Those hundreds of thousands that contributed to those millions of YouTube views have to feel proud. I came to the party when I saw the sexy sister pull off a subtle yet powerful statement: wearing an undershirt with a picture of Tupac emblazoned while performing a Notorious BIG “Big Poppa” mashup with Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.”
Next up for me was witnessing the same treatment given to a combination of Amy Winehouse’s “He Can Only Hold Her” and Lauren Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing).” With the combination of looks and sound, it was a forgone conclusion that a record deal was imminent. Having a co-sign from Stevie Wonder stamped her fate. All that was left for Andra Day was to deliver.
Aug. 28, the fruits of her labor as a singer-songwriter came to fruition for the San Diego native in the form of her debut CD, “Cheers to the Fall.” Coming in at 13 songs, the album serves as the perfect calling card for the person behind the artist while also hinting that a future of inspired art will be delivered by her for decades.
Featuring production from Adrian Gurvitz, Questlove and James Poyser (both of the Roots), Raphael Saadiq, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Dap-Kings (of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings fame), the sound of the project encompasses jazz, bebop, soul, R&B, pop, reggae and hip-hop. “Cheers to the Fall” is described by Day as a “biography in the form of soul music.”
Says Day, “This album explores the darkness that comes from the aftermath of heartbreak and heartbreak that I have caused. I have learned how destructive it is to be selfish and, through it, have learned the meaning of forgiveness. I have learned to forgive myself.”
Spike Lee lent support to the project by directing the album’s first video, “Forever Mine,” but it was the second release that gave the album its defining moment. Track 11 on the album, “Rise Up,” offers something that is a rarity in today’s music: substance.
“I look at all of us as brothers and sisters and a body working together. ‘Rise Up’ is saying one piece isn’t better than the other, and when one part is struggling, I’m going to help and lift you up. I will rise up with you,” she says of the song.
Fellow wordsmith Alicia Keys, in her praise of the record, says it has the quality that “will get you through anything.”
The single was hand-selected by the team at the most popular electronic device/fashion accessory in the game, Beats By Dre, to appear in a campaign that aired during the quest for history by Serena Williams at the 2015 U.S. Open.
Television appearances galore ensued. Now comes the road show. After a stint as the supporting act for the Lenny Kravitz “Strut” tour, Day is now embarking on a headlining tour.
New Yorkers lucky enough to make it into the sold-out Le Poisson Rouge show can say they were there at the start of something big. Reading quotes of affirmation by esteemed peers is one thing, but to actually see, for example, Jennifer Hudson among the intimate setting brings it home. It wasn’t about checking out the competition, more so it was supporting a kindred spirit. Having Hudson in the house and not have her steal the attention was a testament to who the folks came out for.
Day was able to blend her respect for some legendary influences, such as Bob Marley and his song “Could You Be Loved,” Nina Simone and her song “Mississippi Got Damn” and Eminem and his song “Lose Yourself,” seamlessly into her setlist alongside standout tracks of her project such as “Forever Mine,” “Mistakes,” “City Burns” and “Gin & Juice/Let Go My Hand.” It wasn’t about selling the album; it was about displaying the talent that will undoubtedly be around for a while.
Oohhh wait, she did reveal another unique talent to those in attendance. In her band stands a talent who has the potential to be special as well. He’s keyboard player-singer Charles Jones. In her introduction of his solo number, Day offered, “I remember racking my brain. I don’t know any male singer better than him.”
While that may have been an ambitious statement, Jones did make a strong case with an inspired rendition of Sam Cooke’s seminal classic “A Change Gonna Come.” Time will tell.
Over and out. Holla next week. Till then, enjoy the nightlife.