Vivian Sessoms

Accomplished singer and Harlem native Vivian Sessoms, makes an almighty return in the company of some of the world’s finest musicians and stakes a claim to a sound all her own on her new album LIFE. Having earned her stripes as a performer with Ryuichi Sakamoto, P. Diddy, Cher, Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, Donna Summer, P!nk and many others, Sessoms and co-producer/creative partner Chris Parks bring her vast array of experiences to bear on an inspired, jazz-influenced set that proves Sessoms a fiery, forward-thinking artist in her own right. Political consciousness is never far from the surface on LIFE, Sessoms first full length in over ten years. Sessoms’ searing rendition of “Strange Fruit,” cover of The Stylistics’ brooding “People” or as evidenced on the ultra-funky “See Line Woman." Arranging is one of LIFE’s key strengths with Cole Porter classic “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” and Stevie Wonder’s “Superwoman" as standouts. Niece of the legendary Nancy Wilson, the classically trained Sessoms ventures plaintive and lyrical originals as well as choice covers. “In our work together, Chris [Parks] and I think the underlying thread is it leans toward soul. This fits nicely in the genre of jazz, but in the words of Nicholas Payton - it’s Black Music.” Vivian offers, “LIFE tells a story of Black life in America. It takes the temperature of civil rights and race; tackles themes of pain and loss and also the restorative power and beauty of falling in love.”