My mother, my father, my sisters (Nan, Pat), Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Earth, Wind & Fire, Donny Hathaway, Lalah Hathaway, Funkadelic, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Karen Clark-Sheard, The Clark Sisters, Kim Burrell, Shirley Murdock, Phyllis Hyman, Anita Baker, Stephanie Mills, Cheryl Lynn, Deniece Williams, Sharon Bryant, Minnie Riperton, Roberta Flack, Luther Vandross, Will Downing, Ray Charles, Barry White, Curtis Mayfield, Prince, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Armstrong, Betty Carter, Dianne Reeves, Jean Carne, Nancy Wilson, Roy Ayers, Patti Austin, Vesta, Pattie LaBelle, Gwen Guthrie, The Isley Brothers, Mtume, Rick James, Teena Marie, Gladys Knight, Peabo Bryson, Glenn Jones, Al Jarreau, Flora Purim, Angela Bofill, Norman Connors, Angela Winbush, Patrice Rushen, Bill Withers, El DeBarge, The Emotions, The Jones Girls, Freddie Jackson, George Benson, Grover Washington, Quincy Jones, T.S. Monk, James Ingram, Meli'sa Morgan, Miki Howard, The Jackson Five, Leon Ware, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Mint Condition and too many more to name....
“Play… a song for the good times, for the bad times…When you wanna lay your problems down and just be…It's the music that moves you”
-- “Play”
Words by LeNora Jaye
In a musical wasteland crowded with posers, gimmick peddlers and rump-shaking pop tarts, singer, songwriter and vocal arranger LeNora Jaye stands out like a luxuriant diamond amongst the ashes. Possessing a soul-sweetened voice that evokes the magic of the 1970s, LeNora's original songs reconcile old skool R&B, street-wise funk and velvety Adult Contemporary pop, while her deep-felt lyrics capture the essence of modern femininity in all its wondrous complexity -- independent yet nurturing, strong yet alluringly vulnerable, cautious, yet capable of wild-eyed impulsiveness. Formerly the lead female vocalist for the Black Rock Coalition band Rhythm Republik, LeNora has opened shows for the esteemed likes of Teena Marie, The Meters, Roger Troutman & Zapp and Roy Ayers, while her solo career has found her sharing stages with some of the classiest names in hip hop, pop and soul, including The Roots, Floetry, India.Arie, Amel Larrieux and others.
Now, with the release of her independently produced solo debut album, the talented Ms. Jaye officially steps onto the world stage, with magnificent results. Featuring 15 original compositions and interludes, The Story is an answered prayer for the legions of doubters who thought they couldn't write and sing ‘em like they used to. Assisted by a bevy of skilled co-producers including Supa, Steve Wallace, Thierry DeJean, Angela Johnson and Jonathan Lloyd/Douglas Glover (aka NewBlackMusic.net), The Story heralds the arrival of a truly unique singer-songwriter. Asked if there is a theme to the album, LeNora contemplates for a moment, then replies matter-of-factly. “It's a woman's experience… an urban black woman's experience.”
WhileThe Story may chronicle the experience of a black American woman, there's no denying the album's universal appeal. Discerning music lovers will relate to LeNora's singular perspectives on life, love and sexual politics, not to mention her enviable ability to convey dignity without ever crossing over into finger-wagging preachiness. As its literary title suggests, The Story is an assemblage of revealing musical chapters authored by a truth-seeking artist.
With the long-awaited arrival of her solo debut album, fans can finally experience the performing magic of LeNora Jaye in their everyday lives. But for LeNora herself, the album symbolizes the realization of a lifelong dream. With its soul-stirring original songs and peerless vocals and performances, The Story marks the auspicious beginning of a recording career that promises to influence the shape of R&B to come.
“From the start, I always wanted to make sure that whatever I did was real and true to who I was,” LeNora says, earnestly. “That certainly applies to this record. I love these songs 100 percent, because I feel them 100 percent.”
Check out what people are saying about LENORA JAYE & her sound:
DJ Bigger (UK – Urban Essentials) ….. the tracks I have from [LeNora] are breathtaking. I have played The Rain since the start of January ……So Right and Taking Over are every bit as good…. [LeNora] is so talented it's sick …..
