Colie Williams | Light Up The Darkness

Colie Williams – Light Up the Darkness
By Peggy Oliver

Neo-soul is one of those categories that sometimes is hard to figure out or dissect. But it is encouraging knowing there are many urban vocalists today who are embracing the past without sounding too outdated. From the veterans Jill Scott to the recent voices Colie Williams, old-fashioned smooth soul with a fierce attitude is more alive and well than ever. A junior high school teacher recognized Williams’ talent which ended up paving a secure road for the Bronx, New York born singer/songwriter from that day. Graduating from the prestigious Music & Arts School in Harlem, Williams pursued music and theater at Syracuse University, though she ended majoring in education; a wise move so she could further market her already formidable maturity as a business woman and musicality. Since she moved to Washington, D.C., Williams toured extensively in the theatre world, including The Kennedy Center for the Arts. Eventually, she started concentrating more on concert performing, where she currently is a popular attraction in the D.C. region. Williams’ debut, Light Up The Darkness on Wonders of Music, showcases the original material that she brings to the stage every night. In the spirit of Scott, the incomparable Teena Marie (Marie’s producer on Congo Square gives a certified thumbs up for L.U.T.D.) and other vocal heroes, Williams meticulous voice oozes soul all over the recording studio; creating a breathtaking collage of jazz, reggae, blues, go-go and R&B.

Light Up The Darkness begins on a resounding note. “Ol’ Soul For A New Day” pays a fitting tribute to the classy jazz stylists who affirmed for Williams a reason to sing: “This is for the ancestors: Ella, Sara, Billie,” delivered with sophisticated orchestration anchored by marching rhythms. Laid back funk with rolling bass grooves flows over “Everywhere I Go” and “In and
Out of Love,” the latter once recorded by a legend in her own right – Patti Austin. Demonstrating Williams’ respect for old-school music of different flavors, “You/Reggae Love” drops the soulful lover’s rock reggae along with a dub remix bonus. One of the first singles from Light Up The Darkness is “All U Need,” a justifiable choice for the internet music loyalists
to experience that Marie and Scott vibe rub all over their ears. “Angel,” originally written as an R&B song, adds the lively go-go rhythms straight out of D.C. Many of Williams’ songs reflect the theme of being in and out of love. “Black Love” spreads gratitude to everyone who initiated the gift of love, in learning about her roots and in how her mother shaped her character: “She taught me to have an opinion.”

With Light Up The Darkness, Williams is off to an assured start as a recording artist who should be seriously considered on more adult contemporary radio play lists and tours outside the D.C. region. Extra props to her backup band – Soul for a Day, and co-songwriter Kawani Ali for lighting up the classic soul landscape on Light Up The Darkness.

Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene