March 2004 Then I Loved You  Dawn Norfleet From the album: For Your Inner Ear (Uptown West Music - 2004) by S.H. Watkins, Sr.

The album is entitled For Your Inner Ear, but it might as well be For Your Soul. This is a remarkable CD from a remarkable young lady. More than a vocalist and composer and musician, she is a storyteller in the old tradition. The emotion in her sultry voice grabs you right away. The story and the performance of Then I Loved You both build from a dreamy start to a strong

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and resounding then sweet ending. The multiple vocal tracks used here are well blended, and Dawns range is a strong 3 1/2 octaves, allowing her to harmonize with herself without sounding overdone. Let's also mention that she performed and wrote the music on the entire CD, but her expressive vocals are the real star on this track.

19 Gone: Requiem For Tyisha Miller gives tribute to the young black woman that was shot over 12 times by Riverside, California police while sleeping in her car. The emotion here is palpable, her nuances crafted to touch your heart. The flavorful, Ripperton-esque flute passages add to the overall moving effect of the song. It's amazing the passion that an artist can put into something that they feel strongly about, and Dawns passion for Tyisha Miller is unmistakable. This track actually has the best performance on the CD, but it won't get extensive airplay for obvious reasons.

FYI: I Thought that the sexy / sultry Roam was this month's hot single until I played this one. Roam is a sweet little innuendo which again has some great counter melodies. This one is pure, smooth heat. Some say Dawn is reminiscent of the late Minnie Riperton, and I'd agree that her range is similar, but her style is all her own. Where Minnie was a butterfly flitting and fluttering all around you, Dawn is a deer running and prancing through the forest with dignity and grace.

Fact is, there are no bad songs on this seven-track, self produced CD which may seem surprising, but not really say those that know Dr. Dawn Norfleet. She has appeared as flutist with R&B vocalist, Monica on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Pepsi Smash and the Orlando Jones Show, and has been a regular member of the jazz music scenes in both N.Y and L.A., so keep an eye out. You don't want to miss seeing her if you get the chance.

For more on this talented lady visit her web site at http://dawnnorfleet.com.

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