In 2006 Nesby continued to diversify her range as a recording artist with the release of her first traditional Gospel release 'In The Spirit,' which showcased the raw power and depth of her soul, as well as her range as an elite vocalist. As a treat to fans in the early 2007 she released the 'Ann Nesby the Best of Live' CD/DVD, the musical/video collage showcased Nesby's diverse repertoire of music encompassing the previous twenty years of her career--from Sounds Of Blackness through her solo recordings. The accompanying DVD video provided fans a glimpse of the new slim and trim Ann Nesby.
Hot on the heels of her critically acclaimed late 2007 album 'This Is Love,' which spawned a Grammy nominated single, "I Apologize", Nesby returned to the studio to craft 'The Lula Lee Project' alongside an array of musical geniuses: Gospel music maverick Tonex (John P. Kee, Tarralyn Ramsey, Montell Jordan); Herb Middleton (SWV, Faith Evans, Mary J. Blige); J. Isaac (James Grear & Company, Juelz Santana); Debra Killings (TLC); and others.
'The Lula Lee Project' showcases visually and audibly a creative departure from the Ann Nesby many may recognize from her days as the former lead singer of Sounds of Blackness. Critics and fans of Nesby appreciate her seamless ability to transition between Gospel, R&B/Soul, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Dance, and Pop music without compromising her Christian beliefs.
"I always sing from the heart, and I believe that whatever is sung from the heart will reach the heart of the listener," says Nesby.
"'The Lula Lee Project' speaks to the issues affecting the state of the world, our current economic woes, to the struggles of everyday life. This project is a reminder that God is still in control," explains Nesby who admits that the world has changed dramatically since her 1996 debut.
"It's my duty to encourage others to rely on God, we don't have to worry because we have a refuge in Him," she adds.
The Lula Lee Project marks the third full Gospel/Inspirational album after 2003's 'Make Me Better' and 2006's 'In The Spirit.' 'The Lula Lee Project' takes an edgier "out of the box" approach to the Christian inspired genre. The album's lead single, "I Found a Place," serves up a smooth head nodding bass line as Nesby soulfully croons about a special and secret place in prayer that we can escape to when the storms of life come.
Other notable tracks include, "Sad But It's True," a funk driven track that will become an anthem for both men and women as it showcases Nesby's "Lula Lee" persona that bluntly 'keeps it real,' addressing the lack of responsibility both men and women sometime demonstrate in their relationships.
"Higher," reflects the place that all of us have found ourselves in at some point in time when things seem wrong and you pray asking God to bring you out of the circumstance.
Taking a serene approach in rhythm & praise, Nesby's delivers laid back grooves in "When the Praises Go Up" and "Sow Love" demonstrating the range of her vocal dexterity. 'The Lula Lee Project' is a musical montage of situations everyone faces and is consistent in the theme of God's love and devotion toward us all when we believe.
Nesby by far is a music industry mainstay with a career spanning over 20 years in music, theater, and film. With a bevy of accolades - multiple Grammy and Stellar award nominations; Ann Nesby is one of music's elite and the singer that American Idol's Randy Jackson called "one of the best singers in the world!"
Ann Nesby aka "Lula Lee" is the embodiment of what it is to be soulful. Listen and you will be inspired!
