Markeisha Ensley
Location
New York, NY
Genre
Adult Contemporary, R&B, Soul, Gospel, Easy Listening
Comparison
John Legend, Gladys Knight, Alicia Keys, Michael Bublé, Stevie Wonder
Markeisha Ensley - If you like @aliciakeys and Nina Simone, you'll love the piano driven love songs of @markeishae http://bit.ly/z5nCiW - #CyberPR
Quotes
"Markeisha's soulful and swaying ballads feature doo wop melodies, jazz interludes, and New York City's classic, vocal melting pot conjures up images of smoky clubs and timeless lyrics on her latest release, Talk To Me."
Matthew Forss (editor, Indie World Music)
"Singer/songwriter Markeisha Ensley brings a rare passion to her work. Her soulful voice, arresting & compelling, soars over her beautifully crafted melodies & lyrics. She will undoubtedly have a long future in the music industry."
Bob Leone: Projects Director (1988-2006) Songwriters Hall of Fame
"Markeisha is such an intriguing artist to me, because as a woman, she is lovely and gentle natured, and as a performer and songwriter, she's intense, with a powerhouse voice that's filled with passion! There's a buzz starting, so catch her live now while you still can!"
Lorraine Ferro: Dove Award Winner, Songwriter Songwriter’s Hall of Fame
"What sets Markeisha apart from so many other young singer/songwriters in New York is her genuine soul. It's in her compositions, her stage presence, and her graciousness- a passion not faked, not forced, and completely giving of herself. And her VOICE will blow you away."
Cassandra Kubinski: Billboard Song Contest Winner, Songwriter
"Markeisha's voice expresses such passion, warmth and soul and her emotions are raw and tangible when she is on stage. Ready is an amazing debut from an artist who is clearly on the rise. I expect many great things from her."
Anne Kristoff
About Markeisha Ensley
Listening to the sounds of singer-songwriter Markeisha Ensley is like indulging in a rich, flourless chocolate cake while drinking a well-aged, red wine. She combines piano- playing flair with smooth soul, her mellifluous voice soaring over unforgettable melodies. Originally from Aurora, Colorado, she is the winner of the 2011 Abe Olman Scholarship Award for Excellence in Songwriting from the Songwriters Hall of Fame/Songwriters Guild of America, with previous recipients including John Legend. A cross between Alicia Keys and Anita Baker, Markeisha strikes an uplifting groove and graces the stage with a powerful, undeniable presence.
Markeisha mixes a unique blend of Motown doo-wop harmonies, pop melodies and gospel singing on her new EP, Talk to Me, a sultry selection of up-tempos and ballads on love. Smooth and sexy, the 5 songs were written by the singer as reflection on her recent travels to France and the Caribbean. “It was my first time traveling abroad and I was so affected and inspired by the French culture, people, and of course, the food,” she laughs. Recorded with her band in New York at Flux Studios (Mick Jagger, Jennifer Lopez, Babyface), the EP is produced by up-and-coming producer, David Amber, and was released on Valentine’s Day, 2012.
As a child, Markeisha began her love affair with music when singing in her hometown Baptist church choir. While gospel music laid the foundation, she was also heavily influenced by her parents’ record collection with Aretha, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Carole King and Linda Ronstadt on heavy rotation. Markeisha studied piano and began writing poetry while in high school, but it was the many nights spent writing songs in the school’s practice rooms while attending New York University that sent Markeisha down the road to singer-songwriter land. “I developed my own sanctuary and no matter what was going on in my life, I could sit behind a piano and sing and know everything was alright."
Since releasing her debut album, Ready, in 2006, Markeisha has received numerous awards and honors. Two songs from that cd, “The Strangest Thing” and “Loving You”, received an Honorable Mention in the Billboard World Songwriting Contest. Markeisha was also recognized by BMI/Songwriters Association of Washington, where she was asked to perform at the Smithsonian Museum alongside legendary Motown songwriter Lamont Dozier (“Stop! In the Name of Love”). She has toured throughout the country, appeared on “Showtime at the Apollo”, and recently completed a residency performing in St. Barth’s.
Now based in NYC, Markeisha is also a proud member of LIFEBeat’s Hearts and Voices Program, bringing the healing power of music to people living with HIV/AIDS. She is currently planning her 2012 summer US tour.
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