Kosi is a New York City based singer-songwriter with nappy hair and jazzy roots. Although she always brings just a little drama to her compositions and interpretations, she’s more than just a drama queen. She’s got piercing eyes and a voice that’s larger than her body. But, small as she is, she won’t fit in a box. She switches styles more quickly than you can follow; from jazz, to rock, then folk, but never more than a few steps away from the blues. Come see this talent at Brandon Music on Saturday, Sept. 1.
Kosi cites Abbey Lincoln and Nina Simone as her main influences, and has been compared to Tracy Chapman, India Arie, Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith. However, despite her comparisons and influences, everything about Kosi radiates authenticity.
“I am not creating anything,” she said, “nor am I deconstructing anything. I am neither an iconoclast nor a follower. I am simply myself, and that is enough.”
She’s more than enough. You definitely want to hear this girl sing.
“Stranger in Every Town,” a concept album about the joys, pains and existential terror of touring independently, is Kosi’s fifth and latest album, which will be released in November. Before this, she released her fourth album, “I Know Who I Am,” that tells the story of guilt, absolution, love and self-actualization through original jazz and negro spirituals. Her first three albums offer a mixture of original songs and jazz standards.
Saturday’s concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Concert tickets are $20. A pre-concert dinner is available for an extra $25. Reservations are required for dinner and recommended for the show. Venue is BYOB.
Call (802) 247-4295, email [email protected] or visit brandon-music.net for more info.