Jerome Jordan …..Lenora's voice is like a 24 hour aubade, causing one to feel fresh as morning dew all thoughout the day with it's incantatory qualities. She is without a doubt one of the best.
Astral22….Heard [her]r track on Starpoint Radio – [SHE is] amazing..
DJ Lin (Soul Underground—UK) ... I simply cant get over [her] music….its seriously everything that I want in an adult contemporary soul album…"Taking Over" is nothing short of breath-taking, its so emotional with moody instrumentation to die for, total perfection in a record I just love it. "The Rain", midtempo pure niceness….perfect for radio dj's .."So Right" and "Its On Tonight" would both work on UK dance floors for sure…. if this is an example of the album then I just can't wait. [LeNora Jaye's] tracks are really, really special….
DJ Greg “Son of Soul” Clifford (Starpoint Radio)….."Taking Over" is wonderful... stunning in fact…It will be on steady rotation on my show for a while... believe me! It has got some great feedback from listeners... I LOVE [her] track on the Angela Johnson album... wonderful...
DJ Paul “Soulguru” Clifford”……I just wanted to tell u how much I love TAKING OVER ...
Mike Cottrell – Avenark Productions…. [Her] music is outstanding!! I've been playing [her] tracks over & over as well as telling everybody I know to come to [her] page. …with that voice [she is] already a star.
Urban Sounds (www.urban-reviews.com)
Angela Johnson - A Woman's Touch Vol. 1, -- "Wait On A Maybe" features out of this world vocals from both Marlon Saunders (lead singer of Jazzhole) and a new singer/songwriter named LeNora Jaye. -
Taking Over: Garageband R&B/Soul Song of the Week – Aug 23, 2007 Garageband R&B/Soul Song of the Day – Oct 27, 2007 Current Garageband Standing: 4.6 out of 5 Stars Current Play: Solar Radio, Starpoint Radio (UK & US) DJ Greg Clifford, DJ Paul Clifford, DJ Colin Faver, DJ Sober G
Nice and smooth harmony…This girl sounds fantastic. This is so clean and needs nothing. Nice song and the airplay costs money. Get the folks to pay for this one. This is the fire.
- ziplokdotcom from Hudson, New Hampshire on 18Aug2007 (garageband)
5 stars from me….Nice groove, LOVE the chord changes (especially those ones at the beginning which you don't expect). Infact my ears really perked up throughout because of your wonderful chord changes.
Vocals….I'm hearing Minnie Riperton, Patrice Rushen, Incognito influences. Really clean and sweet tone. Diction is great. LOVE every bit of your work on this tune ... the scatting works brilliantly, harmonies are yummy and the add libbing really keeps the listeners ears on their toes.
Groove….Thought the groove throughout is really phat. I love the space in the arrangement ... it's not what you put in but what you choose to leave out!
Lyrics…..I loved the metre you chose to use here ... really bouncy and giving the feeling of crossing the bar in the chorus ... hip!
Conclusion….5 stars from me, LOVE it.
- JoeyMayElkins from London, United Kingdom on 25Sep2007 (garageband)
Wow! What a professional release..
I am a rocker/Acoustic kinda guy but I thought I'd try something different..
So glad I did. This is an awesome song. You sing like an angel.
Your voice makes me wanna be near you, wanna see you for real.
I love the background vocals ... Just perfect. What an excellent job. I wanna grab some pretty girl, hold her tight and listen while we dance to your groove....Yea!!
Once in a while as a rocker, I like a change and WOW! did I catch a break today... Phenomenal, Awesome, Inspiring, Excellent, Great ... etc etc..on with the adjectives. What can I say, I have a huge smile in my soul right now and you have a new fan ...Thank You.
- MindZend from Enfield, Connecticut on 6Nov2007 (garageband)
I'm ready-Gotta pick up Roses and some drank!..Very mellow,actually affected my mood Vocals are silky and soothing,lyrics tell an intriguing story that I've lived through many a day Mix is thoughtful,congruent and makes it easy just to leave on repeat for a spell while you look through your black book or,better yet, holla at that tha special one you been thinking of all day
- beaushelby from Saint Louis, Missouri on 21Jan2008 (garageband)
Nice Neo Soul…From the very beginning, the very first notes, I knew this was going to be one sexy ass, smoothed out neo soul tune.
