There is no mistaking the unique raspy vocal of Jazz, R&B and pop songstress Macy Gray. Influenced by Billie Holiday, Prince, Stevie Wonder and Rihanna, Gray’s ability to consistently deliver an unforgettable performance merged with her flamboyant costuming makes for a treat to the ear and an eye catching visual experience.
“I’m an artist and a performer!” says Gray, in a recent email interview. “I take my performances very seriously, and as a woman it’s of course always nice to get all done up and look pretty. I’m a huge fan and supporter of so many designers, so if anybody is reading this, feel free to send me clothes. ha ha.”
Currently putting the finishing touches on her impending album release, Gray is excited to get new material into the hands of her fans.
“I have been busy in the studio working on my new studio album and touring around the new Live Jazz album ‘Stripped’ that was released in September 2016,” says Gray. “I already put out the first track ‘White Man’ and music video, and fans should be on the lookout for my next single.”
“This album is going to be the best album I have ever made,” adds Gray. “I’m working with the best producers in the urban/pop game right now. There’s going be some surprise features as well, but I can’t give it away yet.”
Never expecting to attain pop stardom, Gray worked the hotel circuit in Los Angeles, sang on a variety of demo recordings, and started her own after hours club where she performed. Ultimately enjoying mainstream success, Gray first signed with Atlantic Records before moving to Epic Records. Her album release “On How Life Is” (1999) received rave reviews and Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Female R&B Vocal. The single “I Try” peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. By year end the album had gone triple platinum prompting three 2001 Grammy nominations: Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal, the last of which she won. Her follow-up album, “The ID” (2001) fell just short of making Billboard’s Top Ten albums. On the strength of the single, “Sweet Baby,” the album went Gold. Gray charted for the last time with her album “The Sellout” (2010) making Billboard’s Top 40. While subsequent follow-up album releases have failed to return Gray to charting success, she remains passionate and committed to the art of making music.
Gray’s highly anticipated return to the Philly area will find her performing at the Ardmore Music Hall later this month.
“We just got back from a 6 week tour in Eastern Europe,” says Gray. “It was an incredible response. The timing was right to come back to Philly and perform some of the new material for my fans. I love Philly! It’s one of my favorite cities in the world. Fans will get to hear some of the ‘Stripped’ album and of course, the hits.”
“Performing live is still what excites me the most and I always try to change it up so not every performance is like the last,” adds Gray. “This show, fans will get to hear some new songs in a different arrangement and hopefully they will love it. I’m very fortunate to still be around and doing what I love to do. Performing live and meeting my fans at shows is what it’s all about and Philly is going to be nuts. The future is bright and it’s only the beginning of what’s to come. I love you and can’t wait to party with you all!”
