YahZarah aka Miss. Purple St. James

Superheroes DO exist. Many of them walk amongst us disguised as normal everyday people, and then disappear into the shadows of our mundane and over-programmed lifestyle. Some manage to carefully balance the worlds between human compassion and existential responsibility. Others simply reveal their incredible powers and humbly expose their incomparable strengths to the public. Dana Nicole Williams is an example of such wonder. Barely standing 5 feet tall, the District of Columbia born singer and songwriter is a modern day superhero. Known to most as YahZarah, she possesses the ability to move mountains with her music. Her sweet, butterfly-like voice has been recognized in groundbreaking musical compositions with Little Brother, Nicolay, and Erykah Badu to name a few. She has released two fulfilling solo album projects including "Hear Me" and "Black Star" and her current independent EP release “The Prelude”. However, this super chocolate sensation has much more than meets the eye. It seems as though she has been struggling to contain her magnanimous alter ego persona, which goes by the name of Purple St. James, from unleashing herself onto the world. But it's too late. Purple St. James has made her introduction, and it's nothing we can do about it except enjoy the ride. Purple St. James is the bold, daring, sexy, funky, unapologetic soul side to YahZarah. Her artistry goes well beyond the clinical terms of Schizophrenia. Instead, she uses the power from within, sort of in the same way that Bruce Banner unleashes the Hulk, or Slick Rick removes the muzzle from MC Ricky D's mouth. Her morsel size beauty is infectious, and her ability to hit 4th and 5th octave notes effortlessly proves her to be utterly amazing. She encompasses the tenderness of Minnie Ripperton, and the fierceness of Nona Hendricks, all whilst keeping you engaged in her vibrant spirit like Chaka Khan. Purple St. James is the diva with healing power. She is the archetype of an urban Dorothy in the Land of Oz that owns the hottest pair high heeled silver slippers. With the audacity of Prince and the groundbreaking sex appeal of Grace Jones, Purple St. James is evidence that great things come in small packages. Purple St. James has been called upon to bless the stage with outstanding artists such as Prince, Floetry, Musiq Soul Child, Chaka Kahn, Donnie, Amel Larrieux, Anthony David, Goapele, Talib Kweli, Rahsaan Paterson, Raheem Davaughn, R Kelly, J. Davey, Common, Bilal Oliver, The Roots, Erykah Badu and others. And most recently had the honor of being the opening act for the Anthony Hamilton's 2008 "Playing it Cool" Tour perfoming five dates at the House of Blues. She has an international following that seems to get bigger as she progresses as an artist, while maintaining her North American fan base waiting for more. Whether you believe in superheroes or not, YahZarah aka Purple St. James is a truly unique voice that measures weight juxtaposed in a new era of sound. If this were a comic instead of an write up, she would be one of my favorite heroes. And even though she already embellishes a superhero persona, I would call her the Amazing Black Butterfly… and the power of her voice would destroy any and all tyranny, evil and impurity here on earth. "Something about looking in someone's eyes and seeing the power of music changing their hearts changed my life forever...." Keep your eye on the horizon for “THE BALLAD OF PURPLE ST. JAMES” her third album release coming soon!~