Come To Paisha's Place

I'm so proud of my friend and "dream-releasing buddy" Paisha Thomas. She just released her debut CD, "Paisha," and will be performing selections from the album during the  "Cover Me Session Two: Come Together" concert on Friday, June 3, at 7 p.m. at 300 E. Long St. in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio.

 

Paisha helped me realize a dream I've had since I became a music fan as a preteen: having my name listed in the liner notes of an album. I'm credited as a co-writer of the song "Love Don't Stand a Chance (Big Mama's Song)" on Paisha's album - a true honor.  

Paisha played the leading role of "Big Mama" in "The Springtime of Our Lives," a play I wrote, produced and directed in 2013.

There's a scene in which Big Mama, her granddaughter Myra (played by the phenomenally talented Sufiy James) and teenage granddaughter-in-law Denise (played by Paisha's amazingly talented daughter, Christian Cooper) clean house while Big Mama belts out a gospel-flavored number. When I was writing the scene, I envisioned The Pointer Sisters' "Neutron Dance" - venting frustration about all the chaos going in the world.

Me (center, front row) and Paisha Thomas (center, back row) with
"The Springtime of Our Lives" cast, clockwise from left: Nancy Niki Penn,
Helen Price-Outlaw, Sufiy James, Keith "Speak" Williams,
Christian Cooper, Jerry Weekly and David Holland.

I jotted down a few lyrics, including a phrase that kept rattling around in my head for some odd reason: "They keep raising the price of stamps." I gave the lyrics to Paisha and Brian Szuch, who co-produced Paisha's album and played in the "Springtime" band when we put on shows in Columbus in October 2013 and March 2014 and Cleveland in June 2014. 

I was amazed when, in a very short amount of time, Paisha and Brian took my scribblings and fleshed them out into a full-length song that really captures Big Mama's world-weary mood yet steadfast faith that God will work everything out.

"Love Don't Stand a Chance (Big Mama's Song)" is just one of the gems on Paisha's album. I love all of the 13 tracks, and here's a look at a few of the highlights:

"Courage" is an upbeat song about exercising the inner strength to leave a situation that's holding you back and realize your full potential. I heard an early version of this song that Paisha recorded a few years ago during one of her band rehearsals, and it's always been one of my favorites. 

"Water Wash" is a moving ballad about the strength of the human spirit to survive unimaginable hardships. The song was inspired by Lupita Nyong'o's Oscar-winning performance in "12 Years a Slave," which Paisha and I saw together.

"Seventeen Suns" is a mellow tune that reminds me of strolling along in the park, enjoying the sunshine and the beauty of nature. 

"Inside Out" is a powerful exploration about all the good things that can result when you have the fortitude to take a look inside and discover your true self and go after what you really want in life.

Each of the songs showcases Paisha's rich, soulful voice. Her music is a unique fusion of R&B, rock, folk and her gospel roots. Like another of my favorite artists - the late, great Prince - Paisha Thomas is an artist who defies categorization in the best way possible.

Paisha will be selling the album at the "Cover Me Session Two: Come Together" concert on June 3. The show will feature Paisha and a variety of awesome Columbus singers and musicians raising money for art and music education for public school students. For tickets and more information, visit Eventbrite by clicking this link.