Louisiana Red Hot Records is pleased to announce the release of the Lilli Lewis Project CD “We Belong,” on Friday, September 6. The powerhouse rock and soul sextet, often referred to as LLP, is a pan-generational band whose musical influences cover a broad spectrum of contemporary and traditional music. “We Belong” is the first album from the group. Core members are Lilli Lewis on piano and vocals, Smokey Brown on guitar, Wade Hymel on drums, Ryan Murray on percussion, Ole Oddlokken on sax and Dr. Jimbo Walsh on bass. Special guests include noted musicians Kirk Joseph on sousaphone and Dr. Michael White on clarinet for the New Orleans funeral invocation “Coretta’s Song,” an homage to Coretta Scott King. “When the Rain Comes In,” a light reggae number about the biblical flood, also features Joseph with a special guest appearance by trombonist Glen David Andrews.
The album opens with “Interlock,” an afro-beat with lively percussion inspired by Nigerian activist and musician Fela Kuti that sets the tone for the album with its call and response refrain, “We belong to each other.” This message is central to the album. Comments Lilli Lewis, “The CD is all about connection. Whether it’s community or family, our intimate relationships, even with ourselves, connection matters on every level.” Lewis continues, “Even when we don’t agree, we’re still responsible for each other and the world we live in. At the moment, we are living in deeply divided times where connection matters more than ever. Musicians have the ability to help people relate to one another, and that’s what we wanted to inspire with these recordings.”
The tracks that follow continue this theme while showcasing LLP’s versatility with multi-genre infusion and skillful instrumentation. “Anybody Anymore” has a juke joint, Muscle Shoals inspired R&B groove while “When the Sun Come Down” is a poly-rhythmic interlude with acapella style vocals and a hint of bass and percussion, both reminders that differences can lead to common struggle. “Kisses,” a 70’s influenced R&B ballad with flowing piano and gentle harmonies, gives way to “Warm and Gentle People,” a progressive jazz style composition written after 9/11 about how sadness can turn into rage. The penultimate track “Beauty Beyond Reason” soulfully delves into redemption and self-healing, showcasing Lewis’ vocals and songwriting, and leads into the album’s finale, “Turn It Around,” a full band rendering of an earlier solo release. This final track, which calls for personal responsibility and self-exploration while trying to make internal peace out of external chaos, was featured on Lewis’ solo acoustic project “The Henderson Sessions,” released early last year by Louisiana Red Hot Records.
LLP’s “We Belong” was produced by Lilli Lewis and Mark Bingham in Henderson, Louisiana with additional recording by Paul McDonald of Marigny Studios in New Orleans. Other credits include Eric Thomas on saxophone, with backing vocals on “When the Rain Comes In” augmented by Glen David Andrews, Mark Bingham, Liz Hogan and Sarah Phillips.
A release party will be held at the Marigny Opera House on Friday, September 6 at 8:00pm. The venue is located at 725 St. Ferdinand Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70117. Admission is a suggested donation of $15.00, $10.00 for students and seniors.
Additionally, The Lilli Lewis Project currently is performing their “Radical Decency Revival” show at the soon to be renamed Siberia Loungeevery third Friday of each month through December. In keeping with the connection theme of the CD “We Belong,” this moniker is a direct reference to the “Practice Radical Decency” motto adopted by this group of musicians who care about people and have love for all humankind. These shows begin at 6:00pm and are free to the public. The venue is located at 2227 St. Claude Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70117.
www.louisianaredhotrecords.com. For more information on the band please go to www.lillilewisproject.com.
Additional album and social media information available at:
Facebook: @lillilewisproject and @lillilewismusic
Instagram: @l.elle.pea and @folkrockdiva
Twitter: @folkrockdiva
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