Recording Artist/Dancer/Musician/Producer
NIA OLABESI, Recording Artist/Dancer/Musician and Producer, known for her exotic style and original interpretations of memorable selected arrangements of classic jazz standards such as "Stormy Weather", "My Favorite Things", "Don't Explain" and "Sister Celie's Blues". NIA OLABESI has left quite an impression locally as well as nationally with past recordings such as "Spirits In My Soul", "Live at Blues Alley" and "The Lady Sings Jazz" all pay tribute to legendary jazz greats who have quietly guided her path and continue to open doors to new beginnings.
NIA OLABESI, taken to a recent hiatus while producing other artists and experiencing some of her many musical dreams has returned to her fans with a wonderfully fresh offering on the EP "THE ESSENCE OF ME". Honing in on her skills as songwriter this new release creates freedom for this artist to expand and emerge. Original songs that are heart warming and up-lifting, full of vibrant colors, various textures and of course Nia Olabesi's hot-n-silky vocals.
"THE ESSENCE OF ME" will rekindle, remind and introduce its' audience to various types of relationships ranging from the joy expressed in "GEE HOW LUCKY AM I", the sultry, funky vibe heard on "WITHOUT YOU", the uncertainty of romance confessed on "JUST BE FRIENDS" and the hip swingin' revelation chanted on "LIVE THE LIFE". Music that comes from the heart will no doubt reach the soul.
NIA OLABESI's awesome international quartet, Dan LaMaestra, Musical Director, arranger, pianist and long time friend hails from Argentina. Pete Revell bassist, hittin' hard hails from Boston, MA, also a long time friend and one of NIA's favorite bassist. Mike Delisa drummer, a new addition to the group but you'd never know it cause he fits so well, Mike hails from Gaithersburg, MD. Another good friend featured on the EP is world renowned percussionist Ekendra Das hails out of New York by way of Brooklyn. All bring vibrant fire and excitement to NIA OLABESI's heart songs. Their dynamic insight, professional musicianship and intense vocabulary is clearly defined on this EP.
NIA OLABESI explains, "The blessing here is having been able to work with such outstanding musicians who happen to be wonderful friends as well."
NIA OLABESI hard at work, as she often says "Hard at work trying to stay out of the way of Spirit." NIA OLABESI flaming the fires, bringing you wonderful music straight from the heart. "THE ESSENCE OF ME" is just the beginning, check it out and enjoy.
For booking/promo information contact D.E.M. Enterprises at 301-437-2434 or 301-702-2942, email: niaola@hotmail.com, olabesi@cs.com, www.niaolabesi.cjb.net
NIA OLABESI PERFORMANCES
Performances throughout the United States. D.C. area jazz hot spots such as Blues Alley, One Step Down, BET Jazz Restaurant, Twins Lounge, 219 Basin Street Lounge, B. Smith's Restaurant, Silver Shadows Night Club, Mr. Henry's, The River Club, Vienna Tap & Grill Restaurant, Columbia Station, and The Ice House Cafe among many. Regional stints include New York (Metronome, B. Smith's Restaurant), Philadelphia (Ortleibs Jazz Hause, Blue Moon Jazz Cafe) Delaware's (River Club), Richmond/Virginia Beach (The House of Jazz, Grants Jazz Cafe and The Underground Jazz Cafe) to name a few.
NIA OLABESI has opened for such legends as Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, sharing the stage with local/regional/national recording artists. Performances in local/regional jazz festivals include the Jazz, Be-bop and Blues Festival. Has performed at the East Coast Jazz Festival since its’ inception, Carter Baron Jazz Series, Fort Dupont Summer Jazz Series, Baltimore/Washington Jazz Festival, Alexandria Concerts by the Waterfront, Alexandria Memorial Day Jazz Festival, U Street Jazz Festival, and Summer Concerts series for the National Park Service. Around town in-store concerts include Tower Records, Olsson’s Books and Records, and Borders Books and Records to name a few.
NIA OLABESI AVAILABLE JAZZ RECORDINGS
2002 - "THE ESSENCE OF ME" (vocals/songwriter/producer)
1999 - "SPIRIT DRUMS" vocals/songwriter/producer/percussions)
1997 - "SPIRITS IN MY SOUL" (producer/vocals/percussions)
1996 - "LIVE AT BLUES ALLEY" (vocals/producer)
1995 - "THE LADY SINGS JAZZ" (vocals/producer)
PRODUCED CD "GOD IS STILL BLESSING ME" 2000
Gospel Artist - HUMZELL NASH
CD's available in D.C. metro area: Borders Books & Music, Melody Records, Olsson’s Books & Records at Metro Center/Lansburgh Center and Tower Records at Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. or contact D.E.M. Enterprises at 301-437-2434 or email: niaola@hotmail.com
