gwendolyn

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Opening cut, the fine Vanilla Tree, sets the scene for this jazz laden, mellow soulful offering. Surrender picks up the beat somewhat in a jazzy latin kind of way, right down to vocal styling. Lets get real is driving and a tad more commercial, yet retaining a jazz feel, and wll get dancefloor plays. As will a funky Up and Down.

Top cut however is Just a Little Lovin, laid back and warm in the extreme but with strong vocals. Downbeat continues into In the looking jazz and we are firmly in jazzroom bars. My fathers eyes is another strong track as is What I see in you which is also on the Nu Soul Heaven comp. I think I actually prefer the downbeat stuff but Simple Message kicks a higher groove, with some punchy horns. Back to the slowies and Where do we go from here is classy and full of quality. Concluding with an epic Love is

Gwendolyn Joy - Love Is

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Vanilla Tree
I Surrender
Up & Down
Just a Little Lovin
In the Looking Glass
Help Me
Father's Eyes
What I See in You
Simple Message
Let's Get Real
Where Do We Go From Here?
Love Is

Gwendolyn Joy describes her sound as urban adult contemporary with jazzy undertones. Tired of the 'rap' music devoid of character and morals, she writes songs from a positive consciousness. Family centred Gwendolyn makes Detroit her home because as she puts it, this is where my spiritual and musical family reside.

Her success began at an early age, when inspired by vocalists such as Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, and Aretha Franklin she belted out songs for her family and friends to hear. She continued her musical education throughout her high school years and later turned her talents to the pursuit of a degree in journalism. This balance of music and writing skills is definitely a marriage made in heaven as Gwendolyn says, 'Having something to say while singing is just as important as hitting all the right notes.'

Her lyrical approach to song writing illustrates great depth and dimension or as she puts it, 'A song should say something. There are no lurid 'ooh baby, I just wanna do ya' songs here'. Gwendolyn is a woman with a point of view, and prides herself on being a craftsman versed in the art of true song writing.

The album 'Love Is...', is a collection of such works. The opening cut, 'Vanilla Tree', loosely chronicles life as an interracial child growing up in a racially divided America. 'I Surrender' , 'In the Looking Glass,' and 'Where Do We Go From Here,' are reflective songs about the dimensions of love relationships. In the song 'Father's Eyes' she shares with her listening audience the phrases of concern and love from the eyes of a parent. 'Simple Message', 'Let's Get Real', and 'Up and Down' are commentaries of social issues affecting our society today. 'Help Me', and 'Just a Little Lovin,' take on new meaning with her own unique interpretations. 'What I See In You' written by a very talented close family friend, is a tribute children who have the incredible ability to see the world without fear or prejudice, and finally, 'Love is', the song spoken and sung in poetic verse to put the proverbial icing on the cake, because as she says 'Love is the most natural, most important human emotion in the world. So why do we fight it? I just don't know.'

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