CODE NOIR, the stunning new
CD from critically-lauded vocalist Carmen Lundy, is slated for release February
24th via Afrasia Productions. Never one
to limit her creative journeys, Lundy explores the realms of Jazz, Blues,
Brazilian Samba and Pop with a multitude of messages that reflect not only the
complexities of her own mindset, but the disparity of the world at large. Poignant, heartfelt, joyous, shocked,
saddened and impassioned are just a few of the emotions conveyed by this
wonderfully evocative singer on CODE NOIR in a highly personal musical voyage.
"These
songs encompass the musical and artistic influences from the African diaspora
and its influence on jazz and other musical genres – the bossa nova, the blues,
swing, funk, the exploration into the avant-garde," says Carmen. "Yet they also encompass the many
emotions that are prevalent in this country right now. We are going through tough times with a
country that is sorely divided and many of these tracks reflect the feelings
that we as human beings are going through on an individual level. CODE NOIR actually refers to the first law
ever written by a person in power of a sovereign nation/empire - the King of
France Louis XIV - the first law to disallow and make illegal the integration
of the African race into white European society."
Having written
or co-written all twelve tracks on the album, Carmen envelops her listeners
from the start with the questioning opening song, "Another Chance" -
a thought-provoking title truly pertinent in the world today. "Live Out Loud" encourages us to do
just that while "Black And Blues" is about our present affairs,
"the legacy of the black experience in America,” says Carmen. “The unplanned fallout and result of
legislating and legalizing systemic racism." She adds,
"The electric guitar in the song illustrates its contribution to
all things defining American culture through song.”
On another
heartfelt level the glories of love at first - and second - sight are explored
on "Second Sight" while "The Island, The Sea and You," a
song Carmen wrote while on a trip to Hawaii, is an ode to the love of Lundy's
life. The infectious "Have A Little
Faith" explores the rhythms born of the African experience and originating
from the African continent which the singer has always loved - and as an
African American, has always identified with - while the lyrics of
"Whatever It Takes" implore us to be strong in the face of this
imperfect world.
The tracks
"I Got Your Number," "I Keep Falling" and "You Came
Into My Life" are keen observations on the state of the modern-day
romantic relationship in all its various stages. The CD closes with the
inspired "Kumbaya," originally spoken as ‘Come By Here’ in the south,
"perhaps in the Gullah language of slaves from Angola brought to the
Carolinas, to my understanding,” says Carmen. “It’s a song to my family. A plea
to humanity."
Masterfully
accompanying Carmen on the new album is Patrice Rushen on piano who once again
joins Carmen on this outing, Ben Williams on acoustic and electric bass, Jeff
Parker on electric guitar, Kendrick Scott on drums and percussion and Elisabeth
Oei on background vocals. In addition to
vocals, Lundy also plays keyboards and guitar and arranged all the songs.
The release
of CODE NOIR will be accompanied by tour dates both here in the US and abroad. For additional information please visit
www.CarmenLundy.com.
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