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 | SPOTLIGHT: Nailah Porter - Cali Soul |
Born in Winston-Salem, NC, composer, vocalist and musician, Nailah, was always connected to music. Although she grew up performing in choirs and local bands, Nailah took the “safe” route and became a D.C. attorney and lobbyist for a law enforcement organization, where she helped lay the foundation for passage of the Brady Bill, the Hate Crimes Bill, Assault Weapons Legislation, and other public safety related measures.
Eventually, however, Nailah listened to her muse. Her voice was resonating with the spirit of her influences, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone, Curtis Mayfield, Bill Withers, James Taylor, and Gil Scott-Heron. Honoring that spirit is what moved Nailah to walk away from a lucrative career as a Capitol Hill Attorney/Lobbyist, with the understanding that music had a far more profound effect on the human condition than any legislation she could lobby for.
As a recording artist and guest vocalist Nailah has worked with Beck, Billy Childs, Phil Ranelin, Warren G, John Cale (Velvet Underground) and Cree Summer (Lenny Kravitz tour). Nailah’s music was regularly featured on the popular FX television show, The Shield. She’s written songs with noted jazz artists Tom Scott and Jeff Lorber, and was the featured vocalist and songwriter on Jeff Lorber’s critically acclaimed CD, Philly Style. She took a break from music, created a beautiful family, and pursued other interests. The beauty and struggle of real life, however, led her back to music but with a different focus. “Something shifted. The writing and singing is emerging from a different place and the focus is now on living authentically and growing artistically.”
That focus has produced two CDs on NaiMuse (Life In Session – EP and Nailah Live at Kula) and a myriad of opportunities. But catching the attention of tastemaker DJs Gilles Peterson (UK) and Ennio Styles (Australia) was the highlight of 2009. Gilles Peterson featured Nailah’s music on his All Winners Show, Part 1 & 2 (BBC Radio 1, Worldwide), regarding her as “One of THE discoveries of 2009.”
Another memorable event was performing at the City Of Los Angeles Heritage Months Closing Ceremony, after being personally asked by Mayor Villaraigosa to represent the accomplishments and contributions of African Americans. Other notable performances include, the Jazz Bakery Series, Come Sunday, Jazz On The Sacred Side, the National Anthem at an LA Galaxy Soccer match, Inspiration House PoetryChoir at Grand Performances, and the SESAC Summer Sessions at Harvelles.
When asked to describe her music, Nailah calls is “ConJazzNess” and prefers to discuss what informs the music. She recalls the smell of R. J. Reynolds' tobacco and Hickory-smoked barbeque...the feel of cotton-pricked fingers pinchin' her cheeks, the foot stomps and African harmonies of the Elder's Choir at St. John CME Church. She speaks of helping her Grandma Macey, a domestic, down 23rd Street after sippin' her troubles away at Ms. Dinah's liquor house. Listening to WAAA radio. Learning to honor her heritage and self because Nina and Odetta said so. Nailah speaks of her obedience to Gil Scott-Heron and Curtis Mayfield who instructed her to question everything. Of being influenced by Thurgood Marshall, the NAACP and other Civil Rights organizations. Her "knee conversations" with Coltrane, ushering her back to God. Being raised by Grandparents, Great Aunts and Uncles, especially her Great-Uncle CooJack, and others...good, simple Southern folk who suffered indignities with Grace and the patience of Job, so she wouldn't have to.
For the record, Nailah says her music “on the surface is a blending of genres, but more importantly, it sounds like what it is…an expression from the depths of my being. Spirit speaking to me and through me to Itself in everything that is. Cellular Memory and Collective Struggle singing the essence of Humanity. Honoring the Sacred in the day-to-day. Music rooted in Jazz, based on Spirit."
A promising year ahead includes Nailah making her London debut at the Worldwide Awards, February 6, 2010, and being featured on the upcoming Brownswood Bubblers Five (Brownswood Recordings). Nailah’s long awaited album “ConJazzNess” will be released in 2010.
http://www.nailahmusic.com
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Posted on January 27, 2010
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