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| Laura Izibor Unveils Fall Tour Schedule Atlantic recording artist Laura Izibor has announced a busy schedule of fall concert dates. The critically acclaimed Irish soul singer will join John Legend as special guest on his upcoming US tour, kicking off on September 16th at Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay in San Diego. Izibor also has slated a number of major headline shows, including eagerly anticipated dates in Los Angeles, West Palm Beach, and New York City. The tour marks the recent release of Izibor's much-admired debut album, "LET THE TRUTH BE TOLD." The collection is highlighted by the singles, "From My Heart To Yours" and "Don't Stay." The latter track is looking like a major hit for the Dublin-based singer, having quickly ascended to the top 20 at Urban AC radio outlets nationwide. In addition, the "Don't Stay" companion video has just been added into "Power" rotation at VH1 Soul and is "Soul Approved" rotation at BETJ, Izibor -- who just received a prestigious "Best Newcomer" nomination from the MOBO Awards, the UK's annual celebration of music of black origin - will make her late night TV debut with a September 28th performance on CBS' "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson." Laura is no stranger to American airwaves, having recently performed as part of CBS' "The Early Show - Saturday Edition's" "Second Cup Café" series. "From My Heart To Yours" instantly established Izibor as a powerful new voice in contemporary R&B. The track proved a multi-format hit upon its release last spring, reaching the top 10 at Urban AC. The companion video clip for "From My Heart To Yours" also scored major rotation at BETJ and VH1 Soul, which named Laura one of their "You Oughta Know" artists. A tireless performer, Izibor recently finished up a US tour supporting Maxwell, having already shared stages with such greats as India.Arie, Aretha Franklin, Al Green, John Legend, James Brown, Angie Stone, and Atlantic labelmate Estelle. The Maxwell tour earned Laura ecstatic press across the country. The Philadelphia Inquirer praised Izibor for "delivering an invigorating performance full of soul, with an international twist... the Irish-born Izibor spun tunes of unrequited, misplaced, and adoring love into a 13-song performance full of piano-built feel-good music, slow melodies, and lush coos." The Palm Beach Post found it " ...difficult to believe someone so young could have the breadth of experience necessary to write such songs of deep reflection and insight, " adding that Laura "performs her songs with such emotion that she draws you right into the experience with her." "(Izibor's) confident, soulful vocals soared on 'Don't Stay, ' a wistful piano introspection on love that is long past its expiration date, and 'Mmm, ' a gospel affirmation of love's power, " declared the Austin American Statesman. "When she emerged from behind her piano, accompanied by only her guitarist, Izibor delivered her hit single 'From My Heart to Yours' with aplomb. No choreography, no props, just rich vocals that filled every inch of the concert hall. Izibor has already drawn tremendous praise from a wide range of national and international publications, including Rolling Stone, which featured her among its "Artists To Watch." Ebony declared Laura to be the "Soul of Ireland, " noting that her music "brings to mind the echo of older, soulful songstresses like Aretha Franklin, " while Essence hailed the album as "a sweet, sophisticated debut filled with catchy tunes about female empowerment and ballads about achy love that have the right amount of blues, grit and gospel emotion." Born and raised in Dublin, Izibor became enthralled with the sounds of classic soul and R&B at an early age. By 15, she had honed her vocal talent to such a high level that she won Ireland's prestigious RTÉ 2fm Song Contest. It wasn't long before Laura began working on what would ultimately become "LET THE TRUTH BE TOLD, " recording her self-penned songs in such cities as New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Dublin. From the sassy "Shine" to the deeply personal "If Tonight Is My Last, " "LET THE TRUTH BE TOLD" is rich with authenticity and passion, its songs revealing Izibor's uniquely heartfelt take on life and love. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Jazz News :: home page |