Candida Rose
KabuMerikana: The Sum of Me
This CD can be described as: 1) a mixture of Cape Verdean music with American influences, 2) world music with a "touch of jazz" or jazz with a touch of "international spice", or 3)"KabuJazz".
Jazz/Gospel/Cape Verdean
Vocalist/Composer/Arranger
Born, raised, and currently residing in New Bedford, Massachusetts, vocal artist “Candida Rose” Hemsley captivates her audiences with the golden aura of her radiant presence and stirs them with a uniquely compelling voice that combines the overtones and undertones of jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel with just the right touch of international spice.
Candida Rose’s 10-song debut CD entitled “KabuMerikana: The Sum of Me”, combines her Cape Verdean musical roots with her American influences to bring a fresh new take on world/jazz music which she calls “KabuJazz”. This CD brings together world (Cape Verdean) and jazz musicians on jazz standards such as “Afro Blue” and “That’s All” and Cape Verdean standards such as “Sodade” and “Amor di Mai”. This CD also shows off some of her songwriting, composing, arranging and production talents and skills on songs such as “Kabu Verdi, Un Dia”, “Karta Pa Nha Pai” and “Too Late to Turn Back Now”. These performances combine the musicianship of noted Cape Verdean talents, Carlos “Kalu” Monteiro and Djim Job, with jazz notables, saxophonist Javon Jackson and bassist/guitarist Santi Debriano, among others. Nationally known poet Everett Hoagland contributes with the spoken word/song, title track “Sum of Me (Un Poku di Tude/A Little of All)”.
Candida Rose is a recent graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth where she graduated “Magna Cum Laude” with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in Music (African-American/World music) and a minor in African and African/American Studies. Under the guidance of artist/educators such as: Santi Debriano, Marcelle Gauvin, John Harrison III, Tim Harbold, royal hartigan, Semenya McCord and Andy McWain, she was active in several ensembles, including the UMASS Dartmouth Gospel Choir, the UMASS Dartmouth Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Creative Arts Jazz Ensemble, and the Kekeli African Drum and Dance Ensemble. Her final senior recital entitled “Sum of Me” represented all of her musical influences from gospel, jazz/blues, and Cape Verdean cultural roots, and included several original compositions. Candida also had the honor of singing the U.S. National Anthem during UMASS Dartmouth’s 2005 graduation ceremony from which she graduated. She has also added to her jazz vocal education endeavors by participating in workshops such as “JAZZ IN JULY” at UMASS Amherst under the instruction of world-renowned jazz vocal artist Sheila Jordan.
In addition to being a committed vocal artist, Candida is also a wife, mother, grandmother and dedicated teacher and mentor to many of New Bedford’s aspiring young vocalists. She currently teaches an all-boy choir at New Bedford's Nativity Preparatory School. Prior to formal education and training, Candida Rose developed her impressive vocal interpretations and her broad repertoire over 20 years of experience singing with local and nationally known jazz, R & B, and funk bands and individual artists. More recently, her experiences are derived from her focused work as a music/choir director, arranger, and composer with her church choir, the Union Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir, and other local choirs. Her work as a vocalist for various civic events and with local youth-oriented programs and choirs has earned her the New Bedford Branch, “NAACP, Artistic Service Excellence Award”.
Candida Rose has performed with many masterful local, national, and internationally known musicians from both the jazz and world music arenas including: Rick Britto, Armsted Christian, Santi Debriano, Andre Hayward, John Harrison III, royal hartigan, Fred Ho, Tim Ingles, Javon Jackson, Herb King, John Kordalewski, Bill Lowe, Semenya McCord, Hafez Modirzadeh, Lello Molinari, Shawnn Monteiro, Bill Pierce, Curtis Rivers, Manny Santos, Jackie Santos, Stan Strickland, Frank Wilkins, to name a few. Not to mention a very special performance with 6-time Grammy Award Nominee, Kurt Elling. She has opened and performed for renowned world music vocalist Maria DeBarros. In addition, her gospel credits include solo performances with the National Center of Afro-American Artists' production of Langston Hughes' “Black Nativity”. She has also been a member of New England Conservatory's “Millennium Choir”.
Candida Rose has performed at noted Boston area jazz clubs such as The Good Life, Ryles Jazz Club, and Scullers Jazz Club. As part of the Manny Santos Quintet she has performed for Boston’s prestigious “Steppin’ Out” gala alongside artists such as the Ramsey Lewis Trio, Oleta Adams, Bobby Caldwell, and Andre Ward. She also performs at Capriccio's in downtown Providence, RI and has performed at Foxwood's B.B. KING Nite Club.
Whether at a gospel revival, jazz night, or Cape Verdean fundraiser, Candida Rose continues to amaze audiences with her diverse vocal performances. But more importantly, she reaches out with her heart and soul and touches everyone in her presence. Wherever you happen to catch her performance, be prepared to catch your breath!
World: African