Every self-respecting soul fan will know (and love) NORMA JEAN WRIGHT. (below) She burst onto the scene working with Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards in Chic and went on to become one of the most in-demand session singers/backing vocalists on the soul and dance music scene. She’s worked with a plethora of stars – people like Aretha, Luther, Randy Crawford, Madonna, Will Downing and many more. Oh, and did we mention that she co-penned Keni Burke’s ‘Risin’ To The Top’?
Ms Wright has also recorded in he own right with her 1978 eponymous LP now highly collectable. Her most recent offering was a July EP, ‘Living & Loving Life’ which, sadly, seemed to have slipped through many people’s radar.
Now, one that EP’s focus tracks has been released in a new mix from Italian mix master ALEX DI CIO. It’s a lovely, contemporary soul groove – ‘Jumpstreet’. This is one of those special tracks that manage to have its roots in 80s Weekender Soul and also to sound right up to date. Ms Wright’s delivery is impeccable (as you’d except) and helping her deliver is garlanded keyboardist and flautist Brian Jackson. I doubt you’ll hear a better soul dance tune in the next week or so! It’s out now via Roydor Music.
