There have been several times when a planned post does not publish. When I started Weekly Music Commentary, I realized that though there are fifty-two week in a year, there are thousands of musical artists who qualify as good subjects for a feature. In fact, on a given week there could be twenty or more artists who could be featured. Leading up to this week there was some consideration as to changing to another artist, nevertheless I decided to stay the course. That means this week Weekly Music Commentary is featuring soulful singer/songwriter Leela James. Remember, this is week four of our special Women in Music month. I feel we have a great addition to the previous artists featured this month. Leela James provides us with a more seasoned artist who has delivered several albums of great music. Well, it would be wise to look back at the start of her career and move forward till today.
Alechia Janeice Campbell was born in Los Angeles, CA May 22, 1983, which means two days ago she celebrated her thirty-seventh birthday. James made her debut on the soundtrack to the 2000 Jamie Foxx film Bait on The Roots song “Work”, credited as Alechia James. In 2004, James toured as an opening act for The Black Eyed Peas and Macy Gray. That same year, she was featured on hip hop producer, DJ, and emcee Pete Rock’s album Soul Survivor II, providing vocals to the track “No Tears”. Later the next year, she lent her voice to the posthumously released Ray Charles album Genius & Friends, performing a duet with the singer on the song “Compared to What”.
Leela James started right off with some very big stars in the music industry, and I think we understand why. Her voice is quite unique, soulful, a throwback to singers of previous years. Most can easily hear her vocal individuality and recognizable timbre. Without a doubt she would be able to build an interesting career and fan base.
James’ debut album, A Change Is Gonna Come, was released on June 21, 2005. The album was conceived as a throwback to an earlier era of American soul music, building upon the legacy of 1960s and 1970s soul singers while incorporating elements of contemporary R&B, funk, and gospel.
In the lyrics to the album’s lead single, “Music”, James laments the current state of contemporary popular music. She condemns the glorification of materialism and misogyny that has often been attributed to the lyrical content of contemporary R&B and hip hop songs while pleading for the return of the artistry, dedication, and sincerity displayed by musicians of earlier decades. For these reasons I feel that Leela James is another of those artists that should find fans among those R&B purists, and those who generally dismiss younger artists of today.
Leela James certainly arrived with her debut album. She garnering nominations for Outstanding New Artist at the NAACP Image Awards and Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist of 2008 at the Soul Train Music Awards. James co-wrote most of the tracks on her debut album, two exceptions being her covers of the pop rock band No Doubt’s 1996 hit “Don’t Speak” and the classic title song by Sam Cooke, for which the album is named. Notable collaborators on the album include Raphael Saadiq, Kanye West and Wyclef Jean.
After parting ways with Warner Bros., James signed with the independent label Shanachie Records and released her second studio album on March 24, 2009, an all-cover set entitled Let’s Do It Again (the title being a homage to the 1975 soundtrack album of the same name by The Staple Singers). Of course, the comparisons to Mavis Staples and even the recently deceased Betty Wright would be prevalent. However, Leela James was forging her own path. Even though she released Let’s Do It Again as an album of covers, the music to come would identify her originality for all to hear.
On July 8, 2014, Leela James released her fifth studio album, Fall For You. The album’s first two singles, “Say That” feat. Anthony Hamilton and “Fall For You” both reached Top 15 on the Billboard Urban AC charts, with “Fall For You” reaching #12. Ms. James supported her album with tours nationwide, including performances at Essence Music Festival, Arizona Jazz Fest, San Diego Jazz Fest, Capitol Jazz Fest, and more.
It was after the release of this album that I scheduled James to be featured in Weekly Music Commentary. Nevertheless, it did not happen at the time. Fall For You really pushed Leela James to new musical heights. It was her live performances that provided something extra for her waiting fans. What sets Ms. James apart is her fearless approach to making music. She travels the gamut of emotions from self-doubt to self-confidence, and reminds her audience of what it is to be human – to love, to regret and to dream. “The best artists stay true to who they are, no matter the scale,” says James. “I think you can be relevant and still have substance, so I try to never stay in a box.”
Leela James has something to say to younger artist who wish to have a long career in the industry. She can teach something that goes beyond the superficial part of music-making. “It’s the feel of the colors in an artist’s voicing and their power. Some artists make the hairs rise on my arm when they hit a certain note. Anybody can hold a tune, but make me feel it. Now that’s a sanger.” As for songwriting, James has a message that can help in that department too. “I vibe with the music and whatever comes out, that’s what it’s going to be. I tend to fool around with melodies I’m hearing, and then I go back and fill in lyrics. If the music is making me feel good, that’s all I need.”
Did It for Love is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Leela James. It was released by Shesangz Music under exclusive license to BMG Rights Management on March 31, 2017. The album peaked at number 30 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number 72 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. The album’s lead single, “Don’t Want You Back”, was released on October 21, 2016, and reached number one on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.
As I write this post we are due for more music from Leela James. There is no reason to believe we won’t get another well-crafted piece of art from the soulful vocalist. At this stage of her career I feel that she knows how to not only give us an album, but she knows how to deliver a “fine” album.
Last month Leela James did something along with many other artists that truly displayed her heart and soul. Corespondent Jawn Murray asked several musical artists to contribute to a Zoom version of the timeless hit “That’s What Friends Are For”. In view of our fight with COVID-19, it was the perfect song and gift for us all. Of course, Leela James had only a small part, but it truly helped us all. Keep sangin’!