Ledisi Sings Nina (USA) • Jazzkaar 2024
The name Ledisi means “to bring something forth” in the Yoruba language. And indeed, the powerful singer certainly evokes emotions in the listener. Ledisi’s strength and sense of control – with her vocal range spanning from soft glissando to deep vibrato – are indeed extraordinary. In Tallinn, she will perform a repertoire of Nina Simone’s songs, for which she received her 13th Grammy nomination.
The versatile and talented singer and actress hailing from New Orleans has showcased her talents in musicals, on the silver screen, in the studio and on concert stages. Her voice is powerful, expressive and controlled. Both her mother, stepfather and father have been professional musicians. Ledisi’s work has been nominated for Grammy Awards 14 times. She won her first Grammy Award for the song Anything For You. The album Ledisi Sings Nina, which will be performed in Tallinn, has been praised to the skies by music critics. Her colleague John Legend has said in an interview with The New York Times that Ledisi is one of the best vocalists in the world today: “As a contemporary vocalist, there’s almost no one I can think of in the world that sings as skillfully as she does. In terms of her range, dexterity, clarity, and versatility, she can do anything she wants. She’s one of the great singers in the world, period.”
Ledisi has honed her skills at the University of California, Berkeley, studying opera singing and piano. She has also authored several books and led a record label. She serves as the president of The Recording Academy’s Los Angeles Chapter, advocating for ample development and recording opportunities for young artists.
Line up:
Ledisi - Vocal
Brandon Waddles - Pianist
Antone "Chooky" Caldwell - Bass/Guitar
Greg Clark – Drums
