Modern renaissance woman Aneesa Strings gifts jazz-hybrid enthusiasts with her latest EP, The Calm. Her layered expertise as a singer-songwriter-scholar of music shines through six curated tracks, thoughtfully encouraging “a healthy state of self-regulation” in light of modern chaos around the world. Also inspired by her past year’s turbulent life events, Strings brings difficult emotions together, transforming them into a sonic oasis.
Aneesa Strings’ artistic vision and commitment to her craft have earned recognition from esteemed publications like Essence, Vibe Magazine, and Blue Note, while also serving as a powerful source of inspiration for young Black women everywhere. Part of her creative prowess is her intuition for choosing the right collaborators. For The Calm, this includes producer, arranger, and engineer David Michael Ott, producer SndTrack, Music Director for Kool and The Gang, Curtis Williams, and renowned drummer James Gadson, to name a few. These music masters help bring Strings’ vision to life.
“Situation”
“Situation” does the honors of pulling the listener into Strings’ groove. A funky bass takes the floor, followed by a sophisticated flow of rap-singing. A unique saxophone section adds color to the track with layered vocal harmonies and sprinkles of hearty laughs. The outro leans electronic with smooth synths and a lounge beat breakdown.
“Levels”
A later track, “Levels,” also features Strings’ rap-singing talent, but through a psychedelic lens. Little bells and bird-like whoops evoke a colorful, hazy world of dreams, sparking the idea that perhaps The Calm is a liminal place rather than just a concept. Mischievous ripples of saxophone and guitar add to this mystique.
“We Are The Music”
This EP’s lead single, “We Are The Music,” burst onto the R&B scene at release, capturing the #1 Spot on SiriusXM’s “Heart & Soul” radio for several weeks. It is elegant, refined, yet inviting with a string-heavy, downtempo beat. The foggy, round vocal production embellishes the esoteric vibe, permeating the soundscape and making the listener truly feel like they are the music; they are the calm.
“All In My Mind”
“All In My Mind” dives deeper into Strings’ emotional landscape, talking about strengthening confidence in one’s vision. The rhythm and tone contain nostalgic elements from various eras arranged in a charming, movie soundtrack-like manner. Above all, her dynamic vocals take the stage, showing off impressive volume and breath control with finesse. During the bridge, Strings switches up the tempo, adding a satisfying dimension to the track.
“Gramercy Place”
“Gramercy Place” peels back another curtain, introducing Strings’ most vulnerable story on the EP. This ballad-adjacent track warns others to protect themselves and set boundaries in relationships. Though these are common themes in empowerment songs, Strings carries herself with a particularly alluring grace. Her ability to deliver such drama and emotion without overcompensating should be watched and learned. Tying things together are the deep, resonant bass and sparkling piano keys.
“H2O”
Bringing a final sense of peace is “H2O.” Naturally, the instrumentals seem to mimic some oceanic elements, such as water droplets and high-pitched whale calls. She likens a relationship to the literal chemistry of water, joining to create something new, wonderful, and life-bearing. With the catchiest hook on the EP, it leaves a lasting impression of The Calm.
Aneesa Strings continues to present fans with abundant sonic offerings, proving that persistently following one’s vision is the key to success. Her unique and peer-acclaimed approach to Jazz and R&B leads the way for future generations of experimental artists.
Coming off the heels of The Calm, Aneesa Strings will tour across the U.S. this summer, playing at jazz fests or theatres. Dates, locations, and ticket information can be found on her official website.
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