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about
Born in Harlem, N.Y. in 1963, Saundra Williams has been singing to survive ever since. At times, this has meant singing for a paycheck, just to make it through another week. At all times, it’s meant singing as prayer - prayers to give thanks, to heal, and to simply be heard, seen and sustained.
Her voice has taken her many places. From the church, to her first recording session (helmed by the legendary Grandmaster Flash), to her long run with Sharon Jones (which began in a wedding band prior to The Dap-Kings), to singing beside Mavis Staples, where she can still be found.
But it’s only now, ripe with wisdom and experience, that she is finally branching out on her own to share the stories of her becoming.
This is due in large part to a new collaboration with artist / producer Sam Cohen (Kevin Morby / Curtis Harding / Danger Mouse). During the Covid pandemic, Williams lost both her mother and a brother three days apart. That devastation coupled with the isolation and loss of work, were almost crushing for her. She began posting a capella clips online, to vent, to share, to reach and connect. She received encouragement from Cohen and they began discussing a creative partnership that has resulted in a striking debut album, Saundra Williams w/ Sam Cohen, “A New Day”.
Williams describes it as the first time she’s truly had the chance to express herself fully in a musical project. While Cohen skillfully crafts the instrumental arrangements and production, it is always in service of her stories, her feelings, and her vision, which they discuss in depth while creating.
The music that has come of these sessions will undoubtedly surprise and excite fans of both Williams’ and Cohen’s past work. It’s a sound that references all at once the musical history spanned by Williams life and career, yet it’s presented with both eyes and ears toward the future. It’s open and raw, reaching outward and singing upward. An explosion of beauty, a prayer to be heard.
lyrics
Sometimes I just be talkin’ to myself
Sometimes I just be talkin’ to myself
Sometimes I just be talkin’ to myself
If you hear me cry
I’m just gettin’ it out
If you hear me cryin’
I’m just gettin’ it out
Don’t mean to seem like I’m falling to pieces
If you hear me cry
I’m just gettin’ it out
If you hear me cry
I’m just gettin’ it out
I wanted more, but I left it on the table
And that’s my tough shit baby, tough shit baby
I got my plenty
Don’t let anybody try to make me greedy
Sometimes I just be talkin’ to myself
Cuz if I try to feel, all
The feelin disappears
Sometimes I just be talkin’ to myself
But if I just breathe I can’t hold back my tears
Sometimes I just be talkin’ to myself
Sometimes I just be talkin’ to myself
Sometimes I just be talkin’ to myself
Even if I try
Sometimes I just be talkin’ to myself
Sometimes I just be talkin’ to myself
Sometimes I just be talkin’ to myself
Even if I try
Even if I try
Sometimes I just be talkin’ to myself
Sometimes I just be talkin’ to myself
Sometimes I just be talkin’ to myself
If you hear me cry
I’m just gettin’ it out
If you hear me cryin’
I’m just gettin’ it out
I’m just gettin’ it out
I feel better
credits
released February 3, 2023
Saundra Williams: Vocals
Sam Cohen: Production, Mixing, Programming, Synthesizers, Mellotron, Acoustic Guitar, Bass
D. James Goodwin: Mastering
Produced by BADBADNOTGOOD, the Atlanta vocalist and songwriter's new album is a tenacious mix of R&B, jazz, psych, and Americana. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 18, 2024
