Alchemist Labs again, all instruments (including that hilarious trumpet) played by G James.

Say Love

Believer

Me and Ashley Phillips (AP Soul) playing around during rehearsal. Whenever I say I'm a musician, people always ask me "What do you play?" ... to which I reply "Myself."

The voice is an instrument.

Rehearsal Rough Cut: Lyin' Mutha... Blues

the (nearly) entire recording of a live abT [akie bermiss Trio] show at Rockwood Music Hall in June of 2015.  we have made a tradition of playing sporadic midnights at the joint. at first, i thought it would never take off.  then, i was comfortable with the few stragglers who might come in regularly.  now, its built to a kind of welcomed tradition.  despite my reluctance for the hot seat and the strangeness of my songs, and (perhaps in spite of) the horrible job i do of talking to the crowd between numbers -- the music comes through.  and i've been told its a grand experience.  

and since i'm not able to make the record just yet, it thought it would be nice to share.  in total.

on drums, Andrew Gillespie. on bass, Dan Asher.

619 Medicine

I couldn't help it and i can't deny how good it sounds. this is just an edit to play on my dj sets, and i played it once and everybody wanted it right away. Honestly i was gonna wait to see if Solange or her team or whoever works for her wouldve ask me to do an offical remix so if they still want to, i could make it sound better than that version but ohhhhh, what the hell....
anyways i highly recommend you that new Solange album "A Seat At The Table".

SOLANGE - CRANES IN THE SKY (KAYTRANADA DJ EDIT)

Fallin in Love!  Ode to makin it last.  All instruments n voices by Ganessa James.

Fallin in love

A song about heartbreak and hope for redemption.  1st take recording at the humble Alchemist Labs.

No other recording attempt has felt quite right since, so this version stands.  Hope you enjoy!

Line in the Sand

One More Today from the album Until We're Done.

06 One More Today

From my Grammy-nominated album with the Heritage Blues Orchestra "And Still I Rise", an international collaboration honoring African-American Musical traditions. This song was made famous by Leadbelly and remains one of the only work songs I know of that references women being in chain gangs. 

Note: Hannah is a code for the sun.

Go Down Hannah

This is one of my favorite traditional Blues songs to sing. Also known as "The Killing Floor Blues" which refers to coming upon hard times and having to work in a slaughter house. This song also highlights the call and response that happens between the voice and the guitar in this genre.

With blues/folk/roots music lyrics often change with the teller and the experiences they bring to the music. i had never heard a woman singing this song...or singing it with lyrics that refer to loving another woman, or doing whatever it took to support and love their partner during said hard times. 

Recorded live at Aulnay All Blues Festival in France with the Heritage Blues Trio in 2009. 

Go Down Hannah

Chaney Sims

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