Woodson’s melodies and messages are memorable and relatable. Her “All Roads Lead To Nashville” is a soulful, contemporary Country track that rings true with a hook and harrowing story with silver lining messages of facing past regrets and taking chances in life and love. “Faith, Hope, Joy”, is an uplifting contemporary jazz track that echoes Woodson’s mantra of fulfilling her purpose, acknowledging the blessings, and showing love to herself and others. “I’m In”, is a driving jazz anthem about falling brazenly head over heels in love. “You Are Something Special” is a Brazilian flare Samba that sizzles the swooning over a lover that seems to take your breath away. “Feeling Coy” is a blended ballad tribute to Woodson’s mother, Coydella Stephens, who’s colors quickly faded after losing her son, Linda’s youngest brother, to gun violence as a sophomore in college.
Come A Little Closer also incorporates Linda Woodson’s original lyrics to Oliver Nelson’s jazz superhit, “Stolen Moments”, hailed by his son, Oliver Nelson, Jr., as “Great lyrics and fantastic arrangement. Totally swinging. My father would be pleased.” The eight-song album also includes two new arrangements of previously released material including Aziza Miller’s “La Costa”, released by Natalie Cole, which Woodson and Geissendoerfer rekindle to include a fabulous vocal and scatting duet with vocalist, Gary Fowler, and the Title track, “Come A Little Closer”, composed by Broadway legend, John Wallowitch, adding a lucid cabaret intimacy that Woodson has fondness and greatness for that shows in her delivery.
1- Stolen Moments (5:06)
Lyrics: Linda Woodson/ Music: Oliver Nelson
2- Faith Hope Joy (4:35)
Lyrics: Linda Woodson/ Music: Linda Woodson, Uli Geissendoerfer & Michael Mindingall
3- Feeling Coy (4:39)
Lyrics & Music: Linda Woodson
4- I’m In (2:34)
Lyrics & Music: Linda Woodson
5- All Roads Lead To Nashville (4:36)
Lyrics: Linda Woodson/ Music: Linda Woodson & Uli Geissendoerfer
6- You Are Something Special (5:23)
Lyrics: Linda Woodson/ Music: Linda Woodson, Charles Stanley & Uli Geissendoerfer
7- La Costa (6:03)
Lyrics & Music: Aziza Miller
8- Come A Little Closer (4:35) Lyrics & Music: John Wallowitch
All arrangements by Uli Geissendoerfer. Vocal arrangements by Linda Woodson, Uli Geissendoerfer & Gary Fowler
credits
released August 21, 2023
Linda Woodson: lead and background vocals
Gary Fowler: lead vocals on La Costa, background vocals 1, 2, 5, 7 Uli Geissendoerfer: piano, Rhodes, Wurlitzer, synths
Jake Langley: acoustic & electric guitars
Dave Ostrem: acoustic and electric bass
Ryan Rose: drums
Pepe Jimenez: congas, bongos, talking drum, Udu drum, percussion James Whiting: marimba
Joel Ferguson: slide guitar
Kenny Rampton: trumpet and flugelhorn 1, 4
Charles McNeal: alto and soprano sax 4, 7
Tim Molyneux: background vocals 1, 5
String quartet on 1, 8: Alex Dzubinsky- 1st violin Susan Kim- 2nd violin Hanna Suk- viola
Mart Semert- cello
Gospel Choir on 2: Gary Fowler- lead Hunter Rose Turner Tymara Walker Thembe Adams Gianni Matteo Becker Carol Fowler
Recorded at The Hideout Recording Studio September- February 2022-2023 Engineer: Luis Pacheco
Assistant: Nick Anderson
Vocal overdubs and choir engineer: Sam Friend
Mixing and mastering: Pat Thrall Special thanks: Jorge Machain
Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Linda is the fourth of six children. Labeled “the smart one” as a kid her mother
encouraged her to pursue a career in medicine. She continued to sing in school, church and wherever else she could to feed her passion. She is often described as having a buttery smooth and sultry sound with an angelic quality. This 4th release features her own songwriting....more
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