Album Notes

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 ups and downs 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. 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 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 executive Kevin Evans. 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. But with Kevin Evans as Executive Prodcer,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 Can We 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; 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. 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 soul.