Every so often, the music gods smile down upon us mere mortals and bless us with an artist who embodies the essence of music itself.
Joining the circle of such singers as Sade, Prince, Maxwell and India.Arie, is Goapele (Qua-Pa-Lay).
The Bay Area native is hypnotizing ears from coast to coast with her incense-scented voice.
Her hit “Closer,” which is getting much radio play and has both roughnecks and soft legs asking, “Who is that?”
She, this lyrical goddess, is by no means new to the game.
The Jewish-South African singer has performed on stage with some of the top names in rap and R&B including Erykah Badu, Common, Talib Kweli and The Roots.
Even Closer (Sky Blaze/Red), her new album, which has sold 30,000 units thus far, is a “coming out” party with a purpose. The artist actually released a disc entitled “Closer,” a 9-song promotional disc aimed at various music outlets and industry executives.
This new disc includes those nine songs, plus five new ones.
The first single “Closer” showcases the singer/songwriter’s ability to mix different levels of music. It drips with soul, R&B and funk.
Vibe Magazine calls the soulful singer “Amel Larrieux with a libido.” She shows examples of such on the song “Romantic,” an ode to a man who is so “f***ing romantic” she can’t stand it.
Don’t get it twisted, this sister is not all about the birds and the bees and honey dips, Even Closer takes a road trip into the political arena, with the anti-war song “Red White and Blues.”
People may stumble over pronouncing the name, but they can’t stumble over the music. Goapele is sure to bring music lovers everywhere “even closer” to the rebirth of music.