The vox are sexy, silky and sweet. Like butter, like honey, the vox pull you in deeper and deeper. The verse begins to grab you slowly, then as the hook comes in, you are completely soaked into the song. The pure emotion and realness that is born of the lyrical content is coupled with a fantastic, catchy melody. I'm ready to put it on my IPOD. It sounds a lot like Dre and Vidal's production, ala Jill Scott and Musiq Soulchild. Great Job!
- SexyCherri from Baltimore, Maryland on 21Jan2008 (garageband)
yes ma'am
shit is smooth as hell - im feeling this shit - wouldnt mind working with you - remember six9teen said that - keep workin mama - yeah you did the thing on this 1
- SIX9TEEN from San Diego, California on 10Jun2008 (garageband)
ABOVE AVERAGE
The vocals on this track were great!!! The quality of her tone was controlled and "oozed" over the beat effortlessly. The vocalist is extremely polished. The lyrics were well written and the background vocals provided a great feel over this smooth joint
- CANEthecynic from KeMay2008 (garageband)
Lekatompessy …Date: May 26, 2008 @ 9:40 PM
Wow what a great song and great vocals.
Keep up the good work. (dmusic)
Ghostie …Date: June 1, 2008 @ 1:16 PM
Oh!!! your is like silk
This is so nice.. like a cool breeze on a hot summer night...Fantastic! (dmusic)
ShadowMom…Date: July 2, 2008 @ 5:37 PM
I love your voice, and I'm BAD for not stopping by more often to tell you so. This is just gorgeous, though, just as smooth as can be. (dmusic)
The Rain: DMusic R&B/Soul Song of the Year 2007
Garageband R&B/Soul Song of the Day – June 21, 2008
Current Play: Solar Radio, Starpoint Radio (UK & US)
DJ Bigger, DJ Greg Clifford, DJ Paul Clifford,
Celtaidd …March 28, 2007 @ 7:42 PM
That voice is Sex on a Stick You are One talented Lady (dmusic)
Imemine…March 7, 2006 @ 2:15 PM
Absolutely fantastic! Just caught this on the vocal pop channel and it just blew me away! Damn, what a voice! (dmusic)
Vickxxx…December 26, 2005 @ 3:18 AM
Vocals are sizzlin!! Great performance!!! Groovin arrangment and the production is awesome. (dmusic)
GeneHilbert…November 30, 2005 @ 3:29 PM
Kewl....... Nice vocal timbre, vocal pitch and diction are right on. Produced and mixed very well. Arranged very well.... Damn! This is jamming.... Very Slick.......Excellent Tune - Well Done (dmusic)
R&B - the way it's meant to B
It's always encouraging when R&B pays heed to its roots in jazz, soul, funk and of course, blues. This song is an excellent case in point, making use of sweet and breathy scat singing that caresses the ears, beautiful blending horn and string sections with subtle modulating chords in the chorus.
The vocalist is the real deal, with a voice that can be soft and gentle and overpowering within the same phrase. A lot of credit should also be given to the way the producer has really created some beautiful counterpoint between the lead and backing parts.
The coherence of the piece as a whole - carried off by the talent of the singer and artistry of the composer/producer - is stunning and worthy of some good airplay to say the least.
- msteven2 from Parramatta, Nsw, Australia on 20Jun2008 (garageband)
Classic sound
LOVE the sample of the song!!!...The Camp Lo- Luchini sample is classic, but dont think that would give you leeway on this review lol. The sound of your voice is real calm and nyce. Nyce melody, and the mood is real smoot makes me feel like grabbing a lady and dancing...got me in the mood I love the song
- DJSmooth4Lyfe from Colesville, Maryland on 22Jun2008 (garageband)
Utter Sex
Sounding real smooth. I appreciate the quality. If only true soul singers could be featured on the radio, not the crap that were infested with. Keep it sexy!
- tumultuousire from Tampa, Florida on 24Jun2008 (garageband)
I'm Free
Nice lyrical content and vocals. The harmony is tight and the music production seems top shelf. I really like the sultry nature of the lead singers voice. The mood of the song reminds me very much of something that Earth, Wind & Fire would do. The feel is very popular, complicated yet simplistic. Nice beat for the song, It drives the song forward and the message in. Overall I like this song and the performance is very professional.
