There are few album titles more fitting than
Wendy St. Kitts’ debut release, Woman Empowered . The music inside reflects the journey and musical rebirth of a woman committed to transforming lives through her music and self-expression and a collection of songs that display her immense talents as a singer, songwriter, pianist and arranger.
Hailing from the Caribbean island of St. Kitts, Wendy grew up in the thrall of music; she began studying classical piano at the age of eight and music was everywhere in her household – rock, country, soul, reggae, rock and calypso. But it was the sound of Barbara Streisand’s voice that, in Wendy’s words, “(She) blew me away. I was left dumbstruck by the sound of her voice.” The passion and smoldering fire of Nina Simone left its mark as well, but it was Ellie Matt, an enormous calypso star in the Caribbean, that inspired Wendy to begin writing songs and arrangements. But she soon stopped songwriting, as she found herself “too intimidated” by the old masters she was studying to allow herself the room to experiment and grow as a writer and artist.
Some time off led to two weeks of recording in New York and now, the release of her debut album, Woman Empowered. Opening with the title track, an anthem of determination to transcend the barriers she faces, Wendy sings the unforgettable chorus over a slinky, syncopated groove and a hypnotic piano riff. Her voice roars clear and true, unstoppable in its desire to fulfill the full range of her desires and commitments. “Should I Love Him (Or Walk Away)” is a ballad of full throttled power and emotional honesty that depicts her uncertainty to pursue love – when she knows how intense the experience is and how disruptive it can be. And “So Good, Yeah” is a showcase for the intense intimacy of Wendy’s voice; going from a whisper to a heartfelt demand and drawing the listener into her depth of her emotional world, it is an overwhelming musical experience. Musically, the album is a synthesis of the styles Wendy has taken in: soul, pop, rock, r&b, reggae, afro-beat and the calypso of her native island.
Wendy St. Kitts’ approach to music is to save and make lives whole through her voice, songs, talent and compassion. On Woman Empowered, the first life she has saved has been her own, but its message is destined to transform the lives of those who hear it.
