US singer China Moses wows Riyadh audience with jazz fusion
American jazz singer China Moses captivated Riyadh with a stellar jazz fusion performance.
As part of Fenaa Alawwal's Safar Nights series, her third concert featured accomplished musicians Jerome Cornelis, Lawrence Insula, Tom Lartigue, and Ebow "Lox" Mensah.
Post-performance, Moses expressed joy at the strong connection with the audience, feeling like a unified family by the end. At 46, she delivered a powerful show with original songs, improvisations, and moving tributes, including her renditions of Tina Turner's and Al Green's "Let's Stay Together," as well as hits by Chaka Khan and Whitney Houston.
Moses' songs encompass a range of topics, from everyday experiences to intense emotions and societal issues, as highlighted by her response to tragedies like the 2015 Paris attacks with "Sirens." Reflecting Nina Simone's philosophy, she sees art as a reflection of the times.
Influenced by her mother, jazz icon Dee Dee Bridgewater, Moses infuses blues, soul, and funk into her music. She emphasized jazz's roots in African American heritage, celebrating its origins from a time of oppression.
The singer shared her ambition to leave audiences filled with joy and hope, touching on jazz's deep connections to African American history, spirituality, and culture.
Saudi Arabia has recently welcomed international stars like Alicia Keys and Chaka Khan, highlighting the global appeal of Black American music. Moses feels honored to perform worldwide, showcasing the genre's universal power.
Moses, who also thrives as a radio host and artistic director for music festivals, encourages emerging Saudi artists to be authentic and engage with audiences. She values the unique beauty in everyone's expression, whether spoken, sung, or instrumental.