Written by: Dione M. Davis
Amel Larrieux has a soft, yet unforgettably angelic voice that is a rare find these days. Forever known as one half of Groove Theory with producer Bryce Wilson, Amel was just 19 years old when she signed the deal with Sony that changed her life. Unbeknownst to her, the formula she and Bryce Wilson created was one that could not be duplicated.
What would Digable Planets have been without Lady Bug? What would have The Fugees been without Lauryn Hill? If you take the main ingredient out of the recipe, there lies your answer. Amel’s not the type to ignore signs and pays close attention to her surroundings. She’s the quiet storm that blows when she writes. Despite her success in Groove Theory from 1995-1999, with the melodic “Tell Me” and other hits, she had to spread her wings and follow her spirit. After working on several projects including working with Sweetback stamped by Sade, and four albums under her independent label Blisslife Records, Amel took a 5 year hiatus to slow things down. Music was on the back burner while she balanced being a mother of two teenage daughters and a wife.
For all of the real Amel Larrieux fans…the wait is over! She is back looking as beautiful as she did when the world first set eyes on her and heard that voice. Her hippie-bohemian meets-chic style has traces of Greenwich Village which is a giveaway of her New York roots. Her new album Ice Cream Every Day will be released August 27 been ushered in with her single Afraid which is available now on iTunes. The imagery used with the single tells me she’s transformed again with a colorful nostalgic 80’s look.
Love and heartache remain the constant force in her song writing- just as Bille Holiday, Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin reached into their souls to deliver. Who else could be smooth enough to do jazz, but offer the versatility to conquer Resist the Temptation on 2Pac’s greatest hits album? Amel is class, femininity and genius in music that we can cherish for a lifetime. She tore the house down at B.B. King’s in New York in June. Don’t miss out on her special performance at ONE Musicfest www.onemusicfest.com on September 14th in Atlanta.
