Always a singer, Jade didn’t consider herself a songwriter although she had written lyrics and poetry in an ever-present notebook that she carried for years. But she didn’t have the confidence to share or fully explore that side of her artistry. Teaming with Harrell changed that. Finally opening up the pages containing intimate thoughts, feelings, reflections and experiences, Jade turned those journaled writings into resonant lyrics, often composing vibrant melodies for songs that deftly incorporate R&B, jazz, hip hop and pop. Anchoring the aural alchemy illumined by lush harmonies and soul-powered grooves is Jade’s richly expressive voice, commandingly delivering substantive stories of hope, inspiration and romantic ardor. Her lyrics empower strength, courage and fortitude; get vulnerable and fantasize about unabashed love; and relish life with a full and grateful heart.
As Jade worked on “A Shade of Jade,” with Harrell on keyboards, Kyle Bolden on guitar, Raymond McKinley on bass, Charles Streeter Sr. on drums, and saxophonist Eric Darius making a guest appearance to solo on “Bottle Up Magic,” she teased the album by releasing a video for the motivational “What’s It Gonna Be,” which won two statues at this year’s San Diego Music Awards. The former division one college basketball player who earned a full athletic scholarship to UC Berkeley appears in the hoop-themed video that has amassed 127,000 views to date (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8MrEOyjXQA).
The San Diego-based artist has sold out concerts previewing “A Shade of Jade” in her hometown and near Los Angeles and performed last week at the Barbados Jazz Excursion. This holiday season, Jade will be trekking across the U.S. with saxophone star Dave Koz (who is featured soloing on “My Reason”), performing at his 25th annual Christmas tour that also features genre luminaries Rick Braun, Peter White and Keiko Matsui.
Although Jade’s album just arrived, early reviews are singing the singer’s praises.