Based on voice alone, Ayanna Witter-Johnson has something. Add her mastery of the cello and songwriting chops into the equation and she is dangerously talented.
The MOBO Award nominated artist was the first non-American to win the Amateur Night at New York City’s legendary Apollo Theatre (whose alumni includes a ‘who’s who’ of soul music). She has also toured with the likes of Anoushka Shankar and Courtney Pine and has scored for the British Symphony Orchestra.
She released her first full-length studio album Road Runner last year. The album fuses soul, reggae, and hip-hop, grounded in Witter-Johnson’s classical training. Check out her inventive rearrangement of The Police’s ‘Roxanne’ here.
‘Crossroads’ is the album’s first official single. Witter-Johnson describes the song as a ’sultry blues groove all about resisting the temptation to give in to every desire. And going on a journey to discover that true happiness lies within.’
Her cello – which she plucks and taps percussively – holds the piece together, with layered vocals at the chorus that create an intoxicating quality. Witter-Johnson infuses a sexual longing and excitement through her sinewy, supple tones.
Image Copyright: Hill and Gully Records
