Infinite Possibilities...

Who stands tall and statuesque with a smile that lights up a room with vocal capabilities to match her effervescent looks?  It's Mrs. Larrieux, to you.  Amel Larrieux (Lah-Rue).  I had the pleasure of seeing Amel perform in 2008 at one of Virginia's premiere "supper clubs" The Birchmere located in Alexandria, VA.  Amel Larriuex is a performer that gets as intimate with her guests as a hostess in her living room offering dirty Martini's and hors d'oeuvres .  Song after song she takes her time and envelopes you.  She will even take requests, she came to my table (in front, of course) and asked what I wanted to hear and amazed and 2 Martini's later..I shouted "Infinite Possibilities" and there it was, a 4 minute song done live for at least 7 minutes.  That's Amel.

Amel Larrieux is the only child born to an African American mother who is a college professor and a father of French, English, and Scottish (Caucasian) descent.  Raised in the "Big Apple"- New York City's Greenwich Village was home for Amel and her parents.  Amel is not only an accomplished vocalist she is too a songwriter and a keyboardist.  Amel linked with Bryce Wilson in 1991 and formed the group Groove Theory.  Together, the two delivered R&B hits "Keep Tryin" and "Tell Me".  The two collaborated and were featured on the 1997 soundtrack to Love Jones.  All the while Amel remained tenacious and wanted to become a solo artist and in 1996 she was featured as lead vocalist for Sade's background group 'Sweetback' which spawned the hit "You Will Rise."  Groove Theory officially dismantled in 2001.  Amel has been on a roll ever since.

Fast forward to 2000-present and Amel Larrieux has released 4 solo projects.  The journey began with one my favorite's Infinite Possibilities. Amel has an amazing way of weaving West African ethnic sounds with jazz influences, folk, and R&B.  Add to the aforementioned a roster of music she writes--all of which have lyrics of envisioning a "better tomorrow" and teaching African American's to never forget the history of their people.

A visionary that has an eclectic message, Amel has made the "Hot Seat" because of the warmth she exudes through her music.  Amel is a true artist not interested in what 'mainstream' has to offer.  She owns her own record label and distributes her music through her "indie" label "Bliss Life" records.  So let's now include business executive to her repertoire, shall we?  She is a wonderment of beauty to watch with a voice that of a hummingbird, we celebrate the many talents of this artist.  Amel, we love you: Bravebird.