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Raven is an artist you need to get to know. In the style of the sexy diva, Raven pours her heart into each of her well-produced R&B jams, the way that you expect but don’t always hear from Whitney Houston or Tony Braxton.
"Searchin" jumps right out as a hit single as the leadoff track on The Voice of Magic. The bass is deep and groovy and the acoustic guitar spells out complicated chords that accent the track favorably. Track 3, "Should We?," provides a groove that’s more like something from D’Angelo or Maxwell. The bass sets the pace, but Raven’s lustful voice teases you into the tune. The vocal harmony overdubs are as tight as can be and the funky guitar chops are dripping with laid-back funk. Track 6, "Godsent," uses a very staccato rhythm, which is all the rage these days. The result is a modern Janet Jackson sound for this cut.
Raven is a sexy singer with excellent vocal versatility. The production is as good as anything you’ll find on the best R&B records being released today. If you dig on Maxwell, D’Angelo or Janet Jackson (Miss Jackson if you’re nasty), then you’ll be sure to love Raven’s The Voice of Magic.
Reviewed by Jerry Del Colliano -
Publisher - AudioRevolution.com - Jerry Del Colliano
RAVEN WILLIAMS is a rare artist in R&B. She has the technical chops to match the attitude needed to make a jam bounce. For proof, investigate her solid self-made disc, "The Voice of Magic". . . a collection that brazenly combines the sass of Mary J. Blige, with the quirky edge of Macy Gray, and the jazzy sophistication of Teena Marie.
There's an unapologetic vibe of maturity wafting throughout the set, which might limit its kid appeal. While that might be a negative to some, it is a big plus to adults starved for someone new and fresh to embrace. RAVEN's voice - - is truly something to behold.
- L. Flick, Continental Drift Columnist - L. Flick
Discography
Raven Williams- Voice of Magic, Release Date November, 2007
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Bio
At the moment of birth, her full head of long, pitch-black hair inspired her parents to name their new child "RAVEN". Little did they know that they had been blessed with a daughter who also possessed a "magical" voice.
Now, as she begins to soar across the music scene, RAVEN's voice is gathering quite a flock of supporters.
Captivated by the tracks that she has been creating while "flying" solo in her Los Angeles studio, several hot producers (who are also working with Will Smith, Brandy, Coolio, Dionne Farris, Eric Benet, and others), are now collaborating with her to create some superb new recordings. To name a few, her recent original productions proudly feature the talents of Grammy-nominated producers Doug Rasheed and Laythan Armor, as well as Sauce and Arvel McClinton.
Music Background
A few short years ago, RAVEN was the lead singer of an R&B cover band and a soloist in U.C. Berkeley's Young Inspiration Gospel Choir... and has since sung background for several artists, including Chante Moore, Jesse Powell, Mya, and Regina Belle.
"It was so exciting to be working with such great singers. I especially loved the challenge of working with Chante Moore because I've always thought she was so gifted and always noticed that Babyface used her a lot in his productions. I was so flattered when she picked me to do her high-part harmony, and I had a great time with her on the road."
Another recent highlight of her fast-developing career, was when RAVEN's own production of Voodoo Queen (a bluesy, eclectic song about the spiritual lesson of "Karma"), caught the attention of MTV's "THE CUT"... who chose it for her to perform on their first season of the show. Raven was in competition with over 11,000 artists and was 1 of the 160 chosen for the final competition.
A true performance artist, the audience and judges were deeply moved by RAVEN's winning performance on Round 1 of "THE CUT" and advanced her to the SEMI-FINALS. Shortly after her victory, industry veteran Jheryl Busby, even offered her an opportunity to sign with his entertainment management company.
Musical Style and Inspiration
RAVEN's music has freedom, love and spirituality written all over it. Her sense of melody and ability to write lyrically without "forcing the rhyme" are outstanding qualities that shine effortlessly for her.
"When I write I just let the story tell itself to me, and then I do my best to convey the energy as I received it. It is a very spiritual communion with the Universe for me and that's why I treasure the gift of songwriting."
With her stylish, sultry voice RAVEN plays with the words in her songs, always leaving the listener thinking about what she's just said. A true performance artist, RAVEN's got the goods--voice, rhythm, timing, phrasing, and most of all... soul.
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