Classically Blue

Named by ESSENCE MAGAZINE as one of 25 Women Shaping the World, Lea Gilmore is one of the world's most respected and in demand Gospel, Blues, Jazz and Inspirational vocalists and lecturers on human rights around the world. It has been said that 'Lea Gilmore's rich and passionate voice is a gift from her soul to our ears.' Ms. Gilmore is also a social activist who has lent her voice, literally and figuratively, to advocacy for the underserved around the world and in her own backyard. She is known for her exquisite voice, bright smile, quick wit, and infectious sense of humor. Lea is a winner of the W.C. Handy Award (The Grammies of the Blues), Keeping the Blues Alive Award, for her historical work on the contributions of women and the blues from The Blues Foundation. What are people saying about Lea? 'When Lea Gilmore sings the Blues, she tells the truth. She belongs to the old school of moaners, shouters and wailers. She doesn't just entertain. She takes over the stage, plants her feet, puts her hands on her hips, opens her mouth and let's fly the ancient magic of Blues women like Sippie Wallace, Bertha Chippie Hill and Ma Rainey. Lea makes this old music new again. She doesn't just sing you the song. She tells you the story.' Award Winning Blues Master Musician Guy Davis'' What are people saying about 'Classically Blue?' ' It was a magical evening. The Eubie Blake Center was overflowing and ready to party. When Lea Gilmore took the stage, electricity filled the air, taking us on a musical journey that was inspired from the first note to the last. Ms, Gilmore is one of this generation's finest singers and performers and activists. With a quick wit and heart melting smile, she delivers from gut-bucket blues to torch songs with a soul-stirring grace. This recording will be a collector's item, and we were honored to be a part.' Troy Burton Executive Director, The Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center This is a must have CD for blues, roots, jazz and music lovers! THE CLASSICALLY BLUE BAND: Derrick Thompson, keyboards Mitchell Coates, bass Jesse 'Jay' Moody III, drums SPECIAL GUESTS Gaye Adegbelola (formerly of 'Saffire the Uppity Blues Women') Celeste Headlee Phil Wiggans (formerly of the legendary 'Cephas and Wiggins') Co-produced by Gary Bowden and Lea Gilmore Artwork, Marc Borms.