Tag Archives: live instrumentation

Through the Eyes of NiSi: Episode 9- Artist Spotlight: Chantae Cann

I found the melodic sounds of Chantae Cann through her collaboration with the live instrumentation of Snarky Puppy (click to view one of my favorite videos). I believe it was around the time that she was on the lineup for the legendary Art of Cool Festival in Durham, NC headed by the beautiful, Cicely Mitchell (oh how I wish it was still going). Since then, I’ve been following her journey and so proud of all that she’s accomplished.

About Chantae: “If we’re being honest, no one’s ever really just heard Chantae Cann. In truth, you experience her.

 She opens her mouth and 10,000 hours of studied mononymous legends filter through that voice,

The Stevie. The Chaka. The Erykah, Jill, India and Brandy.

It’s the church in her work. The courageous blend of an authentic soul choosing to exist in the midst of an often inauthentic industry.  Yet somehow she chooses to find strength in her vulnerability.

Chantae Cann, the artist, is both jazz and soul. Rooted in gospel,  reflective of world rhythm and hip hop.

Her debut release, Journey to Golden, landed at #1 on the iTunes Jazz Charts and #7 on the Jazz Billboard Charts in March of 2016, and was a much welcomed introduction to the songstress.  By the time of her follow-up release, Sol Empowered, we were well into the story.  Earning #8 on the Jazz Billboard Charts, this album resonates with so many because they genuinely connect to the story.  And Chantae, if nothing else, knows how to make a connection. Whether it’s the parents who divulge the fact that their kids listen to and sing along to her songs, or those who express that Chantae’s artistry has gotten them through some pretty tough times. Chantae makes music that serves as a safe haven for those seeking respite and reformation. All the while undergirded with a simple, but profound truth: Love Heals. 

When she’s not working, Chantae can be found in her private time binge-watching episodes of Sister, Sister or freestylin these bars since she is an incredible emcee in her head …for now. But even if she’s not in your Top5 Dead or Alive GOAT convo for rappers, Chantae is one of the best kept secrets in music. She’s collaborated with PJ Morton, Masego, Tarriona “Tank” Ball, Snarky Puppy, Foreign Exchange, and Jonathan McReynolds. Chantae has electrified stages with Cory Henry, Robert Glasper, and Marcus Miller. She’s opened up for India.Arie, Tweet, Avery Sunshine and Lalah Hathaway. With her sights set on Barack and Michelle’s Spotify playlists and new music on the way ….”  

~ from Chantae Cann’s website

I mentioned during the last artist spotlight with Liv Warfield that I love live instrumentation. Listening to all these amazing instruments come together and to think of all the time and patience put into learning how to be the best musician is dope. Please support the arts! Having an artistic outlet has made some very well rounded individuals with extraordinary talent. I love being able to introduce you to the music that I vibe to all the time.

From a distance, yet oh so close through social media; Chantae Cann has been a beautiful spirit over the years. I don’t know when the world is going to open back up so we can enjoy the power of music together and bringing people together. Make sure you follow her on her social media (links below) and if the world opens back up for us to play; go check her out in person.

New YouTube video: Walk. With. Me- Episode 1 “Take Back Your Power”

Click the links below to stay connected to these businesses and artist(s):

Faith Fitz You, LLC

Chantae Cann YouTube/ Chantae Cann Instagram

Chantae Cann website

Snarky Puppy YouTube/ Snarky Puppy Instagram

Be sure to leave your comments and any feedback in the comment section below.

NEXT SHOW – FEBRUARY 1ST AT 10AM ESTwww.WDRBMedia.com

Make sure you check in next week when we discuss Valentine’s/ Galentine’s Day!

Interested in free advertising or being a guest on the show? 

Feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show

Always with a Brush,

NiSi

Through the Eyes of NiSi- Episode 5: Artist Spotlight- The Soul of L.I.V.

Liv Warfield

“L.I.V. talks from her soul…,” I heard these words in one of the first songs I heard from Liv Warfield. It was a live version of the song “Brotha Man.” This amazingly talented woman definitely told the truth and is most definitely one of my favorite artists.

About Liv: “A former track star and gymnast, Peoria, Illinois-born Liv Warfield began building her legend, in of all places, Portland, Oregon. Despite having no formal background in singing, she gained the respect of local superstars and became an icon in her own right.

While she takes cues from musical influences like Nina Simone, Etta James, Sade, Tina Turner, and Mary J. Blige, Warfield has carved out a style all her own, which can best be described as “alternative soul with a lil bit of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” In 2006, she self-released her debut album “Embrace Me.” By 2009, she caught the eye of the one-and-only Prince and ultimately joined his group the “New Power Generation.”

 After touring for several years and soaking up as much knowledge as she could from the ultimate music mentor, Warfield made her big splash on the national scene in 2014, first as a featured artist for Vh1’s “You Oughta Know” campaign, and then with the release of her major label debut album “The Unexpected,” which was executive produced by Prince. What followed were show-stopping performances on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” and “The Arsenio Hall Show;” a 2014 Soul Train Music Award and nominations for two others; a BET Best New Artist Award nomination; an interview with National Public Radio; and high-profile cosigns from Lionel Richie, Cindy Lauper, and Nancy Wilson of HEART. That same year, Warfield’s performance closing out Essence Fest was hailed as one of the most memorable after shows at the New Orleans House of Blues. In 2015, the accolades only kept growing, with Warfield and the NPG Hornz being named one of the top 10 bands to see at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. It’s no wonder she has left celebrities like Letterman declaring it’s time to “cancel show business!” ~from Liv’s website

I don’t remember the day, nor the hour but I was watching The Arsenio Hall Show and the musical guest was Liv Warfield backed by Prince’s New Power Generation and her soulful background singers singing, “Stay (Soul Lifted).” From that day forward, I have been hooked.

Where it all began…

It’s something about live instrumentation and stage presence… its something about Liv leaving it all on the stage; not caring if her hair is messed up or if she’s making faces- she is providing you with an experience. It’s Liv being her authentic self in her live Instagram videos for Whiskey Wednesdays or allowing us to take a peek inside her experiences, breathtaking views, or simply just living in the moment when the music overflows from her soul.

The amazing thing about having my own radio show, is having the ability to introduce the world to music that I love; to the amazing musicians that I’ve encountered whether in person or through their gifts.

New video: #TOYLAND By Ray Angry feat. Questlove, Black Thought, Marcus King, Pino Palladino & Liv Warfield

Click the links below to stay connected to these businesses and artists:

Faith Fitz You, LLC– Official clothing brand (website will go live) launch January 1, 2022

Marcus Anderson’s Instagram page

Adrian Crutchfield’s Instagram page

Shelby J’s Instagram page

Liv Warfield website– Music, show information, etc.

Be sure to leave your comments and any feedback in the comment section below.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2022 LOADING…

NEXT SHOW – JANUARY 5TH AT 10AM ESTwww.WDRBMedia.com

Make sure you check in next week when we discuss Topshelf ARTistry by NiSi- how it started vs. how it going?

Interested in free advertising or being a guest on the show? 

Feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show

Always with a Brush,

NiSi