DAUGHTER OF A PREACHER MAN

posted in: Artist Features

The church has been the crucible for countless recording artists. Of course, not all who sing in the choir carry the spiritual theme over to their personal careers, but plenty do. In this case Kristine Alicia is the rule, not the exception.

Under the tutelage of her minister father (also a classical musician), Alicia and her five siblings grew up in Kingston, Jamaica, singing and playing the piano both at home and in church. It’s an upbringing that’s written all over the singer’s music. Breezy, Caribbean rhythms and textures permeate almost every song, most of which are low-tempo R&B/Reggae grooves. Blessed with a smoky contralto reminiscent of Toni Braxton and Sade, Alicia lends her silky island cadence to songs of worship and devotion. With lines like Even if I hide from you / Your presences seems to find me and You are the king of my desire, it’s sometimes difficult to tell whether Alicia is singing to God or lover.

Either way, all we can say is, Amen.