Gabbie McGee
Greenville, Mississippi, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Former Miss Black Atlanta GABBIE McGEE proves she can also sing on her debut CD Certified Soul (US JNIM, 2005), which has received favourable reviews among neo-soul enthusiasts. The first few tracks reminded me closely of Erykah Badu and even N’Dambi’s and Antoinique’s jazz-inclined songs, with Gabbie delivering swinging mid-pacers and improvised lyrics. The opening track Boobie’s Groove has a nice Anotinique-ish touch with scat vocals, and it is followed by an attractive melodic neo-soul song Now I Know. Something So follows in a similar fashion, and it was also featured on the Soul Brother collection This Is Soul 2006 last summer.
Still, my personal favorite is a track entitled Sunshine & Colors, which contains a delicious bouncy backdrop with a meaty bass line and some spirited piano playing over which Gabbie sings the jazzy melody line. A couple of tracks veer into R&B with rap inserts, and the closing track is the only ballad on the album, but let’s hope Gabbie continues in her jazzy, yet soulful style on her next project.
- Ismo Tenkanen, Editor, Soulexpress.net
Wow, what a great little record -- one of the best indie soul sets we've heard in a long time, and the kind of an album that comes off with a really unique feel! Gabbie's a singer with a really incredible voice -- but she's also not the type to hit you over the head with that fact -- unlike some of the post-Eryka Badu clones who spend so much time inflecting their notes, you can't really hook into their tunes. Instead, Gabbie's approach is simple, seductive, and extremely powerful -- a straightforwardly soulful groove that flows and grows as the record moves on -- full of personality and positive message, and all in a mode that's unique Gabbie's own. Really great stuff -- and a singer we're sure we'll be hearing more from soon!
www.dustygroove.com - Dusty Groove America
Independent soul with a slight jazz tinge. Gabbie has a strong voice and sounds similar to Antonique in places. 'Now I Know' is an organic mid tempo groover, whilst 'Something So' a catchy foot tapper with a nice hook. The breezy radio friendly 'Sunshine and Colors' is another highlight, and 'Diva By Design' is spoken word over percussion. Interesting and well worth checking out."
Laurence Prangell
Soul Brother Records
- Laurance Prangell- Soul Brother Record/ UK
Discography
Certified Soul, released 2005, Full length disc (10 songs)
Mississippi's Daughter
January 2010
Full length disc (15 songs)
Photos
Bio
Gabbie McGee Musically…
Soulful, Southern, Sultry is clearly defined by the only songstress capable of bringing you “Certified Soul”. Gabbie's song is a song of hope, faith and triumph. Having taken a few classes from the old school, her style and vocals are reminiscent of the sounds and spirits of Anita Baker, Jennifer Holiday, and Jill Scott while remaining uniquely, Gabbie!
With her debut independent release "Certified Soul", Gabbie brings to the table an impressive musical collection that has been certified, stamped, and approved by listeners as "quality" music. Songs like "Sunshine & Colors" and "Somethin' So... " echo beautiful melodies that ooze warm jazz tones and textures. With perfect pitch and control she breaths new life into any musical environment presenting herself with confidence, style and grace. Born and raised in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, (Greenville, MS) Gabbie McGee is a singer by design. With a voice that can rage like an angry storm, or flow as soft as a mellow stream; Gabbie uses a creative concoction of blues, jazz, and soul to draw listeners into her world of sunshine and colors. This self proclaimed "Country Gal" is what the industry calls the total package.
Gabbie McGee & The Community...
A proud graduate of the historic Jackson State University (2001), Gabbie's resume boasts many accomplishments in music and beyond! Gabbie's deep musical roots in gospel, jazz and the blues enable her to "standout"as a singer, songwriter and pianist; but it is her striking smile and warm personality that lead her to the "spotlight" of beauty competitions. The former Miss Metro Jackson, Miss Capitol City Classic(2000), Miss Omega Psi Phi (2000 YE Chapter), and Miss Black Atlanta (2002) showcased her rich mezzo-soprano vocals and mesmerizing stage presence as a fierce competitor and committed queen with a platform to preserve and promote the arts for the enrichment of America's youth. Even though she has long retired her crown(s), she continues to commit herself to the cause of "preserving the arts". As a wife and mother of 2 year old twins, Gabbie is more than aware of the effect music can have on the shaping of young minds. In the summer of 2007, she began her quest to "educate & entertain" by organizing a live concert series that introduces jazz to children ages 2 to 6 with her Early Childhood Development Music Program "Live Music for Little Ears". “Live Music for Little Ears” is a fun and interactive way for little ones to experience the joy of jazz with catchy, colorful- kid friendly songs complete with an easy to understand “mini music lesson”.
“ Ms. Gabbie has a great voice and she works very well with the children. The songs were lively and the colorful props she used were eye catching and kept the children engaged. We look forward to her concerts at our center every summer. Personally, I hope Ms. Gabbie will make a children’s CD so that the children and I can sing along with her all year long.”
– DeShone Hall, Lead Teacher, Daystar Christian Academy, College Park, GA
To Gabbie, the world is a stage; her talents have been witnessed during Off-Broadway musicals like "Jelly's Last Jam", The Showtime at the Apollo Summer Tour 2001 and numerous charity events. In September of 2007, Gabbie was personally selected by Congressman Bennie G. Thompson as the featured entertainment for the 2007 Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. She was also featured during an episode of TBS Storyline as a "Community Gem" along with Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank. Very recently, Gabbie toured Southeast Asia and Singapore as the featured vocalist for the esteemed Harry's International Jazz Bar.
So what’s next for Gabbie? Well, the sky is the limit as Gabbie now offers her time and talent; blending in to do her part to aid in the fight against Cancer, Diabetes and Hypertension. Having been apart of the Atlanta’s Biggest Loser: Mom’s Edition (2009), Gabbie now states “I have a commitment to encourage my family, friends and community members to be preventative and adapt healthier habits like adding more natural foods to their diet and exercising. I will gladly share my weight loss journey with the world if it inspires change and saves lives." Harmonizing her way through the show, she made connections that are life-long and definitely Divinely ordered!
Gabbie McGee Personally…
Embodied with a giving spirit and sweet, yet sassy southern girl charm; Gabbie has a burning desire to use her music to inspire positive change in the world. She prides herself in creating music that captivates listeners with sincerity, motivating messages and timeless grooves. She has the God given ability to tap into the very essence of life and human emotion by singing the pains, joys, hopes and dreams we all share as a common bond. A strong believer in the power of perseverance, Gabbie offers, “When the odds are against you,
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