New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Vocalist and songwriter Cecily released her first full album entitled Songs of Love and Freedom on May 4th. The sound pulls heavily from 1970's soul and R&B, specifically the work of Gil Scott-Heron, The Isley Brothers, and Norman Connors. On this project Cecily collaborated with
Aaron Abernathy, Diggs Duke, Drew Kid, and John Daise and
Brother Spanky of the group Columbia Nights.
The album includes Cecily's newest single "Pisces." Kim Hines of Soulbounce reviewed the song saying, "With a honeyed soprano reminiscent of the great Minnie Riperton, Cecily continues to draw you in with her positive, introspective lyrics."
Cecily explains the inspiration behind the project, "With each song I tried to capture a moment. I tried to give you the moment I sat in the grass in London feeling the sun on my face appreciating not having to please anyone but myself. I tried to give you the moment I was in Ghana's lush green Volta region and felt the power of Wli Falls spraying my back — how alive that felt! I tried to give you the moment I sat in my room in silence looking at
Spring outside my window and knew that the Universe was holding my hand and leading the way, if only I let my ego go. I tried to give you the moment I learned of the murder of Jordan Edwards, just 15 years old and killed by a police officer. The moment I found Hope in hopelessness."
Known for her sweet soprano, honest lyrics, and pure vocals, Cecily brings her own vulnerability to each song, telling her story, and hopes that, at the end, the audience feels vulnerable enough to tell their own stories. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zlk3gVpDujw
In her hometown of Washington, DC Cecily has opened for Grammy Award winning jazz and soul artist Gregory Porter, R&B stars Johnny Gill, Kenny Lattimore, Elle Varner, and alternative soul pioneer Bilal. She has played at the legendary Blues Alley, as well as The Kennedy Center, The Hamilton, The
Howard Theater, and Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club.
Cecily is currently a Strathmore-Artist-in-Residence and will present her album release concert at the The Strathmore Mansion on May 9th.
Visit Cecily on the Web at https://www.cecilymusic.com.
