Nao Yoshioka – Philly Soul Sessions (2021)
FLAC (tracks) 24bit/96kHz | Time – 23:28 minutes | 462 MB | Genre: Soul
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © SWEET SOUL RECORDS
Nao Yoshioka was preparing to capitalize off the positive reception of her 2019 album Undeniable, a record that included the song “Got Me,” when 2020 happened. The pandemic year nixed her plans for a world tour to promote Undeniable. That clearly had to be a disappointment for an artist who brings her sound and story as a Japanese singer/songwriter making waves in the R&B world.
Yoshioka was undeterred. She was one of the enterprising artists who moved online to reach fans who were deprived of the chance to see her perform live, through the continuation of her live “Liberate Sessions.” Now, the world is in the middle of halting attempts to reemerge from the lockdown. live shows are taking place, and Yoshioka has some new material ready. But in the meantime, she has teamed with some highly sought-after Philadelphia based musicians to release a project featuring live versions of her previously recorded tunes, including the aforementioned “Got Me,” while also previewing some new material.
The project is called the Philly Soul Session and her live and updated take on “Got Me” is featured in this First Listen. This version captures everything that we’ve missed about live music over the past year, mainly the way that instrumentalists and vocalist play off each other and energize each other when they perform live. That band gives this version of funky kick that takes it a step above the studio version and Nao goes all in on the vocals. Check it out here.
Tracklist:
1. Nao Yoshioka – Liberation (Philly Soul Sessions Ver.)
2. Nao Yoshioka – Got Me (Philly Soul Sessions Ver.)
3. Nao Yoshioka – Boundaries (Philly Soul Sessions Ver.)
4. Nao Yoshioka – Up and Away (Philly Soul Sessions Ver.)
5. Nao Yoshioka – Stars
6. Nao Yoshioka – Calling
Download: