(January 2, 2025) One important strength that makes a singer/songwriter shine is conveying personal life observations – translating them to audiences who share that artist’s experiences. With her debut E.P., Soulful Tales, Felece Tillman fashions a storybook reflecting different chapters of relationships and empowerment. And her stirring, gracious vocal delivery amplifies those vivid reflections on a relatable level – gaining attention from U.S. and U.K. adult urban contemporary radio in the process.
Tillman calls Washington DC. Home, from her vocal training at The Duke Ellington School of the Arts to appearances at Blues Alley. As a recording artist, she gained more fans in 2023 with a heartfelt interpretation of Michael Franks’ “Tell Me All About It”. And Tillman’s down to earth six-track songbook Soulful Tales is a glorious debut involving a six-week project investment with longtime friend/producer DaMone Arnold (Gerald Albright, Miki Howard).
For her introduction to SoulTracks and First Listen, “I Can’t Forget” (FAT Music) reminisces about how love initially feels oh, so grand: “I remember the first time that we met/Your smile is something I couldn’t forget.”
While most of her debut E.P. concentrates on quiet storm arrangements, “I Can’t Forget” pushes the tempo without losing Tillman’s vocal flair. This breezy Latin flavored jazz tale glows with her soulfully injected soprano and a pleasing backdrop of brass, congas, electric piano and Al Carter’s Spanish guitar solo.
From 4-octave range vocals to lyrical recollections of joyful times, Tillman’s invitation on “I Can’t Forget” is one unforgettable moment.
By Peggy Oliver
