This is really the story of how I came into contact with eerbody in the city. It’s a free style which is my favorite thing to do with this quartet , Scotty, Angel and Adam. I really feel like we can just vibe and like create anything that we want to do. I really moved to Chicago not know anyone, and like my friend Willerm Delisfort was like I am doing this gig with these cats at the Velvet, I was like ok .. I’ll go with you to that. The AACM were the cats. Let’s just say I had know idea of the greatness that was beheld before my eyes. I remember Mama Anne Ward on the keys and vocals and my soon to be vocal teacher the Saalik Ziyad directing this huge ensemble. My now friend Khari B was shouting these lyrics from his heart. I know right then that this was why I was called to this city. In my excitement I ran up to Anne Ward and said i am moving here in two months and I need a voice teacher and she said.. That guy , pointing to Saalik teaches. So I went up to Saalik introduced myself and the rest is history. I learned so much from Saalik. I really regret that he did not get to hear this final project before he passed. You just never know how long we have on this earth. I think it’s just important to work out whatever you have within because the world needs all of our special gifts. Chicago definitely makes me feel special.
from
A Call to Love,
released January 21, 2023
Gira Dahnee: Vocals, Keyboard
Angel Bat Dawid: Clarinet, Background Vocals
Adam Zanolini: Bass
Scott McNiece: DrumsRecorded at: 3800 S. Michigan Ave Chicago IL, by Dave Vettraino
Mixed By Dave Vettraino, Chicago, IL
Mastered by David Allen, Portland, OR
Composers: LeAndra “Gira Dahnee” Padgett, Angel “ Bat Dawid” Elmore, Scottie McNiece and Adam Zanolini
Conceived at Hyde Park Records, Chicago, IL
Special thanks to: 3ARTS Chicago Foundation 3AP Program
A Gira Dahnee Music, LLC Production