Aaron Abernathy, professionally known as Ab, is a multi-talented musician -- singer, songwriter, producer, and entertainer.  Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Ab joined the ranks of artists like Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack as a graduate from the prestigious music program at Howard University, where he sharpened his vocal abilities and musicianship.  With outstanding talents as both a keyboard player and a vocalist, he has acted as musical director for global touring acts Black Milk and Slum Village and collaborated with Grammy-nominated artists including Jack White, The Foreign Exchange, and Eric Roberson.

“I Am Love” is the new single from Washington DC-based vocalist and songwriter Cecily (ses-suh-lee). Known for her agile soprano and honest lyrics, the single is the first track taken from her upcoming project “Awakening Pt. 2” which was inspired by the text All About Love by bell hooks. The track specifically focusses on the importance of affirmations, as discussed in the text, with the heart – and title – from the track rooted in the power of reminding yourself: “I Am Love”.

Echoing the romantic sensibilities of 1970s soul artists with a fresh twist, “I Am Love” effortlessly exists at the intersection of Jazz and Soul, highlighted by an easy groove and thoughtful harmonies. Co-written alongside Jacob Ungerleider, the melody of the track grew from a chord progression inspired by Cecily’s listening to Blossom Dearie and Dionne Warwick, which felt like a natural pairing to the affirming poem she had crafted through daily journals. The track pays tribute to its poetic beginnings with emphasis on imagery around love as depicted through the natural world and colors; “green for the heart chakra and rose, as in a rose quartz, which is the crystal used to cultivate love energy.”

“Awakening Pt. 2” explores unconditional love and its transformative power. Going beyond the romantic, Cecily dives into what hooks called a Love Ethic and examines how love can grow in each part of our loves
and in society through familial love, self-love, divine love, and love of Mother Nature. “bell hooks said, “All awakening to love is spiritual awakening” and that’s how I felt when I wrote these songs and more broadly in my journey to awakening to love.” In crafting a thematic album Cecily pays extra attention to the individual identities and styles of each track. Working with the likes of Jenna Camille, Muhsinah, Allyn Johnson, Zachary Cutler and Jacob Ungerleider, the LP travels through the realms of Jazz, Soul and R&B with tenderness and musician precision.

Growing up surrounded by her parents’ vast record collection – her father, a lover of Miles Davis, and her mother, a Smokey Robinson fan – Cecily developed a love of singing and an appreciation for the connection
she had to music from a young age, taking classical voice lessons from the age of thirteen. Through this upbringing and her own focus on poetry, her work is fueled with a unique sensuality that informs not only her vocal approach, but also her self-reflecting lyrics, grappling with self-acceptance, vulnerability, and rebirth. With a degree in Political Science and Black Studies, and an understanding of how disillusioned politics can make people feel, Cecily works to bring purpose and power to her music and people’s lives. Over her career, she has done just that by making a commitment to create work that celebrates vulnerability as a strength, unconditional love as a grounding principle, and joy as an innate human right.

It's my dream to share MY life lessons through the gift of song. I believe that every story, -- good, bad, and ugly -- can be told best through HONEST music. Music makes even the hardest pain easier to bear. Music should provoke or evoke some form of true emotion daily..if you're listening to music of substance that is.. 

I'm a singer first and foremost, a songwriter, and just an overall entertainer. I would like people to get personal with me and not have people get personal with a 'bio'. I enjoy what I do and I know wherever I perform I leave a lasting impression on the public. As a child I was known for entertaining my family and friends with my vocals and crazy performances. Whenever family was invited over they demanded I do my Michael Jackson impersonation. My mother, who is my greatest role model and a beautiful alto in her own right, has always encouraged me to utilize my talent. I joined a few choirs here and there but mainly stayed in the studio working on my talent. Honest music is the brand that best describes my musical sound. By merging MY greatest influences, such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Prince, and Donnie Hathaway, with modern talents, the likes of Stokely, Kenny Greene, D'Angelo and countless others, I have tried to create a mature and graceful sound. I truly believe my dynamic musical journey has only just begun. 

I've been blessed to share the stage with many talented people and look forward to working with many more. Having the opportunity to tour Asia was amazing knowing that honest music brings wonderful people together and allows the public to witness this synergy. I really want to thank everyone for supporting me and the people I work with. I do this 'thing' called music out of love and I hope it shows each time I step on the stage. 

One last thing, if you haven't had the chance to see my show yet then my suggestion is, "you betta ask somebody". Thanx 4 the Love!!

Artist. Producer.Educator | Connector of dots…
Preeminent Improvisational Vocalist, Author, Producer, GRAMMY-nominated musician, and multi-disciplinary fine artist is a 2023 Guggenheim Fellow for Music Composition (the first emcee to be granted a Guggenheim for music composition), Halcyon Arts Fellow, and Nicholson Arts Fellow,  has been a TEDxWDC presenter, speaking on “collaboration and the creative economy”.and has served as Artist in Residence at Music Meeting in Nijmegen, NL. He can be heard on over 60 titles spanning: Jazz, Hip Hop, Rock, and R&B. About his book "You Are Ketchup: and Other Fly Music Tales" (Globe Pequot) the Washington Post writes “written in a tone so conversational you can practically hear it in your ear, “You Are Ketchup” feels like a megadose of straight advice from a muso-mentor who’s been there. And, of course, Kokayi has been all over the place..”

NEW SINGLE! "whatever it is" OUT NOW! 
NEW ALBUM! "Feel A Way" - 1/20/23
Download | Stream | Share: https://linktr.ee/genenoble 
Bookings: foreground-ent@globestone.media

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