Malia Blank

A gifted vocalist whose instrument is both strong and sensual, British jazz singer Malia was born into a family of mixed African and English heritage in the small East African country of Malawi, which borders Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. Malia had limited exposure to music growing up - her neighborhood could only tune in two radio stations (one in the native language of Chewa; the other in English), and her father's record collection was dominated by the Beatles. That changed when political unrest forced her family to flee Malawi and relocate to London when Malia was 14 years old. She took great interest in the rich musical landscape that surrounded her, immersing herself in the dance-oriented new wave sounds dominating the English music scene. The music of Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday soon attracted her and transformed her worldview, as she was introduced to influential Black artists for the first time…

A gifted vocalist whose instrument is both strong and sensual, British jazz singer Malia was born into a family of mixed African and English heritage in the small East African country of Malawi, which borders Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia. Malia had limited exposure to music growing up - her neighborhood could only tune in two radio stations (one in the native language of Chewa; the other in English), and her father's record collection was dominated by the Beatles. That changed when political unrest forced her family to flee Malawi and relocate to London when Malia was 14 years old. She took great interest in the rich musical landscape that surrounded her, immersing herself in the dance-oriented new wave sounds dominating the English music scene. The music of Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday soon attracted her and transformed her worldview, as she was introduced to influential Black artists for the first time…

Malia’s sixth studio album, Malawi Blues / Njira, sees her clear, incisive voice again amplified in a soul-jazz context. The album features thoughtful, mostly slow-paced originals, with sparingly orchestrated piano supported by guitar and percussion, amongst them an almost minimalistic cover version of the classic ‘Moon River’. Right from the outset, Malia with Malawi Blues / Njira looks back to the sound of her childhood.

From the moment Malia lets out her first notes, everything feels special, like one has been connected to a voice from the world of spirits. From Boris Blank's first notes, one knows one is in for a smooth, but wild, cosmic ride. The music hums, weaves, and echoes in and out of Malia's lyrics, which toy playfully with the otherworldly atmosphere of Boris' soundscape…

Malia - Young Bones (2007) {Va Savoir 88697075262}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 320 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 119 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (jpg) -> 308 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 2007 Va Savoir / Sony BMG Music | 88697075262
Jazz / Vocal Jazz / Neo Soul / Soul Jazz / Jazz Pop

Produced by Nouvelle Star judge Andre Manoukian, Young Bones is the third studio album from British-Malawian jazz-soul singer Malia. Released in 2007, the follow-up to Echoes of Dreams includes cover versions of Radiohead's "No Surprises" and the 1926 standard "Plus Je T'Embrasse," alongside 11 other self-penned tracks which showcase her effortless smoky vocals.