Joyo Velarde’s debut full-length album Love and Understanding is set to be released on February 16, 2010 (Quannum Projects). Joyo was born in Manila but later relocated to the Bay Area, where she is known as the female voice behind the seminal independent label Quannum.
Love and Understanding — preceded by her 5-song self-titled EP (released digitally in May 2009) — consists of twelve tracks that were specially assembled by Joyo, Lyrics Born and fellow producers Jake One, Emmy Award winner Asa Taccone, RJD2, Tommy Guerrero, Headnodic (Crown City Rockers), and the Lifesavas’ Jumbo the Garbageman.
Enjoy a free download from Love and Understanding: “Certain Special Way”:
Think Vanessa Williams meets Amel Larrieux (Groove Theory). Joyo blends soul and hip hop stylishly with her stunning vocal range at the forefront. Pulling from Minnie Riperton, Chaka Khan and Tina Marie as well as contemporary R&B singers like Alicia Keys, Solange, Angie Stone and Raheem DeVaughn, Joyo has truly mastered her craft. On “You Got Me (In the Mood)” Joyo reminds you of a female version of Marvin Gaye, while on “Lower Deck” she is truly reminiscent of Denise Williams on her hit song “Silly.” Joyo’s classical study with an opera company in Rome resonates throughout the album, particularly the track “On And On.”
