On Monday, October 15, Madoh Music in partnership with Urban Buzz Magazine invites you to experience the musical genius of Abiah! The Harlem based recording artist will celebrate the release of his latest album Life As A Ballad with a special concert performance at Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker Street, in Greenwich Village. This melodic affair, which includes musical backing from stellar jazz instrumentalists Marvin Sewell, David Rosenthal, Chris Eddleton, Keith Witty and a few surprise guests appearances. Doors open at 9:00PM. The magic begin at 10:00 PM.
Life As A Ballad features eclectic, stylized tracks recorded with live instrumental performances by the industry’s top jazz artists including keyboardist Robert Glasper, guitarist Marvin Sewell, drummer Ulysses Owens Jr., and bassist Keith Witty. The album marries Abiah’s poetically haunting five ½ octave vocal range with natural, aesthetic sounds resulting in sheer artistry. Life As A Ballad contains a depth and emotes a feeling that will delight long-time fans and impress those new to Abiah’s music. “To me, what’s different about this music is that it has a certain immediacy.” Abiah says. “We wanted it to be authentic and tell the story of how one finds beauty when life seems its darkest.”
The debut single “September” is an emotionally gripping ballad featuring Abiah’s gentle cries and soothing pleas for a love lost. A gifted songwriter and accomplished musician, Abiah claims ownership on “Doves” a pleasantly, stylishly re-arrangement of Prince classic “When Doves Cries”. The album contains one vibrant up-tempo track, “Next Time Around,” a feverishly, carefree tune that breaks up misery for the discovery of self-worth and forgiveness. Other standout tracks include “Goodbye” and “Foolish Heart.” The album contains nine tracks in all and is available via download at abiahmusic.com and on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/life-as-a-ballad/id553569414.
What critics are saying!
“A Singer with an innate ability for passionate songwriting that one cannot learn….” – Billboard
“Life As A Ballad is a sensuous yet soul filled passionate reaffirmation of what a vocal artists should be all about… Telling a story! Painting vivid images into the subconscious of the listener with tonality, phrasing and from a place well past the heart and soul….” – Critical Jazz
“Abiah has a warm, expressive voice that shines on… His voice and vivid storytelling style recall Bill Withers and Terry Calier, with hint of Luther Vandross….” – Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
“Abiah does have jazz chops…. He is remindful of other beyond category singers like Jon Lucien and Terry Callier… He knows how to select material wisely as well, and he delivers a lyric with elan…” – The Independent Ear
One of twelve children reared in Rochester, New York, Abiah has been writing songs since the age of 10. He studied opera at Syracuse University and in the process learned to speak a half dozen languages. Gifted with a five ½ octave range resulted in Abiah developing an incredible tenor voice that has led to supporting work for such artists at Kem, Heather Headley and Rachelle Ferrell. Abiah explored both the joys and pains of his younger days — including childhood obesity — to compose the music that became Chasing Forever, his debut album on Siri Records/Universal Republic. The album was a showcase for both Abiah’s voice and for his expansive view of popular music, a view that certainly includes references to his classical training. After Chasing Forever, Abiah continued to work in music, both as a background singer and sought after vocal coach which led to guest appearances on MTV’s reality show MADE. He graciously returns to the music scene with his latest offering Life As A Ballad
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