Time has never felt more elastic than at this moment. Days feel like weeks and decades like years while streaming makes all cultural eras instantly accessible. But artistically embodying this elasticity is a challenge - how does one mash-up anachronistic moments and movements into songs that feel equal parts modern and retro?
Amy Winehouse did it. Adele, too. Rihanna dabbles. And now spellbinding and sultry singer Elise LeGrow is threading this needle with new single “Evan,” similarly blending temporally disparate elements into a more powerful whole.
“Evan” is the first salvo from LeGrow’s forthcoming album, the follow-up to her acclaimed debut, Playing Chess, and marks her first release of original material. On Playing Chess, LeGrow’s interpretations of tunes from the legendary Chess Records found fans in the likes of Action Bronson and Jools Holland, while amassing acclaim from Billboard, Okayplayer, Salon, Relix, MOJO, and many more.
“Evan” is produced by award-winning Angelo Petraglia (Kings of Leon) and is released via Awesome Music/S-Curve Records/BMG. It is a deeply moving, slow-burning tribute to LeGrow’s friend who was killed over a decade ago and whose murder has never been solved. The poignant track centers LeGrow’s peerless vocal power with brokenhearted lyrics that lament the loss of her friend and reflect the mourning she continues to do for him, juxtaposed against light, airy melodies. The release is accompanied by an equally affecting, reflective video directed by Adrian Vieni. More details on the upcoming album to be announced.
LeGrow says of “Evan,” “It doesn’t come from a place of vendetta. It was really an act of reflection, and when I sing it, I hope that feeling will be shared by others, maybe about a friend they lost.”
Raves for Elise LeGrow and Playing Chess
- "Dreamy and velvety...the singer's innovative arrangement makes for a delicate piece of music that LeGrow fosters as her own, creating her personal vision and story." - Billboard
- "A soulful force to be reckoned with...seductive powers of invention." - Okayplayer
- "LeGrow's groovin', infectious, bluesy interpretation stands out and demands attention...electrifying." - HuffPost
- "New arrangements that shine a fascinating, instructive light on these classic compositions." - Relix
- "Superb voice...these classic tunes take on new life when shown through LeGrow's lens." - PopMatters
- "Husky range and dynamic vocals." - American Songwriter