Ekep Nkwelle debuts in September
You have probably heard singer Ekep Nkwelle on Kenny Barron’s vocal jazz album “Songbook” which came out last year. On the album of original material from the master pianist, she lends her voice to “Illusion” and “Sonia Braga”. This year at North Sea Jazz in Rotterdam, Kenny brought her with him for his set of songs from the album. And now, it’s time for the debut album “Caged Bird”, inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings”. According to the press release, the record “details a journey from sorrow to inspiration, representing human suffering and the pursuit of a better future.” After the release of the thumping and liberating first single “Early One Mornin'”, Ekep will debut “Caged Bird” on Mack Avenue Records on September 25th. Among original material, she also tackles “Good Morning, Heartache” and “The Creator Has A Master Plan”.
The 27 year old singer, songwriter and bandleader from Washington, DC, who has studied with pianist Cyrus Chestnut, says about the album: “‘Caged Bird’ archives songs of suffering and survival. I hope to provide expressions of necessary lament while equipping listeners with tools we, as humans, have always used to overcome in our lifelong pursuit of freedom and happiness: faith, art, and community.”
We will post a full review closer to the album’s release date. In the meantime, check out “Early One Mornin'” and check your calendars to see her in person.
11/10 – Lausanne – JazzOnze Plus Festival
11/07 – Cartagena – Cartagena Jazz Festival
11/08 – Málaga – Malaga International Jazz Festival
11/10 – Madrid – Madrid International Jazz Festival
11/11 – Amsterdam – Bimhuis
11/12 – Rijkevorsel – Concertzaal De Singer
11/13 – Paris – Le Duc des Lombards
11/14 – Paris – Le Duc des Lombards
11/15 – London – Ronnie Scott’s
11/18 – Athens – Dimitris Mitropoulos Hall
