R&B's underground cognoscenti have carried a torch for this spirited singer/songwriter since 1996. Folks still wax rhapsodic over Ledisi's "Soulsinger," her 1998 indie debut, accompanied by former partner and keyboardist Sundra Manning.
Now a solo artist, Ledisi is a rare but welcome commodity: What you hear on record is what you get live. Mixing R&B, jazz, gospel, pop and rock with flavorful scatting, Ledisi's energetic live gigs are can't-miss propositions.
Two years ago, this Oakland, Calif., talent offered an arresting interpretation of Luther Vandross' "My Sensitivity" that gained some national airplay, as well as the attention of Verve president Ron Goldstein.
Now Ledisi's sassy vocals (think Minnie Riperton meets Sarah Vaughan) are poised to reach a wider arena this spring with the release of her Verve debut. A fitting scenario, given that Ledisi's name means "to come forth" in Nigerian.
Ledisi still isn't leaving anything to chance. She continues to operate her label, LeSun Music, and owns her masters.