Discography Artist: Floetry

January 18, 2009
Posted by Musicman
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Marsha Ambrosius and Natalie Stewart are the funky divas behind the neo-soul duo Floetry. Ambrosius and Stewart emerged in the mid-'90s as songwriters in demand. They're behind some of the new millennium's biggest hits, too. The pair has written tracks for Michael Jackson, Jill Scott, Glenn Lewis, and Bilal. While they're highly respected behind the scenes, Floetry is their way of moving up front. Ambrosius is the songstress to Stewart's spoken word impresario or "floacist" role. The two met due to their love of basketball. Stewart, who hails from London, was a superstar on her court, while Ambrosius wowed fans in her local English neighborhood. They were competitive, but not rivals, so a friendship was formed. Music was also a passion. Ambrosius relished in her reggae roots while Stewart found herself grooving to funk and soul. While attending Brits Performing Arts School, Ambrosius studied business and finance, but made room for courses in voice, performance technique, and recording. Stewart split her time between acting and directing. Later, Ambrosius and Stewart headed to college.
Ambrosius planned to attend Georgia Tech University on a basketball scholarship, but injury forced her to bow out. Stewart headed for Middlesex University, eventually transferring to North London University. Still, they two kept in touch and raved about music. It wouldn't be until Stewart's girl group, 3 Plus 1, disbanded that Floetry would actually give music a serious shot. In 1997, Ambrosius and Stewart began writing songs and playing shows in and around London. Three years later, they moved to America in search of something bigger. A brief stint in Atlanta didn't pan out, but their time spent in Philadelphia proved golden. Ambrosius and Stewart befriended Julius Erving III, basketball great Julius Erving's son, in mid-2000. Floetry and Erving clicked instantly. Erving signed on as their manager and hooked the ladies up with Jeff Townes, aka DJ Jazzy Jeff, for some recording. That's when the deals started trickling in -- Floetry were official and living out a dream. In 2002, they inked a deal with DreamWorks and touched up their own work for a debut album. Floetic appeared in October 2002, and its follow-up, Flo'Ology, reached the Top Ten upon release three years later.

Floetry - Floetic (2002)

"Floetic", the first release, lets you know just who and what these girls are about with a funky soul beat and a catchy hook, this tune easily constitutes a decent head nodder. The smooth seductive Jazzy feel of "Say Yes" superbly compliments Marsha's sweet harmonizing vocals, definitely a must have for any romantic night in. Other noticeable sexy ballads include "Hey You", "Getting Late" and "Sunshine". On a more upbeat note tracks like, "Fun" and "Mr Messed Up" switch up the vibe effectively on what could have been a monotonous slow soulful album. Floetic attempts to guides us on an emotional roller coaster journey, one that deals with the universal themes surrounding relationships, and self- motivation. Speaking to us on a poetic level, Floetry's essence is all about being that strong independent but sensitive woman. Although Natalie's delivery is at times questionable, hats must go off to her for her impressive narrative, there is however some danger of it becoming a little formulaic. Nevertheless her unquestionable talent and passion for music is clearly evident and makes for a refreshing change. The girls are also talented and respected songwriters, having penned numerous songs for artists including Jill Scott, Bilal, and of course not forgetting Michael Jackson (Butterflies). It really doesnt get much bigger than this!

Floetry - Floacism Live (2003)

After delivering one of 2002's most seductive debuts, the Grammy-nominated ''Floetic,'' Floetry follow up with an intimate live set that enriches their already soul-stirring urban confessionals with emotionally charged improvisations. Indeed, Floacism ''Live'''s truly sublime moments come courtesy of singer Marsha Ambrosius' dazzling vocal exorcisms. This dexterous Brit fearlessly channels opera, jazz, gospel, and the blues, effectively placing herself near the top of the melismatic totem pole.

Floetry - Flo'Ology (2005)

Not keen to embrace the dreaded sophomore slump, Floetry have produced a mind-blowing album that has them stepping up their soul game once again. Joints like the head-nodder "Supastar" (featuring Common) are in the mix to satisfy the movers and the shakers; but this album really leans towards that sultry, after-hours vibe they demonstrated on their debut, Floetic. On "Imagination", powerhouse vocalist Marsha practically purrs all over the alluring slow jam, while "I Want You" blushes with sexual innuendo. When they're not in the seductive mood though, these Brit girlssketch out the trivialities of modern day relationships with plenty of style and class.Carrie Bradshaw, take note this is Sex in the City, London (via Philadelphia) style.

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Discography Artist, Flo'Ology, Floacism Live, Floetic, Floetry

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Discography Artist: Floetry

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