(June 9, 2022) As part of keeping up with our physical needs, most go into the doctor’s office for an annual physical, sometimes known as a “wellness exam.” Angela Nashed is a huge advocate of daily wellness, documenting her songs thru a coloring book. Inspired by soul geniuses like Aretha Franklin and hip-hop and R&B royalty The Roots, this Canadian singer/songwriter born to Egyptian immigrants studied her craft in college in the pursuit of overall wellness for others.
Thanks to a vocal coach who smoothed out her stage confidence, Nashed was ready to record her 2017 debut It.Started.Off.Blue, displaying her pleasing vocal colors, tossing R&B sprinkled with jazz and blues. Two years later, Nashed’s touching reading of Marvin Gaye’s “Mercy Mercy Me” was a bold yet timely move – true to her wellness calling – remembering Gaye’s ecological concerns from back in the day which carry over to today’s climate change concerns.
Besides her upcoming full-length Unintentional, Nashed stays on that wellness course by prepping a ‘relaxation’ project. Meanwhile, her debut on SoulTracks with “Star” beckons a 90’s R&B coolness and a rhythm track that resonates with the feel of Brandy’s early hits. Co-producer/multi-instrumentalist Alan Prater (Cameo, Michael Jackson), who also produced “Mercy Mercy Me,” weaves his R&B/funk expertise with glistening piano, rolling bass and brass bridges complimenting Nashed’s tranquil vocals. And, of course, the storyline sheds spiritual wellness: “I wanna go get down for a minute/If I haven’t said it yet/It’s time divine/So let me shine.”
We look forward to what Nashed brings with Unintentionaland whatever else she has in store in the very near future. Now check out “Star.”
By Peggy Oliver