A few days ago, it was her birthday, and it was Jorja Smith who offered us a gift with the release of her cover " Rose Rouge " of St Germain on June 9, 2020. This is an opportunity for us to look back at this queen of British soul.
A look back at a rising star
Graceful, brilliant, talented… , Jorja Smith is full of praise.
Originally from Walsall in England, this young author, composer and performer with a unique timbre of voice has already conquered the world of contemporary music.
Born on June 11, 1997 to a Jamaican father and an English mother. Jorja Smith grew up surrounded by music by Led Zeppelin, Curtis Mayfield, d'Angelo and Les Slits. A musical universe transmitted by his parents, but especially by his father, a former musician who was part of a neo-soul group called "Second Nature". A musical universe also consolidated by learning the piano at the age of eight and musical training at the Aldridge School, where she studied classical singing.
A phenomenal boom
Influenced by artists such as Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse, Damian Marley, Lauryn Hill, and especially Rihanna, she is part of a soul, R&B and pop register.
Jorja Smith arouses a strong craze. She writes songs but also stories, and this, since she was eleven years old:
" Since I was little, I write everything that comes to mind, I need to express myself ."
A flourishing inspiration that is expressed through the writing of multiple songs, seventy precisely between his sixteen and twenty years. Thoughts, conversations, lived experiences that she immerses herself in to write songs that speak to everyone.
In addition, there have been multiple collaborations with Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Kali Uchis, Stormzy and Burna Boy. An artist without a label well surrounded by a passionate team that allows her to keep her feet on the ground.
Already many singles, an EP entitled "Project 11" in 2016, then a 1stalbum in 2018 Lost & Found. After this last symbol of wandering, Jorja Smith, an artist who constantly renews herself, reinvents herself in a more jazzy vibe that is not without displeasing us, quite the contrary!
"Red Rose"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwSfURSe18Q
Revisiting and re-imagining jazz classics by great contemporary artists, a promise announced by Blue Note Records with their new compilation that starts strong. Indeed, Jorja Smith tackles a jazz classic with the title " Rose Rouge " by the French St Germain released in 2000.
A sublime gateway to jazz with an alchemy that operates. Jorja Smith takes us into a groovy and jazzy universe. A contrasting version of the original where the singer's haunting voice hypnotizes us while maintaining a central place for the instruments. As well as repeated words in a loop that resonate particularly in this era.
" I want you to get together, put your hands together once. »
Rose Rouge, a success already covered by the Rolling Stones and now by the brilliant Jorja Smith. This track, composed and performed by St Germain included in his 2001 album Tourist , was recorded in Paris. A fusion of computer-assisted music, synthesizer, sampler, saxophone, trumpet, flute, percussion and African tama. Through which, Ludovic Navarre and his group, celebrates and pays tribute to Cosmopolitan Paris.
We will never tire of listening to him. A jazzy marvel where Jorja Smith's voice sensually surfs to listen without moderation. Now, we look forward to the release on September 25 of the opus, which wants to breathe a new wave of jazz.
