Ms. KOKOH
The mere act of surviving on a day to day basis is the foundation from which a true artist builds her craft. Multi-talented KOKOH is no exception to this rule. Her dynamic vocal styling and stirring songs creatively reflects the depthness of her life experiences. A crafty blend of sensual soul is KOKOH's vibrant first time tour-de-force. To understand where KOKOH is right now is just half the equation. The other half lies in where she came from: this artist possesses a unique history. The daughter of two musicians, KOKOH was born in the heart of Texas and began singing at the age of eighteen months in her father's church. Being brought up in an environment that treasures the true artistic value of musicianship and revels in the mastering of all of your musical skill has had a momentous affect on KOKOH. KOKOH extensively trained in classical ballet and modern dance for 17years and attended Booker T. Washington School for the Performing and Visual Arts, along with such artist as Erykah Badu, Roy Hargrove and Norah Jones.
At the age of 19 KOKOH started and headlined her own jazz band, which caught the eye of label executives. KOKOH was able to record one album under the RCA label, but unfortunately due to the climate of the entertainment industry, the label could not put out the album and the world lost out on a dynamic performer. Magic had already happened and all was not lost. Leon Ware wrote and produced most of the project. The “Sire of Soul” who gave us songs such as: “I Want You”- Marvin Gaye; “Inside My Love”- Minnie Riperton; “Sumthin’ Sumthin’”-Maxwell & “I Know It’s You”- Donny Hathaway, still has the “right” ingredients. These two soul sapiens came together and stirred up things with songs like “How Far We Can Go”, it’s the hit single from her debut album “Meltdown”. This cut has seduced its’ way to the U.K. and landed a spot on the “Soul Exposed” compilation cd.
Not affected by the state of the entertainment industry, KOKOH's musical development exploded and she began channeling her energy into writing and producing her own music. KOKOH moved away from her jazzy sounds and developed a new sound of soulful alternative rock. Only to return safely and soulfully home.
Although this cd is her first she is no newcomer to the industry. Kokoh has shared the stage with artists such as Charlie Wilson & The Gap Band; Kieth Sweat; Brian McKnight; Christopher Williams; Norwood Young and others as a backup singer. Kokoh even had the honor to share her “own” stage & band with the legendary Phyllis Hyman. Kokoh has also performed at the Long Beach Jazz Festival which is an event that is and has been a show for the smooth jazz "stars".
Since then she has become an international charm. Kokoh was invited to China during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. A day after Barack Obama was elected, she was the featured vocalist for the grand opening of the Mayflower3 Feeling Bar in the Shangri La Changchun Hotel. Her performances quickly captured the whole Northeastern region of China. The cities professional basketball team and every foreigner as well as local Chinese became instant fans. From there she was invited to perform at the 2010' Vancouver Winter Olympics where Speedskating Olympic Gold Medalist Sven Kramer's Sports Agency built her a club and stage to suit her sounds and style.
Since no label has welcomed her with open arms due to the “hype” on other genres of music. Kokoh feels her sound is “overlooked” but will never settle for being “under heard”. Kokoh’s personal appeal and ability to reach a listener is a part of her whole package: a package that includes, most importantly, her distinctive vocals and a relaxed singing style. As well as her entrancing & captivating stage eloquence. Kokoh pulls on your pulse as she performs. It is as though she is speaking to you as she sings in a very intimate manner. These songs are coming straight from the heart and soul. Genuine and honest, KOKOH's music is a step in a new direction: a trajectory that will lead us on a delightfully fulfilling path of pleasurable ,sensual and seductive sounds.
Read more...