ghana for France, to pursue her first love .. Music. She enrolled in Conservatoire de D.. Angers for 2 years where she studied vocal training and solfège. She then moved to Paris in the 90..s where she studied Jazz at the CIM where it all began. A few months into her course, she catapulted her career and performed with her quintet ..Cosmopolitan.. in some of the capitals most exclusive Jazz clubs: Le New Morning, Le Petite Journal Montparnasse, Lionel Hampton Jazz Club she also toured France and Europe where she appealed to and captured a larger audience. She later joined and toured with a French Rhythm and Blues group ..Chance Orchestra...

Sophia has performed as backing vocalist for Celine Dion , Johnny Halliday, Africando and has worked next to great Jazz Musicians such as Richard Bona, Paco Sery and Hérve Meschinet just to name a few.

In 2000 Sophia finally decided to dedicate her time to song writing. A year later, she co produced and released her 1st album ..Lotty,.. a creative journey travelling through different genres of music, shifting styles and rhythms in its course. With her second album ..Woman in Love.., she yet again showcases her colourful style and unique style.