Roberta Flack's early recordings, Bill Withers, Me'shell Ndegeocello's Bitter, Chocolate Genius' Black Music, Cassandra Wilson's Blue Light 'Till Dawn, and all things strange & musical...
At her essence, Amy LaCour is a soulful singer-songwriter who croons with raw emotion, refreshing elegance and classic influences. Her robust voice emotes grace, power and pained passion like an old soul. Bitter Suite, LaCour’s five-song debut EP, explores the expansive range of her musical wanderlust, including traces of R&B, jazz, pop, modern rock and country music. “In order to remain inspired, I have to listen to all types of music,” she explained. “Everything that I hear influences me in some way. Sticking to one genre is far too creatively limiting.”
Born and raised in Seattle, Washington to an African-American father and a Portuguese mother, LaCour and her sister were nurtured in a safe and supportive environment by parents who set clear boundaries and high standards in all areas of life. “I naively thought the world beyond our front door would be the same. I’m still dealing with the resulting neurosis,” she shared with a chuckle.
Her father introduced her to classic soul, pop and jazz records with a playlist that boasted Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Chaka Khan, The Commodores and Earth, Wind & Fire. While watching the television series Fame, she dreamt of moving to New York City to live an artist’s life. When it was time to go to college, she got her wish when her parents agreed to send her to Columbia University, which is where the bulk of her formal musical education began. LaCour performed, recorded and toured with local bands while honing her own style. “I sang in an acid-jazz band throughout college. When I graduated, I put those suburban piano lessons to good use by starting to write songs,” she recalled. She also took vocal lessons, which helped her gain confidence. While anchored in New York City, LaCour performed in such venues as New York’s Knitting Factory, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Chicago’s House of Blues and London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Inside, LaCour’s muse was beckoning her to move to Los Angeles. Before she uprooted, she was fortunate to meet and work with several of her musical idols. In Brooklyn, she lived across the street from Mark Anthony Thompson (a.k.a. “Chocolate Genius”), who’s album Black Music remains one of her favorite recordings. Impressed with her work, Thompson invited her to perform before his set. LaCour was introduced to Brandon Ross, who arranged much of Cassandra Wilson’s Blue Light ‘Till Dawn. Ross agreed to produce LaCour’s first demo recording. She also met Jerry Barnes, bass player in Roberta Flack’s band, at a show in Greenwich Village. “Roberta Flack was a surprise guest at the show. I almost passed out when I saw her. I’d been listening to (her album) Chapter Two religiously at that time.” Barnes offered to produce two tracks before LaCour headed west. “Not only did he produce two songs, but he introduced me to one of my idols. I met Roberta Flack and [songwriter] Eugene McDaniels on the same evening. That is the beauty of New York City’s music community.”
It wasn’t luck alone that brought LaCour face-to-face with such formidable talent. These gifted musicians recognized her abilities and they encouraged her to develop her art. She brought those lessons with her to Los Angeles and into the recording sessions for Bitter Suite, which she released via her own Voice Recordings label.
At present, LaCour anxiously awaits the chance to complete recording the second half of her debut album. “One of my major goals is to be able to keep up with my influences. In other words, I'd love the opportunity to be in the studio to develop my sound in response to all of the new things I hear and feel inspired by. There are new things everyday,” she stated. “Most of my songs come from the same old neurosis. As it turns out, the world is not always a fair place. Nothing and no one is perfect, but there is great beauty in the imperfection. Life is complicated, challenging and rewarding, and subject to our own interpretation and direction. Writing and performing allows me to express and understand this. It’s like magic; it is a gift.” It’s also a gift for discriminating music listeners.
Thanks for the request. Very glad I had a chance to listen to the wonderfully melodic flavor of your songs. This is what I'd call pure ARTISTRY. There's such sonic clarity, passion & emotion in your vocals. Methinks I smell a STAR in the making.
Thanks for the connection, Sis. Your sound is hauntingly beautiful! Loving it!!! I would be honored if you send some tracks to soulschoolcafe@aol.com for my show.
Hello, Thanks soo much for the request!! Keep up the beautiful tunes, lady. I sure will spread the word. Just heard Tamar yesterday with Ticklah. Will you come to NYC soon? If so, please keep me in the loop.
I love your voice and I love, love your music. I cant wait to get home to go to Itunes and add you to my faves. Thank you for the invite and look forward to hearing more from you in the future. Pease and Blessings Goddess.
Your voice is glorious and definitely reminds me of another era gone by. Cassandra Wilson's Blue Light 'til Dawn is also my top CW album especially because of the rhythm in Black Crow.
Thank you for adding me on and I hope to see you in concert soon.
Thanks for finding and adding me. I'm ALWAYS looking for great music, and I love it when great music finds me first. You best believe I will spread the word. Thanks...~Rob~
Amy thanks for requesting the add. I love beautiful music and your voice is a great addition to my page. You have a soulful voice and your music reminds me of freedom songs. Keep the music coming. Looking forward to a great myspace friendship.
I just got your invite, and I usually just reject invites from musicians, but i decided to give you a chance. Good thing I did because I LOVE YOUR MUSIC!!!!!!!!! I bought it on itunes about 5 min after accepting your request. Its AMAZING!!!!
Amy, thanks so much for the request, I feel lucky to have found you. You are blessed with a special voice and you'll be around a long time. I'm looking forward to hearing more in the future. best, Peter
Hey Amy, Great job on those selections. I am here wishing I can get some of your tracks maybe for free - for some airplay here in the Caribbean. You have become my myspace song. Keep up the good works and holla at me if need be. Welcome to my page girl.
Any music can fill the air but while bad music can make you want to run away and good music makes you listen to hear the message, only great music can make you feel it, become it, and change you into it.
"I'm The One", is just that, great music. First it stops your ears, then your mind and finally your heart. When it's over, you're different. It encapsulates and breathes the real power of music.
