#Growns we have something for your warm summer nights courtesy of Val B. King feat. Najee – “Ooh You”. Written by Frank McComb and Val B. King is music that keeps your attention from the first downbeat.
Najee’s cadenza entrance let’s you know this is music that is for real and not for play. The flute just gives such an air of the exotic that this listener was already been transported before Val B. King enters with a story that grabs you right where you live.
So beautiful to these ears to hear a love song. You know? An actual love song. What I mean by that statement is “Ooh You” is a celebration of one of the most beautiful experiences we can have as humans. So often these days love is reduced to something very different than what is communicated on “Ooh You”.
I’m listening and more importantly I want to listen to “Ooh You” again and again and again. The hook is infectious “Ooh you, ooh you, keep me loving you.” It’s an expertly constructed interplay between Val B. King and Frank McComb. Speaking of interplay… Najee’s flute weaves flourish after flourish in the perfect spots always with something musically engaging to say.
#Growns “Ooh You” from Val B. King feat. Najee is exactly what you need right now on your playlist.
About Val B. King
Val B. King, the granddaughter of blues legend B.B. King, has a clear, smooth sound that is influenced by gospel music, blues, jazz, neo-soul, soul and R&B. Her 2016 debut album, “Life, Love, Music,” (Jofula Global Media) was inspired by her late grandfather. The album featured “The Legacy Goes On,” with heartfelt lyrics that she wrote “to honor all he did for me, his family and the world,” said Val in a Rolling Stone magazine article, which praised this premiere work of her musical career.
With the talented artist’s Spring 2021 release of her new album, she showcases her unique sound through 8 new songs, including the soulful “So Many Ways Than One,” which was publicly introduced on Cleveland’s 107.3 (The Wave WNWV). Val’s most recent project is the result of a dynamic collaboration with international jazz/soul singer, songwriter and pianist Frank McComb.
Raised in Mansfield, Ohio, Val’s love for music started with family. Her father, who sang in church and with gospel groups, would often take her to see her grandfather in concert. She was captivated while watching him on stage and first sang for him during a family reunion at the age of 12. After this courageous performance, B.B. King lovingly referred to her as “his star” – encouragement which inspired Val to pursue a career in music.
She gained experience in high school by accepting frequent invitations to sing “The National Anthem” at sporting events and performing choir concert solos. As a student attending Bowling Green State University she sang in the university’s gospel choir. After graduation, Val joined the accomplished gospel group, Anointed One, building her stage presence. Later, she partnered with producer Robert W. “JoJo” Hill, joining his company, Jofula Music Group, which further expanded her career.
In 2015, Val launched her first professional music project. Her grandfather was proud to see her following in his footsteps. Sadly, B.B. King died unexpectedly just one month after she began working in the studio. She cherishes their time together, including her visit the day before he passed away. Although the celebrated blues icon’s death was a great loss to her family and the world, Val knows that he wanted her to stay the course toward her dream of being a successful musician.
Well-respected among her musician peers, Val has shared the stage with several notable artists, including the classic, R&B group SWITCH, Emmy-nominated pianist Kofi Boakye and Frank McComb.
Val’s emerging career has received media coverage in Rolling Stone, The Cleveland Plain Dealer, as well as several Northeastern Ohio radio and streaming stations, such as The Majic Morning Show on Majic 105.7 (WMJI), 107.3 The Wave, The Gary Rivers Show on 1480 WHBC, The Jeff Brown Show and the Todd Allyn Show (both on FCB Radio Network), among others.
To learn more about Val B. King’s music and career connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.
Ivan Orr is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, performer, and writer. A native of Charlottesville, Virginia Ivan was involved with the forming and nascent days of The Music Resource Center as its first Program Director. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Music, Ivan currently resides in Richmond, VA where he maintains an active performance and production schedule while serving as the Music Editor for Grown Folks Music, a position he has held since 2010.
