“Regal...” “Old Soul...” “Innovative...” “Iconic...” “Mesmerizing” Are all phrases that have been used to describe JJ Thames...When the lights dim, and the spot-light shines, this statuesque 5 foot 9 beauty demands the attention of the room with her quiet confidence, unique style, and poise even before she sings a note; with her flawless skin, pouty lips and piercing slanted eyes she can grace the pages of any magazine.. JJ possesses the je ne sais quois star-quality of Phyllis Hyman, Tina Turner, Etta James, and Billie Holiday all in one raw, often wistful, always powerful and passionate voice. Yet, there is a mixture of elemental hip-hop, a little Led Zepplin and Bob Marley woven throughout the foundation which diversifies her in a way that is unexpected and pleasantly surprising. Ms. Thames masterfully draws you in to live out her musical stories with her words, moans, hollers, scats; and perfectly timed pauses, swells and whispers. She is a visual artist who effortlessly uses her voice to paint on the canvas of the listeners heart. To hear her, is to be colored amazed. Jj Thames (pronounced Timms) has released two full-length albums, numerous EP's and singles. She has recorded, written for and toured with many national and international artists for the last 10 years. She has won numerous awards, received press accolades, and was on the verge of stardom when she abruptly left her previous label, and announced that she was releasing a Christian album...The industry was stunned, and when asked what happened, she slowly reveals a beautiful knowing smile, nods quietly and with a soft laugh, eloquently answers in a attractively husky cadence-like voice: “When I sing, I feel naked, at peace and close to God.” The 20 -something-year-old christian soul/jazz-fusion songstress pauses and briefly looks off into space as if trying to remember something almost out of reach; refocusing, she continues “I have sang through spiritual apathy, the rise, glory and stagnation of a secular music career, the terminal illness and death of a child, 2 broken engagements, homelessness, drug abuse, the questioning of God's existence, depression, suicide attempts, idolatry, reconciliation, brokenness, and finally, a true acceptance and embracing of God's love for me and His desire to bless me. I gave Him my life. My voice and song-writing is included in that.” With a dynamic and utterly distinctive blend of breathtaking rhythm & blues, fiery funk, b-boy worthy staccatos, smoked out jazz slides and roof-raising gospel inflections, this doe-eyed Detroit native delivers honest, mostly autobiographical songs, filled with emotions and events that have shaped her life, making her experiences both universal and personal. Her willingness to strip down and bear her soul to the world has earned her many industry accolades already- former MTV Vice President, Tanya Hiedelberg-Yopp said “A voice this honest and passionate hasn't been heard in a long time. Jj Thames is the best thing to come out of Detroit in the last decade.” “Souliloquy”, her stunning debut independent label, Golden Bowl Records, provides irrefutable proof that JJ is one of the brightest and most promising new arrivals on the contemporary Christian music scene. “The word 'soul' by definition is one's mind, will and emotions.” JJ asserts. “My songs are highly introspective, honestly exploring the good, the bad and the ugly of the human soul in contrast to the perfection of God's love.” Jj frames these songs in soulful, blues and jazz flavored soul, R&B and hip-hop rhythm. Having embraced, and performed a vast array of genres including house, folk, spoken word, reggae,ska, pop and rock, these elements also peek through, and her sound is delightfully eclectic and unique. A gifted songwriter, JJ is classically trained in vocal music and piano, and is adept at creating the sounds that frame her words, playing piano, but she also teams up with numerous acclaimed producers on “Souliloquy” to further expand her horizons. Jj wrote all 10 tracks on her intoxicating, stirring Christian debut, an album which one fan describes as a “...piercingly honest confessional between a young woman and God.” The musical journal was written to tell a story about the sojourn of building a relationship with, and learning how to love God, self and others. It candidly moves through the mind, life and interactions of a woman who has become child-like in faith and is reaching for an understanding and closeness with her Creator and through Him, everyone else. Soliloquy's first single speaks to the times that you have to turn the other cheek. Anchored with groove oriented vintage R&B rhythms, Jazz vibes and Hip Hop undertones (JJ cites Bobby Womack, Esther Phillips, Al Jarreau, and Hip-hop legends, The Roots as inspiration) “Hate On...” Is a strong, resolute and steadfast declaration of love for a previous lover who is bitter over a breakup and angry that God was chosen over their relationship. This was the first song that JJ wrote on her departure from Detroit to head to Los Angeles, California to forge her new life and music career as a souled out “Jesus Freak”, leaving behind an experience that colored the song. As to the song's passion, JJ says, “I meant every word. If I were to run into that person, and he spit in my face, I love him so much, and want him to know God so badly...I would let the spit roll, and look him in the eye and tell him again how much I love him, and that God loves him too. I'm willing to be persecuted and hated for my relationship with God, even more so if I can be a vessel to show a sliver of God's love that leads to a desire to know Him personally. “ Music fans all over the world will soon have a chance to share in Jj's personal journey of running home. When Golden Bowl Records releases her debut this May, Her Soulioquy's will be for the masses. Not just between her and God anymore. “I'm cool with that,” says Jj with a girlish giggle, “after all “Love is supposed to be lived out loud.”