(April 26, 2019) Music is the family business for vocalist Vivian Sessoms. Her mother Sharmaine Sessoms worked as a jingle and session singer in the 1960s and 70s, and her father, Lemuel Smith, served as flutist and percussionist for James Brown. Oh, and the late, great Nancy Wilson was her aunt. You can’t do much better than that.
The legendary Wilson speoke with a great deal of pride when talking about her niece. “I am extremely proud of Vivian. She has her own distinctive style and sound and her interpretation of a song is fabulous.” Keep Wilson’s words in mind when checking out the new video for Sessoms take (with Shedrick Mitchell and Amp Fiddler) on the Stylistics’ “People Make the World Go Round,” a wonderful visual interpretation of the first single from her critically acclaimed album Life.
Sessoms transforms the Stylistics R&B standard into a jazz tune. Vocally, Sessoms stretches the notes, singing behind the melody. Her band stretches the tune to seven plus minutes of jazz improvisation and instrumental conversation. I see why her auntie Nancy was so proud. And we are proud to present the World Premiere of the video for this instant classic. Check it out.
By Howard Dukes and Chris Rizik
World Premiere Video!
Vivian Sessoms feat. Shedrick Mitchell
and Amp Fiddler – “People”