Tracey Harris | Love 365

Tracey Harris | Love 365
by Peggy Oliver

Tracey Harris is one of those soulful voices many may not be familiar with. She was first introduced professionally alongside a now popular contemporary jazz player who was also making his debut. Harris sang background on “Feels Good” and the title track of Najee’s 1986 Grammy Award-nominated, Najee’s Theme. From that point, she was chosen to support several artists in various genres; from the star-studded inspirational Motown Comes Home (1996) featuring the label artists Boyz II Men, Stevie Wonder and others, to her supporting role with several fellow Portland, Oregon bands – the eclectic Pink Martini and the R&B/dance of NuShooz. After rocking the solo mic with her 1997 urban gospel debut, Keep on Believin’, Harris followed it up over a decade later with the adult contemporary-infused sophomore disc, Love 365.

Harris dubs Love 365 as ‘grown folks’ music’ in a soundtrack full of R&B, soul and contemporary jazz slow jams and an occasional groove centering on the different scenarios of love relationships. Her influences of Earth Wind Fire and Stevie Wonder reflect the old-school mood throughout. Love 365 is Harris’ first foray into songwriting, working in tandem with husband – producer/musician Brandon Woods, was an easy task because this project comes from an extremely personal place.

Harris starts off Love 365 with her own special ode entitled “Music,” a spoken word oratorio about music’s moving spirit: “an expression of feeling, movement and sound.” “Romantically” declares the joys of finding someone who accepts them eternally for who they are. “Precious Friend” and “Missin’ You” delves into the friendship portion of the love relationship. “Can’t Settle For Less” is the sometimes painful journey to find one self’s while finding the right marriage partner. “That’s How Much” speaks to one’s unwavering faith despite what goes on around them. Even though all the tracks on Love 365 are worthwhile, I bestow two ‘I’m lovin’ it’ awards. First is “Take Time Out for Love,” with its exquisite blend of organic jazzy soul and gospel inflections and the mid-tempo “From A Moment in Time” a clever inclusion of children scatting and chanting “I can be a child again.”

Though Harris’ Love 365 was released two years ago, this Woodsway Record release is a classy piece of work that still stands strong in 2010. Overall, both Harris and Woods have combined for a pure labor of love which breathes passion, communicates sincerity and provides a refreshing urban adult contemporary alternative. And hopefully based on the strength behind Love 365, Harris should consider another solo project as soon as possible.

Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene