Hellooooooooooo everyone, and happy happy happy NOVEMBER!!!!!

That’s right, my signature month of the year has finally arrived. For those of you not in the know, November is your DJ’s fav-o-rite (said like JJ’s “dy-no-mite”) month – full of my most beloved holidays, views of nature in its richest colors, and (*gasp*) day of birth! So, big things seem to always take place for your girl around this time of year, which is why I welcome this month with open arms.

With that said, I’m celebrating by spotlighting an artist that just oozes stylish vibes, deeply thought out lyrics, sweet harmonies and musical arrangements, and all things that make me happy to be a desktop DJ – Laura Mvula.

A British recording artist, songwriter, and pianist, Laura Mvula attracted the attention of Prince after her debut album dropped and draws comparisons in strength and performance, by some, to the great Nina Simone.  So much of a correlation between the two exists that the BBC produced a documentary on Nina with Laura as host called “Nina Simone & Me,” which I watched online and highly recommend for any fan of either.

Of course, speaking of recommendations, it took YouTube’s “recommended for you” note to draw me into the very rabbit hole of all things Laura Mvula… and, I’m so glad I followed their suggestion.

So, for your listening pleasure, here are two of my instant favorites of hers! First up, “Green Garden” (2013) from her first album Sing to the Moon, followed by “Phenomenal Woman” (2016) from her follow-up album The Dreaming Room.

Love, love, love it – the beat, the video, the feeling it gives you after first listen…

“Green Garden” just sets the best stage and tone for any day, especially those dreary rainy ones like today.

And, inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem “Phenomenal Woman,” here’s Laura’s ode to female strength, a song which bears the same title as the poem:

Again, please note the use of lush colors and creatively stylish fashion – to me, very reminiscent of Grace Jones – all throughout Laura’s music video!

Of course, if you’ve now caught (or been reminded of a past case of) the “Laura Mvula” bug, there are tons more articles, videos, and ways to learn more about her.  In 2013, she did an NPR Music Tiny Desk concert that was absolutely stunning.  For a quick read about the artist, here’s a great Rolling Stone article on how she beat anxiety and teamed up with music legends to create her 2016 album.

But, I’m sure you’ve guessed by now I’d think anything of hers would be nothing less than that – absolutely stunning.  So, enjoy!

Peace and thanksgiving,

DJ Lady Luck