Marsha Ambrosius | Late Nights & Early Mornings

Marsha Ambrosius | Late Nights & Early Mornings By Peggy Oliver

I can not exactly determine if coincidence played a role in The Floacist AKA Natalie Stewart and Marsha Ambrosius releasing their debut projects just a few months apart. But whatever the reason, the timing for these gifted ladies to make noise on the charts was a stroke of genius. Their fans that were familiar with these ladies when they teamed as Floetry were more than ready to experience their talent in a solo spotlight. Considering that Floetry was short lived as a recording and touring act, their sensually soulful vocal/spoken word collages was a much needed, revitalizing alternative in the adult contemporary urban wilderness. And their solid musical reputation has carried them into successful collaborations.

The hype was definitely justified for Ambrosius’ upcoming debut. In the meantime, she injected a confident presence on duets with fellow urban stylists such as Jamie Foxx (“Freak’in Me”), Macy Gray (“Still Hurts”), Nas (“If I Ruled the World ’09”); not a bad choice following up on Lauryn Hill’s voice on the original version; and Eric Roberson. She was just as comfortable as a background vocalist, including Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River.” A trusted songwriter/producer, Ambrosius found plenty of work while waiting for her recording close-up. Despite being signed to a solo deal with Aftermath Records, her debut for the label never materialized. But with the experience carried over from Floetry and her memorable vocal appearances, Ambrosius eventually found another label home in J Records; which signed the singer/songwriter in 2009. In the summer of 2010, Ambrosius introduced her expressive, sultry soprano voice on the tongue in cheek, “Hope She Cheats on You (Like a Basketball Player).” While the anticipation was still building for her debut full-length, a second single “Far Away” was released in January of 2011. The following month, Ambrosius participated in a Teena Marie tribute at the BET Honors held in Washington DC, where the audience was entranced with her interpretation of “Portuguese Love.”

The next month, Ambrosius finally releases Late Nights, Early Mornings backed by the strength of her two previous singles. A journal of sorts documenting emotions from joy to frustration to vulnerability, Ambrosius’ vocal punches channels a bit of Toni Braxton, Teena Marie and Faith Evans. The eloquent opener – “The Anticipation” – outlines what to expect in this intense journey of love. “With You” soaks in a jazzy soulful stew and plenty of Ambrosius’ vocal exclamations. The title track definitely shouts Prince with the emotional edginess and might as well have been accompanied by The Revolution. “Lose Myself” lends a gospel edge but the subject is clearly experiencing romantic love in the moment. The second half of Late Nights, Early Mornings is more appealing when the mood shifts to old school R&B power ballads (“Your Hands,” “I Want You to Stay,” “Tears”). For the closing track, Ambrosius revisits Michael Jackson’s “Butterflies” from his 2000 disc, Invincible, a track which she sang background vocals. In fact, this version possesses many elements of the Jackson version, especially within the signature background harmonies and the steady funk backbeats.

Ambrosius shares the production credit with some of urban music’s young guns like Syience (Ne-Yo, Jay Z), Just Blaze, Focus and Canei Finch who sprinkle the mostly slow jams with ambient soundscapes. If there were a downfall, Late Nights, Early Mornings could be better served with more live instrumentation instead of synthesized and computer programs, and occasionally the lyrics border on corny. That aside, it is no coincidence that Ambrosius’ winning vocal presence and depth are what make this debut very impressive. And the timing for Late Nights, Early Mornings for this sometimes stagnant contemporary urban market is right on target.

Peggy Oliver
The Urban Music Scene