By Esther Callens
There is none like vocalist Alicia Olatuja. She has impressed audiences both in theater (musical) and opera. Now with the release of Timeless, her album, she is stepping off into other genre, all the while showing just what vocal prowess she really has. It is no secret that she is rapidly acquiring a very huge fan base. She is magnificent!
Timeless presents the versatility that Olatuja possesses. It does not matter if she is performing a simple melody (“Truth In Blue”, album opener) or a complex refrain (“Serrado”, track 3), her pitch is perfect and range is awesome! She pours a lot of emotions into her interpretation of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” and “Human Nature.” “The One”, an original, is her passionate R & B tune backed with a marvelous sax and heavy percussion in part. The set closes with her beautiful delivery on “Amazing Grace.”
Timeless is a collection of perfect originals and bright arrangements – a truly elegant recording!
St. Louis Missouri native Alicia Olatuja is a classically trained Mezzo-soprano. She is a Vocal Performance graduate of the Manhattan School of Music Masters Program. Her debut recital was at Carnegie Hall and professional debut was in the World Premiere Opretta Corps of Discovery at Opera Memphis. She has graced numerous venues with her flawless vocals that include the Kennedy Center, The Fringe Festival (Edinburgh, Scotland) and many others. Of significance was her performance at the 2013 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony where she literally floored the audience. That defining moment heralded “A star is born!” She has shared the stage with Christian McBride, Bebe Winans, Chaka Khan and many talents. She is also a voice teacher, vocal producer and teaching artist for the Brooklyn Arts Council. Her new title, Timeless is set for a mid-October release.
Track listings: Truth In Blue; Human Nature; Serrado; Stay gold; Love Me Still; speak the Words; In The Dark; Somewhere Over The Rainbow; The One; Amazing Grace.
Album Personnel: Alicia Olatuja-lead and backing vocals; Michael Olatuja-acoustic and electric bass; Jon Cowherd-piano and organ; Ulysses Owens Jr.-drums and percussions; David Rosenthal-guitar; Christian McBride-acoustic bass (tracks 3 & 6); Gregoire Maret-harmonica (track 4); Christian Sands-piano (track 8); Jaleel Shaw-tenor sax (track 9); Laurence Hobgood-arrangement (tracks 4 & 5).
