The waters rushed through. Washing away cultural, familial, and traditional foundations. Some say that New Orleans died. Some would think that the music was washed away with the city; That the music is gone. But somewhere miles away from the murmurs and scents of the Crescent City, a singer can be heard carrying the soul of New Orleans seasoned with gospel, jazz and some good ole funk. Aquarian born, GaBrilla Ballard, singer, guitarist, songwriter and performer can be heard keeping the spirit of those musical geniuses and path setters alive. Keeping the musical history of New Orleans ever strong and ever growing.
It is sometimes hard to place her music. But soul is at the root and core of every note, every word, every vocal turn that she emotes. Born and raised in New Orleans, LA. amongst many others who were "multi-talented", GaBrilla discovered a love and passion for music and the stage at a very age. Grand-daughter of a jazz musician and a preacher, it is no surprise that even at five feet, four and a half inches and one-hundred and fourteen pounds, she commands attention and admiration with her performances. At four years old, she can recall her mother having her recite poetry in front of her church and she was always in the church choir throughout her childhood. Music continued to be the bloodline for GaBrilla during her High school years. She was also member and lead vocalist “ The Rebels”, a rap group she started with two of her high school friends. This lasted a short time, but she enjoyed the dynamics of being a group and being respected for her charting difficult territory as a female MC.
In the summer of 2001, the winds of transformation and evolution literally blew right though her bedroom window and broke the very neck of the guitar she would later fix, re-string and teach her self to play. This was the beginning of her love-affair with the guitar and songwriting. Since then, GaBrilla has shared stages as both singer and poet with international stars Les Nubians at the House of Blues, Sonia Sanchez and Steel Pulse at the 2001 Essence Music Festival.
In 2002, with a desire to see other places, GaBrilla took at job in the Bay area and moved that summer, with guitar in hand. Since then, she has recorded her first CD under her production company, Ascension Creations Productions. In 2003 she created The Bloodlyne, with bassist Weldon Hall and drummer Geneva Luzula, giving it that added funk and soul that is indicative of artists such as Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye and The Meters. She has graced stages in New Orleans, Oakland, San Francisco, Sacramento, New Mexico, Atlanta , Mississippi and Washington, D.C.
GaBrilla is also featured on and Casamena's " Hip- Hop Meditations", Bionik Brown‘s “ The Darkness and the Light“ and Ner City‘s “Product of the Product“ . GaBrilla is currently in the lap with her band working on her next LP, producing projects for Ascension Creations Productions and being a wonderful mama to her son, Omer.
This recent rash of high-profile transitions has made me truly appreciate the life and loved ones I have. Please take the time to live your life to the fullest and treasure your loved ones.
Thank you for connecting. Beautiful soulful voice you share!! Wonderful to see you have Layne on your list. Do you play frame drums as well? Keep singing in the good vibrations, all the best, Miranda
Hey GaBrilla! Thanks for accepting my request. As I said I really like your music and your voice, it's inspiring, distinctive, honest and so soulful! It's great to hear a real artist like yourself with true talent! Kalli X
