There are a couple of artists making versions of R'nB right now using some version of the word "navy" as their nom de plume; I will be talking about the one from Switzerland tonight- the one who goes by Nnavy. It also bears mentioning, that of all the "Navy(s)" in the world at the moment, there is another with an EP with practically the same title as Nnavy's. The subject of this review though, spells the name of her EP "Blue"- standard English, just like the way you were taught in school. What isn't standard though, is Nnavy's talent- and it's not something you can pick up in a classroom, either. I think Nnavy's kind of patient, soulful harmonic vocabulary and smooth terpsichorean embellishments are things you learn by living and trying to learn from love. They come from self-instruction, rather than the kind you encounter in a lecture hall... unless your reason for being in that oratory hall is to pass a note to someone you'd like to meet for coffee later. Are you getting the picture? The Burundi born artist, describes Nina Simone as an inspiration, and while I can definitely see that in spirit, but the sonics of her elegant arrangments, as well as the pop-gospel quality of her melodies, seems more reminiscent of major studio releases by R'nB artists in the early '00s - artists who attempted to appeal to a more serious-minded audience then fickle teens who would lounge in front of MTV while lazily completing their afterschool assignments after school. There isn't any hint of a put-on with Blue though, and it feels as genuine as they come. Blue is as sincerely seductive and disarmingly earnest- a companion cherished confessions that will capture you in its rich eminence.
