by vivrant thang on underrated female soul singer

Judging by the response to my Old School Friday post spotlighting one of my favorite 90s girl groups, Zhane, I figured you might like to see more of what one half of the dynamite sangin duo is up to these days.

I had the opportunity to see Jean Baylor perform music from her solo album, Testimony: My Life Story at the Can A Sista Rock A Mic Festival back in October (yes, I know I’m late!). It was a simply beautiful set, just Jean and the guitar or behind the piano, sharing seven songs from the project that’s been in the works for 8 years.

Although we reminisce over the days when we had classy girl groups that could sang circles around most of these chicks that are hot in the streets today, I am really glad that Jean came back on the solo tip.  The beauty of this woman’s voice is well-matched with the material. It was perfect for the intimate setting the venue provided. Since I did it backward and saw her live before hearing her album, I was more than excited to get my hands on a copy.  I was in luck as I won a free copy of her EP after correctly guessing the artist she was channeling in “Made To Love You” (can you guess?)

The EP wasn’t enough. I had to get the entire album. I think you’ll see why.

Love Poem

Morning Time

Come Go With Me

This is the first project that Jean and her husband Mark (yea fellas she’s happily taken!), a fellow musician, put out under their Be A Light label. You can download it from her website for the low low price of $9.99.

Support good music!

photo credit: solSource