Vesta Celebrates The Classics

Indie label Shanachie continues its series of releases with "old school" established R&B artists, such as Glenn Jones, Miki Howard, Silk and recently, Vesta. The sassy yet smooth singer pays homage to her musical heroes such as Marvin Gaye, The Spinners, Smokey Robinson, Sly Stone, Stevie Wonder and Deniece Williams, among others on her Shanachie debut "Distant Lover." As an actress as well as a singer, Vesta always had the ability to add just the right amount of drama to her songs, especially evident on one of her biggest hits, the bittersweet "Congratulations."
"I don't think people will expect to hear me sing all the different styles featured on 'Distant Lover.' I hope to shock people when they learn that these are not only songs that I love, but also ones that I can actually sing and
capture the essence of all the incredible artists who sang them!"
Vesta is not just a solo artist - she has collaborated with such diverse artists as Anita Baker ("Rapture"), Jermaine Jackson ("Precious Moments"), Jeffrey Osborne ("Emotional"), Stephanie Mills ("If I Were Your Woman"), Gladys Knight ("Good Woman"), Najee ("I'll Be Good To You") and Sting ("Nothing Like The Sun"), among many others. She also toured as the lead vocalist with the Crusaders and as a backup singer with Chaka Khan.
In addition to using her voice to sing, Vesta has worked extensively as a voice-over artist doing jingles in commercials for such notable products as McDonald's, Diet Coke, Honda and Revlon Cosmetics. Vesta also contributed to the soundtrack for the Oscar-winning movie "Mississippi Burning," starring Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe. She sang a riveting Mahalia Jackson-like performance of the song "Try Jesus."
Vesta made her acting debut in the major motion picture "Posse," directed by Mario Van Peebles. She portrayed the Mae West-like saloon singer, Vera, in the film. Her songs "Tell Me" and "Ride of Your Life" were highlighted in the
film's soundtrack. To add to her credits, she has also appeared on the TV sitcom "Sister Sister," playing the reoccurring role of Monica. Vesta's "Distant Lover" is in stores now!
Below is more of Starpoynt little chat with the vivacious Vesta!

Star: How did this project come about?
Vesta: When Chris Big Dog Davis told me that he was working with Shanachie and doing classic records, he asked me if I was interested, and I said "yea." Normally, when I sing, I want to say what I want to say, but who can say things better than the folks I am covering on this record! To interpret these songs is an honor. It gave me a chance to do a lot of the songs that I have always loved.
If I hadn't been a vocalist I would have loved to play the trombone. But I was blessed with this wonderful talent, so I must put it to use.

Star: Things aren't like they used to be, and add the fact that you don't have a major label behind you, although Shanachie is a solid independent. So what are your plans to get the word out and promote the new LP?
Vesta: My favorite thing to do is perform live, so if I have to run around and do gigs I'll be happy for that. I still have a lot of friends in radio. I'm always working. I've never missed a meal yet from not working!

Star: Have you selected any one song as a single?
Vesta: For me selecting one is like having 10 babies and asking which I favor. I love them all individually for different reasons and for different moods. I think the label has selected "Whip Appeal" or "Use Me."

Star: How did you choose the songs for the LP?
Vesta: The first few - "Could It Be I'm