- upp7 from Los Angeles, California on 3Jul2008 (garageband)
The formula for a hit
Nice & Mellow Mood with visual Lyrics that fit the Mood and the Vocalist style. Everything comes together in this Arrangement with a bridge that builds well going back into the Melodic Chorus.
A professional performance that follows the formula of a Top 40/R&B song,
- MBragg from Columbus, Ohio on 6Jul2008 (garageband)
I'm Free
Nice lyrical content and vocals. The harmony is tight and the music production seems top shelf. I really like the sultry nature of the lead singers' voice. The mood of the song reminds me very much of something that Earth, Wind & Fire would do. The feel is very popular, complicated yet simplistic. Nice beat for the song, It drives the song forward and the message in. Overall I like this song and the performance is very professional.
- upp7 from Los Angeles, California on 3Jul2008 (garageband)
Times Are Hard:
Garageband R&B/Soul Song of the Week – Aug 9, 2007
Garageband R&B/Soul Song of the Day – Oct 15, 2007
Sweet…Very nice soothing intro. Amazing lyrics! "Times are hard on the boulevard" leaves a strong impression. I'm feeling these lyrics! The harmonies are right on, so tight! Also, the loop fits perfectly. The production has no flaws that I can hear. Wow!
- EscapingZane from Los Angeles, California on 6Oct2007 (garageband)
Ladies in the HOUSE…Beautiful vocals by the lead singer... I can understand everything she sings..which is a problem with a lot of songs by female artists...they seem to be mumbling..but this vocalist is clear...I LOVE THAT...the production is clear..and clean...i can hear all the instrumentation...the lyrics are good and make you think ...they have meaning behind them...which sometimes doesnt happen in a lot a songs...which isnt a bad thing...just nice to hear a commercial song with some meaning.I love the vocals...the background vocals are on point...and the AdLibs from the lead singer are good...not overdoing it ..they are just right...I like that this is a slower song...very laid back..and good timing on this ..not too long... a very enjoyable track. Keep up the great work ...Lookin to hear more of your stuff
- kuhio3 from Jersey City, New Jersey on 29Sep2007 (garageband)
Real Life ….I'm back in the days of R&B's Prime.....this is the kinda music i wished they'd still put out....Real vocals I love that and Lyrics that speak about real life i'm lovin this song
- YoungToke from Brunswick, Georgia on 26Sep2007 (garageband)
mmmm mm ah hahh
This one makes me move in my chair all night. I have felt this one. Last day on the job today, future dreams starting immediataly. This is everyones life these days. Thanks for making a tune about it. Bring back those relatives, protect our elders,... times are hard and we gotta fight. This is one of the best songs I've heard on this site. Please keep it up... love it.... love it... love the groove. Thanks!
- groovyalien from Area 51, Nevada on 2Sep2007 (garageband)
hot! you got it girl! strong, smooth, sassy...its nice to hear a woman sing with passion about something other than a man that she hates. nice substance to compliment a beautiful voice and nice beats. keep it up! you've got a beautiful sound and seemingly positive intents! sing that story. you know everyone's singing it in their own home but a little too cornered to sing it loud so do it! :)
- TheBrew from Amesbury, Massachusetts on 23Aug2007 (garageband)
Awesome song and awesome vocals…Love the lead vocals, great, great voice. And I like the lyrics; you're writing about something relateable, but not overdone. The production is well done, as well. The song's hook is really catchy as well, and I think the combination of simple vocals on the verses and rich vocals on the chorus keeps the song moving along and interesting to listen to. I really love this song and the lead vocals are awesome! Good job!
- adriannecanta from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on 1Aug2007 (garageband)
It's On Tonight: Garageband R&B/Soul Song of the Day Feb 13, 2008
Oct 13, 2007 7;06 PM :..... incredible production on "LeNora Jaye's" forth-coming CD. "It's On Tonight" is "Off tha' Meat Rack" ! bZo! (myspace)
a great voice...a very fresh sound. i love the lead vocals, and the sort of 2-part song is great with a nice slow intro that shows off the vocal talent before hitting a great song. its an awesome funk/r and b mix that is really good. keep up the good work!
