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Art is in the eyes of its beholder, music is what the ears perceive and beauty is what the spirit conceives. Amel Lerrieux's eclectic "Morning" embodies the art of music, the art of beauty-the art of human expression. As an artist, I am inspired not only by the light in her artistic genius but also by the uplifting and righteously expressed humanistic themes.
In the genre-less feel of "Earn my affection," Amel revisits the theme of self love and worth from the song "sacred" in her previous released album "Bravebird." "Is there nothing sacred anymore when.. girls are taught to hide their curls as though they're flaws and other girls are taught to expose them but not own them and boys are taught they can own it all." Affection and innocence is sacred not casual and easy, contrary to the bombarding images and messages constantly fed to our impressionable youth. Amel tells us all," you got to earn my affection.. before we get this show on the road, don't make me lose all my self respect, I aint desperate yet so come on now stop acting out and act like you know.."
The truth of her words, ride the eclectic musical waves, taking us on a collective journey of R&B, alternative, jazz and pure rhythms. Each song confesses its intimate and unique relationship with Amel's technically proficient sound and artistically free vocals. Each song has its own voice, its own personality, its own consistency, texturing emotions and thoughts like a nice long beautiful conversation with a friend, with a stranger, with a lover, with the world. "Morning" is true art; art that heals, art that uplifts, art that loves. It is art that speaks the truth and encourages me to be who I am as a person, and artist-and not compromise the gifts that God has given. This art is timeless and eternal and award winning in the heavens sharing the light and the beauty of Amel's soul.
 Also Check out Leaf
on Myspace.com http://myspace.com/leafsmusic | About Leaf:
I loved it when my dad told me the story, of how I just walked over to the guitar, that a friend of his gave me when I was four picked it up and started moving my fingers "like humming bird wings," across the frets. He said I sounded like a blues guitar player from the Mississippi Delta. I quickly found myself playing and singing original songs along side my mother in church and listening to Bob Dylan, Jimmi Hendrix and the local Jazz radio station with my dad. As I got older participated in talent shows and played for the homeless at the Fred Jordan Mission in Los Angeles. Seeking peace and escape from gang violence, my parents moved me and my four brothers from South Central to Perris California, where I attended most of high school, accept for a short year when we moved to Redlands California. By the time I was seventeen I had a collection of 10 songs that I recorded, packaged and sold on CDBABY.com, appropriately called "Seventeen." The subject matters ranged from valueing my virginity to appreciating my parents. In high school I also co-wrote the theme song for my parents independent film called Virgin Again, featured at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival. In college I played sports, still writing and playing my songs at team functions. My coach encouraged me to play for Russell Simmons at a lecture on campus and surprisingly, he allowed me a song, only after getting me a bottle of water and making sure I was comfortable and then holding the mic for me. When I was done singing he gave me a "you go girl" hug and I exited the stage to a standing ovation. I must say that day I felt like a star. After graduating from Syracuse University, with a degree in Communication and a minor in Music Industry, I returned to our home, once again, in Los Angeles, put a band together and started touring throughout the city. Shortly, I landed a Guest Star appearance on UPN's "Girl Friends." The episode that I wrote music for, as well as performed on, was nominated for NAACP and Shine Awards. I can't fail to mention that Saul Williams and Common were also on this episode. Since moving to Atlanta about a year ago I have been in Madea's family reunion and am presently recording my sophomore project yet to be. Look out for a new band and a new sound. .."Her leaf shall not wither;and whatsoever she doeth shall prosper." Psalms 1:3 |
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