Album Notes

Bio TIAYBE (Tee-Yah-Bay) What is the definition of Soul music? If posed to the masses, there is no doubt that answers would vary at a ratio almost equal to the number of people attempting to answer a simple yet complex question. Some might say it is a sound that affects one’s inner core, beckoning you to remember that first kiss by a lover, gently jousting your memories of how grandma could make it feel all-better with a slice of her special sweet potato pie. Some might say soul music is the feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when that special person makes you cry and smile all in the same moment. Others might say it’s a gumbo of Mahalia Jackson’s gospel shouts mixed with a dash of Minnie Riperton’s invite to "come inside my love," sprinkled with Al Green’s plea to "let’s stay together." And in most instances, all the various answers would be correct. But there are some constant properties to this music style that hold true no matter how infinite opinions are as to what is Soul music’s true nature. And these properties, if applied, shaken, and pressed together the right way, always lead the listener onto some type of mind’s journey—a SOUL ODYSSEY if you will. Meet Tiaybe, one of the newest, truest, and purest troubadours. A sista fully qualified and equipped to lead the masses onto her "Soul Odyssey. " Tiaybe is a young chanteuse following in the footsteps of great Chicago soul sisters who came before her: Riperton, Chaka Khan, and Denise Williams to name a few. From the age of eight, the then known Tiffany Bledsoe blessed many with her gift of song as she was often invited to perform with a who’s who of legendary artists of the jazz, gospel, and pop music idioms. Some of the artists to recognize Tiaybe’s gifts at an early age included Patti Labelle and Tramaine Hawkins. Helping her along the way to push and develop her own sound was legendary Chicago vocalist coach Lena McLin (who also played a crucial part in helping Khan develop her unique style). In 2001, Tiaybe joined the Chicago forward thinking neo soul ensemble known as Soul People. The marriage of Tiaybe’s deep brown, dripping with honey, ebony voice, as lead vocalist to the collective’s cohesive grooves, has kept Soul People’s name at the forefront of must- see bands in the Windy City and in the neo-soul movement itself. What has come forth from a singer being pressed down, shaken, and molded is a vocalist with her own unique blend of jazz, rock, blues, and gospel. Again, mix these ingredients in a cohesive way and you have a new recipe for soul music. And Tiaybe has a brand new exciting instrument and tool more than capable of serving it to you. Now Tiaybe is ready to spread her wings and take those willing to ride with her onto her "Soul Odyssey." Along for the ride to aid are noted producers Soul People, Henry Johnson II, Owusu, and Kafele. And what exactly is a "Soul Odyssey" Tiaybe-style? Well, who's better to explain that than the songstress herself? "It’s my journey, my vision or representation of soul music," Tiaybe explains about her journey into sound. "It entails a lot of different elements of music and its influences on me and what I’m willing to share at this time musically." WHAT IS SOUL MUSIC? "Music presented in a manner in which it touches you, regardless of what form it is presented in, it touches your soul your spirit and your heart. And it lingers. I try to stay away from genres of music because I don’t believe music today sticks to one true definition. Soul music does contain some elements of gospel and rock, but it is mixture of many different elements and ideas in my opinion." HOW IS YOUR APPROACH DIFFERENT FROM OTHER NEO-SOUL ARTISTS OUT THERE? "I really don’t know if musically, or as far as content, what I bring is different. But the context of my voice is unique, and the energy that I try to convey to my listeners makes me stand out and connect to that core group of people." W