- BrettKlug from Madison, Wisconsin on 9Feb2008 (garageband)
...This track is hot. The voice is sexy, soulful, and gentle. the intro is nice, and then throws you straight into a catchy dance track. backing vocals are ....... This song is so fun, the lyrics are catchy, such soul, not you're average top 40's pop song, its so much more
- sararose from Tahoe City, California on 21Feb2008 (garageband)
real hot ta life, feel good song...that voice is so silky, warm and sweet. the beat comes in and it's time to dance. my head is bumpin now!!!!!!! this one of the hottest trax that i've heard on this site. i'm still movin my head
- JUSTHITRECORDS from Roxbury, Massachusetts on 2Feb2008 (garageband)
Disco, disco dance!....Yeah yea. Mood switches up from slow/soul to straight up upbeat funk/disco. Too cool. Vocals are smokin', lead and backups, great character to the voice - real smooth, lots of depth. ...Groovin!
- gdog25 from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on 3Feb2008 (garageband)
Good Times Are Back...Ok Instantly like this track.........this track delivers. ...turned the volume up and immersed myself in the wonderful vibe of this one. Allow one more query if you will where is the place overseas I want to coome! .....modern soul music at its very best. Very well put together and executed. PS Can I have a copy for my DJ set later this month..... Excellent Job.
- wayneb07 from United Kingdom on 10Feb2008 (garageband)
Wed, July 23, 2008
5:30 PM
Wednesday WindDown @ Centennial Olympic Park
featuring Reggie Hines, Bob Baldwin and Tom Browne FREE | Show: 5:30pm to 8pm
"Ketch A Vibe Show" Is Sponsored by "Astral22 together with Trans Phatt Records" www.transphattrecords.com 12th October A Blues For Me-Fertile Ground Ft Navasha Daya See-Joseph Jeremiah When She Smiles She Lights The Sky-Plantlife A Little More-Liquid Spirits Sweeter Than You-The Foreign Exchange Slip Into This-Bill Ortiz Sky High-Lisa Shaw It's Not Over-Dee C Lee & Deep M.O Heavy karma-Destruments Ft Joe Subleif & Jon Lammi Not Just Anybody-Rae & Christian Ft Kate Rogers A Silent Prayer-Lenora Jaye If The Music Dont Move Yer-Vick Allen Make Me Wanna -Simone (Astrall 22 Rework) Feeling-M-Swift Ft Eric Roberson Hold It Down-Bugz In The Attic (4-Hero Remix) Shrimp-Mr Scruff Love Love-Mr Wyatt (Remix) Bubble's-Black Zone Ensemble Caiprinha-Swing Out Sister Something Wicked-Herballiser
Hi LeNora, just dropping by to let you know we played "Times are hard" on the show this week.
Playlist (2009-035) Skalp – Funkin for jamaica Thomas G & Swade – You’re the one Peo Ft Mirjam – Must be love Candycream – Give love a chance Donnie Williams – What you gonna do Astral 22 – From me to you Soul Snatchers – Soul to Soul Deep M.O. – It’s not over Lenora Jaye – Times are hard Vimel – Girl lets slide Vanitra – I still love you J-Funk – Hold on Traedonya – Another lie
Thank You Very Much, for the Request and Add. Welcome 1 big Kiss from Sevilla. Muito Obrigado, Vielen Dank , Muchas gracias , Grazie Mille ,MERCI BEAUCOUP, Kiitos paljon, Nagyon köszönöm Σε ευχαριστώ πάρα πολύ शुक्र है तुम बहुत Большое спасибо Cảm ơn bạn rất nhiều ありがとうございます 謝謝 Благодаря Puno ti hvala Tack så mycket Dziękuję bardzo 감사 شكرا جزيلا Mockrát děkuji RIC ARDO MATEUS & PLANETA TAMBOR Planeta Tambor Live - Sevilla
SHARING MORE OF MY "WORD PLAY" WITH YOU, HOPE YOU ENJOY...
WORD PLAY (PART 2) Turmoil tremendously tries to top many things, transcending through tough times, trials & tribulations, not allowing too much to get in the way of its thorough approach to take you through temptations, but truth be told, you are tough enough to teach it to turn away taking nothing from you as you timely thrive to the top…
Written by ~ Poetic Flow™ www.yolandajackson.bravehost.com
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