NEW RELEASES: OTIS BROWN III - THE THOUGHT OF YOU; LIRA – RISE AGAIN; SANDRA ST. VICTOR - ETERNALLY: OYA'S DAUGHTER REMIXES

OTIS BROWN III - THE THOUGHT OF YOU

Drummer Otis Brown III – an invaluable sideman with the likes of Esperanza Spalding, Joe Lovano, Terence Blanchard, Oliver Lake, Somi, and others – has announced the release of his debut album The Thought of You, which will arrive August 26 via Revive/Blue Note, a new partnership between Revive Music and Blue Note Records. Brown’s maiden voyage features an impressive roll call of artists including a core band consisting of pianist Robert Glasper, trumpeter Keyon Harrold, saxophonist John Ellis, and bassist Ben Williams, with organist Shedrick Mitchell and guitarist Nir Felder making special appearances. Singers Bilal, Gretchen Parlato, and Nikki Ross contribute standout performances that underscore the sentiments of the album’s co-producer, Derrick Hodge, who says, “Otis has become one of those drummers who once you hear him play, his experience becomes your experience in the moment.”

LIRA – RISE AGAIN

South African singer/model Lira is a platinum-selling star in Africa and like Sade before her, blends R&B, Jazz and African elements into a sensual, appealing pop music sound with global appeal. Lira has appeared on more than 20 magazine covers in Africa and Europe and has been a spokesperson for such brands as Audi. She has won numerous SAMA awards, the South African equivalent of a Grammy. Essence Magazine named her one of “five unique artists to change music.” Rise Again, her U.S. debut, is a wide-ranging collection of her best work to date, including the smash hit title track, which shows off her soulful, jazzy and African-oriented sides. Included is a version of “Something Inside So Strong,” which she performed at ceremonies honoring Nelson Mandela.

SANDRA ST. VICTOR - ETERNALLY: OYA'S DAUGHTER REMIXES

Sandra St. Victor is a powerful R&B/Soul/Rock singer and songwriter who has sung and toured with Chaka Khan, Roy Ayers, Freddie Jackson and others. As lead vocalist of critically acclaimed Funk/Soul/Rock band The Family Stand, which scored a #3 R&B hit with “Ghetto Heaven,” Sandra won a fervent fan base. Her songs have been recorded by Prince, Chaka Khan and Tina Turner. In September of 2013, Sandra St. Victor released Oya’s Daughter, a tour-de-force produced by cult favorite DJ/re-mixer/producer Mark de Clive-Lowe, who has done work for Lauryn Hill, Jody Watley, Omar and many more.  Now, in June of 2014, SSV is back with Eternally (Oya's Daughter Remixes). Pairing up with some of the freshest DJs/Remixers on the scene today - DJ Spinna, Nicolay, Ty Macklin and QB Smith, Sandra St. Victor has crafted an energetic, creative reboot to Oya's Daughter.