Following her 2014 album The Truth, Ledisi went back to work prepping a new mixtape called Nostalgia Movement, No. 1, a project inspired by her desire to pay tribute to some of her favorite artists.
Today (Feb. 22), she drops off the premiere of one of the project’s singles with Singersroom, a cover of Patrice Rushen’s 1979 hit, “Settle For My Love.” On the classic R&B song, the soulful singer adds her signature powerhouse vocals and eargasmic flare, making for a dope rendition.
On the upcoming project, Ledisi also tributes The Isley Brothers on “I Once Had Your Lovin’ Baby (And I Can’t Let Go)” and Natalie Cole’s “I’ve Got Love on My Mind.” About Nostalgia Movement, No. 1, Ledisi explained:
“Before my beautiful friend Natalie Cole passed away, I had started the process of covering some of my favorite legends. The idea came about because I always see people covering the same songs over and over. I thought to myself why not tribute the R&B music I love, give a little bit of a new flair to the arrangements, and educate the listener all at the same time. My prayer is that my version of these songs will make the listener want to go back and hear the original. That is my way of paying homage to those who came before me.
Performing tributes have always held a very special place in my heart. Many don’t know this, but singing Luther Vandross’ song “My Sensitivity” on The Forever For Always For Love project ultimately lead me to my record deal with Verve Universal and allowed me the opportunity to meet Patti Labelle for the first time! Since then, I’ve been blessed with so many other amazing opportunities, including meeting Stevie Wonder, George Duke, Natalie Cole and Patti Austin for the first time, singing to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, at a Music Cares event for The Grammys, singing “Endless Love” for Lionel Ritchie, and meeting the great Maurice White and the legendary Verdine White after recording “Devotion” for the Earth Wind and Fire Interpretations project.
My goal has always been to honor the original recording but find ways to be true to who I am. I have done it most of my professional career, and it never gets old neither does it ever get easy. I will always love the original version of any song I remake because attached to those songs are memories, a place, and a time.”
Enjoy Ledisi’s interpretation of “Settle For My Love” and stay tuned for the release of her mixtape, Nostalgia Movement, No. 1, coming soon.
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