Hybrid Jazz From Trish Hennessey - with Nnenna Freelon!

Yes, did you see that yours truly capped Nnenna's name up there?  LOL!  You had better believe that this was deliberate. Vocalist of rare dimension, composer, arranger, actress, writer, education activist, and SIX-time Grammy nominee - how else am I gonna describe this Goddless of Vocalization in any other terms but capital letters?!

Credit to Nnenna's parents for providing her with such amazing music as she grew.  In Cambridge, Massachusetts.  Her Church was a backdrop - so was Jazz and Soul in her house.  Mom and Dad SANG a lot of it.  In the 70's, she gravitated to the harmony of the Chi-Lites, Stylistics, and the Spinners.  With a family in North Carolina, Nnenna immersed herself in the Jazz of her childhood days.  And was wise to remember her Grandmother's saying: "Bloom where you are planted."

Ellis Marsalis heard that bloom and brought this gifted Lady to the attention of Columbia Records.  Signed, she recorded three albums for them, beginning in 1992.  Her career since that has been one of PROFOUND prestige and respect.  She toured with and paid homage to Ray Charles; she has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Apollo, Montreaux and Monterey; her honors and awards are too numerous for this page - accolades, even more so.  Nnenna has a strong Philadelphia connection - her "The Clothesline Muse" was produced there a few years ago, at the Painted Bride.  On 6/30, she will return to The City of Brotherly Love and Goddess Appreciation :)  She's set to star as part of Gerald Veasley's "Unscripted" series at South - on Broad Street.  Near the watchful eye of Billy Penn atop City Hall.

Inspired by Billie Holiday, Nina Simone and Stevie Wonder (among others!), Nnenna has reached the full throttle of her gift. Matter-of-fact, her first name MEANS "Gift of God."  We who hear are so grateful!