JazzHQ: Debut Solo Album From Singer and Two-Time Grammy Award Nominee Stokley Continues to Climb the Charts

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Debut Solo Album From Singer and Two-Time Grammy Award Nominee Stokley Continues to Climb the Charts

After over two decades as the lead vocalist for the incomparable hit-making R&B band Mint Condition, singer and two-time GRAMMY Award nominee Stokley has chartered a new course with his breathtaking debut solo album. Featuring guest appearances by GRAMMY-winning jazz pianist Robert Glasper and Estelle as well as some production from multi-platinum duo Carvin Haggins & Ivan Barias, Introducing Stokley is a refreshing artistic statement rooted in the soul music tradition from one of R&B’s most remarkable voices.

Released on June 23, 2017 via Concord Records, Introducing Stokley charged up iTunes’ R&B/Soul chart and continues to rise to the top of the BDS and Mediabase Urban AC charts, as well as climbing consistently on Amazon’s Movers & Shakers. The album is also the subject of early critical praise:

“The solo debut from Mint Condition vocalist Stokley Williams has been some two-plus decades in the making, but it's worth the wait: Stokley's keen study of R&B and its possibilities animates this wide-ranging album, which shows off his still-supple voice and unending charm.” - Rolling Stone

“‘Level’ is among the 15 tracks featured on Introducing Stokely. A further evolution of Mint Condition’s multi-genre versatility…” - Billboard

“With Introducing Stokley, the artist achieves the difficult task of engaging fans of his work with Mint Condition while making this solo effort truly his own.” - Black Grooves

“…this album really does line up one sensuous surprise after another…his solo debut seeks the kind of personal innovation you can only achieve through others.” - Minnesota Monthly

“Layering contemporary narratives over time-honored musicality, Introducing Stokley sifts through facets of the human experience, elucidating the personal, the political and others in-between…Highly recommended.” - Soul Tracks

“…Introducing Stokley offers a sense of how R&B can be plenty adventurous without somehow ‘transcending’ its genre, and how it can sound contemporary without chasing trends.” - City Pages

“The music is sophisticated, the lead and layered background singing is out of this world and, most importantly, the lyrics are richly mature in viewpoint and compelling while also projecting vibrancy, fun and sensuality.” - The Urban Music Scene

It has been said that good things come to those who wait. Fans have been patiently biding their time in hopes of a solo project from the lead vocalist of one of the most important R&B bands of the past several decades. With the bowing of Introducing Stokley it’s safe to say the wait is over. “Artistically, I wanted to say something different and take it a few degrees away from what I’ve done in the past,” contemplates Stokley. “Obviously some of it is going to be familiar, because of my voice. I’ve just expanded my sensibilities a bit more. Introducing Stokley is a look at the past and the future. The fresh and the familiar.”

Stokley Tour Dates:

7/22/2017	Minneapolis	MN	Rocker the Garden (Revolution Tour)
7/23/2017	Minneapolis	MN	Venue TBD (Revolution Tour)
7/28/2017	Houston	TX	Arena Theatre
8/5/2017	Dallas	TX	TBD
8/11/2017	Atlantic City	NJ	Resorts Casino Hotel - Superior Hotel (Revolution Tour)
8/12/2017	Chicago	IL	Governors State University
8/19/2017	Bethesda	MD	Bethesda Blues & Jazz Club
9/4/2017	Los Angeles	CA	Venue TBD (Revolution Tour)
9/9/2017	Guerneville	CA	Johnson's Beach Resort
9/15/2017	Southaven	MS	Landers Center (Mary J. Blige )
9/16/2017	Augusta	GA	James Brown Arena (Mary J. Blige)
9/17/2017	Norfolk	VA	Chrysler Hall
9/22/2017	Savannah	GA	Civic Center (Mary J. Blige)
9/23/2017	Louisville	KY	KFC Yum! Center (Mary J. Blige)