Royal Réédition

Description

A royal path opens up for Ayo… which explains the title of this sixth album that balances a new beginning and a return to her roots. It features both original compositions, full of soul and groove, and well-chosen covers (from Abbey Lincoln to Maxime Le Forestier to Lhasa). Folk is tinged with soul, or the other way around: it’s hard to tell, and that’s a good thing, because Royal shines with the effectiveness of its melodies and the simplicity of its arrangements. Produced by guitarist Freddy Koella (Bob Dylan, Lhasa…), its acoustic textures warm the heart just as much as the lyrics, which speak of love, faith, and loyalty – to oneself as well as to others. Ayo sings with an unprecedented and calm confidence. That of a woman happy to have (re)found herself, a queen reclaiming her rightful throne. After a tour that was postponed several times due to the pandemic, Ayo has finally been able to perform her songs on stages across France. In the meantime, she took the opportunity to record 3 new tracks, including a beautiful duet with Keziah Jones. Long live the queen!