(September 11, 2021) It takes a lot of spunk and skill for an artist to effectively tackle a timeless song originally popularized by a timeless talent. Though Erin Stevenson was balancing a day job and music for over a decade, she decided to take the solo plunge. In a World Premier Video introduced by SoulTracks, singer/songwriter Stevenson boldly reimagined one of her biggest inspirations, Luther Vandross, with his smash R&B jam and career launching “Never Too Much” – to a favorable reception.
The year previous, First Listen warmly received her blues frosted track “Hangin’” from her 2017 debut, Naked, that primarily focused on contagious funk workouts. Meanwhile, more doors opened as a much-trusted background voice for Janet (Jackson), Justin (Timberlake) and eighties wave pop icons Duran Duran.
Speaking of the funk, Stevenson returns to her sweetest musical zone, this time connecting with Con Funk Shun’s Felton Pilate II – a potent pairing indeed. In our latest First Listen focus, co-producer/arranger Pilate turns the clock back to the eighties with “Teknicolor” (Jerningham Entertainment Group). While the contagious beats are meant for partying, Stevenson’s sassy delivery handles some business confronting a cheating lover: “Baby don’t go walking over me.”
All in all, the Pilate, GWC & Sea L. Low production offers popping bass, dripping synthesizers and a rocking guitar solo. And those ingredients add up to another winner for Stevenson’s discography. While waiting for her upcoming CD, take a good listen to “Teknicolor.”
By Peggy Oliver
Erin Stevenson – “Teknicolor”