Born: July 25, 1972 Primary Instrument: Vocal
Bay Area native of Puerto-Rican ancestry, FEMI has established her musical presence with powerfully sweet vocals, passionately poetic song writing and sultry production. Her music has been defined as neo-funk & soul but its roots go much deeper with an infusion of afro- latin/carribean rhythms, jazz, hip-hop, salsa and rock, blending perfectly to create a unique sound all her own.
As one of the pioneers of the Oakland underground music scene, FEMI began laying the groundwork as an emerging artist, captivating the heart, soul and ears of those in underground Oakland art community, unaware that she was painting vivid collages of sound and texture that were considered “experimental” for the time. FEMI has since taken her sound and toured throughout the US in venues from Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia and her hometown of the Bay Area.
“A veteran of Oakland's cultural arts scene, Femi's been a dancer, hip-hop MC, spoken-word poet and performance artist, in addition to a singer. Her stylistic versatility extends to her music, a blend of soul, funk, jazz, salsa, house, hip- hop and reggae that she's dubbed “neo-funk.” --Eric Arnold, East Bay Express (Dec 06, 0006)
Sweet Water Soul
Talking House
2008
Tracks: I. Sweet Water (Rezo) II. Imported III. Crush IV. If I Knew V. I Want You VI. Pages
Personnel: Bill Ortiz (Horns - IV, V) Blyss (Bass - II) Femi (Fender Rhodes, Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Synth Bass, Synth Organ, Synth Strings, Cajon, Percussion, Kalimba, Bell Tree, Rainstick, Drum Programming & Sequencing - I, II, III, IV, V, VI) Kevin Choice (Grand Piano, Fender Rhodes, Hammond B3 Organ, Strings - II, III, IV, V, VI) Kymberly Jackson (Flute - I, II, III, VI) Marc Weibel (Lead Guitar - IV) Marzuki Grinage (Guitar - I, II, III, IV, VI) Michael "Shark" Marius (Bass - V) Paul Hunt (Guitar - V) pc muÒoz (Snare Drum - IV) Stephen Smith (Bass - I, III, VI) Taji Maalik (Percussion - V, VI) Valentino Pellizzer-Salgado (Drums - V) William Sapenter (Fender Rhodes, Strings - V)
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