Angie Wells - "Truth Be Told" (2023)

Angie Wells - "Truth Be Told"

Angie Wells, the talented singer and songwriter, delivers a soul-stirring exploration of life's truths in her latest album, "Truth Be Told." With a captivating blend of 13 jazz standards, covers, and four original compositions, Wells proves her prowess as a rising star in the jazz music scene. Building upon the success of her debut release, "Love and Mischief" (2017), Wells solidifies her position as a force to be reckoned with in the industry.

Hailing from a musical background in Philadelphia, Wells was raised in a household that resonated with melodies. Her mother's gospel piano and her father's affinity for jazz and blues laid the foundation for her deep passion for music. Wells' journey into the world of jazz commenced at a tender age when Count Basie personally performed for her kindergarten class. Although she sang in her church choir during her formative years and throughout her academic pursuits, it was a trip to Paris that ignited her aspirations to become a professional artist. Encouraged by a friend, Wells graced the stage of an intimate supper club in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, captivating the audience with her extraordinary talent. This transformative experience compelled her to dedicate herself to honing her craft upon returning to Los Angeles.

Wells' musical destiny took a significant leap forward when she recorded a demo alongside acclaimed Los Angeles jazz luminaries, drummer Joe LaBarbera, bassist Tom Warrington, and pianist Bill Cunliffe. Their collaboration immediately garnered attention from other renowned jazz musicians in the city. Wells quickly became a prominent figure in the thriving L.A. jazz scene, enchanting audiences at jazz festivals and esteemed venues nationwide. Her remarkable vocal abilities earned her invitations to perform at illustrious events such as the Telluride Jazz Festival, the San Jose Summer Jazz Fest (as guest vocalist of Kermit Ruffins), and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's Friday Night Jazz Series, sponsored by KJAZZ radio station. Her magnetic presence also resonated with audiences across the pond, as she developed a devoted following in France and graced the stages of renowned festivals including The MoZ'aique Festival, Festival Jazz au Chateau, Festival Jazz De Colliure, and Festival Jazz de Monsegur, to mention just a few. Notably, her original composition, "She Ain't the Kinda Girl," climbed to an impressive #4 spot on France's Jazz Radio, and she achieved the distinction of being a semi-finalist in the esteemed Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition.

With "Truth Be Told," Angie Wells showcases her artistry through an exquisite selection of jazz standards and heartfelt originals. Her velvety vocals, brimming with emotion and nuance, breathe new life into familiar melodies while her original compositions exude a refreshing authenticity. Wells' ability to connect with her audience on a profound level is unparalleled, as she effortlessly transcends boundaries of time and space, drawing listeners into her world of musical storytelling.

In conclusion, "Truth Be Told" is a remarkable testament to Angie Wells' emergence as a jazz artist of exceptional caliber. Her innate talent, nurtured by a lifelong passion for music, shines through in every note, captivating both seasoned jazz enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre. With this release, Wells firmly establishes herself as a significant presence in the contemporary jazz landscape, leaving no doubt that she has indeed arrived on the scene, and she is here to stay.

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