This summer, Shanachie Entertainment will release the highly anticipated Leela James tribute, In the Spirit of Etta James. In listening to the track, I love Leela’s vocals! Her voice is rich, indulgent and can be easily translated from soul to rock in the drop of a dime. Similarly, she shares an unusual resemblance to Etta’s punching spirit. On the other hand, the “music” seems to be missing “something”. While I’m not a purist when it comes to the notion of artist remaking classic songs, I have to interject my comment in this case. Appreciating the desire to infuse a new feeling and zest to this classic, I feel the music has lost that “down-home-I-caught-the -Holy-Ghost” church feel that creates the perfect pairing of Etta’s “tell it like it is” voice. Tell us your thoughts!!!!
Photo credit: Duan Davis Photography
Hope West is a music enthusiast and music photographer who has captured artists like B.B. King, Janet Jackson, Teddy Riley and many others. A life long lover of music, Hope is a graduate of Full Sail University where she studied music engineering. She’s also a proud “Florida Girl” born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. and currently resides in Atlanta, GA as a “Georgia Peach”. Hope is known for her creativity, sense of humor and quirky perfectionism. Artist(s) that make her freak out as a music fan: Sheila E., Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Quincy Jones.
I don’t see any resemblence, but great voice. leela voice is awesome..
Bless her,and also bless ms.etta.(rip)to etta.
love cadillac records, even IF some was drama-purpose(make it more dramatic) not true, but definitely more drama like wit’ her and len chess(rip)
Thank you! I appreciate your thought and comment.