New York-based vocalist Kendra Ross has made a name for herself in the soul music world as both a singer and songwriter. As a background vocalist for Kanye West, Talib Kweli, Omar and Faith Evans she has appeared around the US and has made several television appearances. In addition, her performance in Christian Ver Halen’s talented group The Rooftop created a stir on the East Coast US.
With several years backing others behind here, Ross moved to the spotlight and recorded her debut album, the aptly titled New Voice. She released it in Summer 2007, working with Ver Halen and some of the cream of the New York crop of instrumentalists, including Lonnie Plaxico, Chris Rob, Daniel Sadownick, and Skoota Warner, as well as Kweli and singer Eric Roberson. The disc became an immediate hit on the indie soul circuit, resulting in an impressive victory as Best New Artist at the 2007 SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Awards ceremony in Detroit. She returned the following year to present the award to co-winners April Hill and Algebra, and to perform a beautiful version of "Love Me In A Special Way" at the All-Star Jam.
During 2008, Ross performed an increasing number of headlining gigs and continued to build her audience. In December of that year she issued her video for "I’m So Okay" (see video below), even as she began writing music for her sophomore disc, slated for a 2009 release.
By Chris Rizik
Click here to read interview of Kendra at SOBO Magazine
