To paraphrase a famous Drake lyric, "Started from the background, now we're here." It's almost hard to imagine that superstars like Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Anthony Hamilton and Faith Evans were once background vocalists. Well, Latrese Bush is hoping to add her name to that illustrious group as she prepares for the 2016 release of her debut album. The talented South Carolina native has sung background for the likes of Jennifer Holiday, Gloria Gaynor, Bobby V and Justin Bieber. In between traveling and touring, she managed to release her first EP The Best in 2014. The favorable reception was just the boost she needed to keep pursuing her dream of a solo career.
As a follow-up to the EP (and a preview of what she's been cooking up in the studio), Latrese is coming strong with her first release of the year. The mid-tempo groove "Because of You" is a warm, breezy duet featuring 'Soul&B' singer Noel Gourdin. Produced by Clarence "T-Lee" Hill and co-written by Latrese, Noel and GRAMMY-nominated songwriter/producer Alvin Garrett, the track is a lyrical ode to love and all the warm, fuzzy feelings that come along with it. Latrese's voice is graceful and light, sweetly floating above the infectious arrangement yet blending perfectly with Noel's soulful, tender croon. We suspect this shimmery tune will be added to many a wedding playlist in the near future.
If you're diggin' this lovely little ditty like we are, let's keep our fingers crossed that Latrese will soon transition 20 Feet From Stardom to center stage. Take a listen below, get into the feel-good lyrics, then head to iTunes for a copy of "Because of You" as well as her EP The Best. Be sure to follow LaTrese Bush on social media for updates on the new album. And if you're free next weekend, make plans to attend the 33rd Annual Heritage Days Celebration on Historic St. Helena Island in South Carolina (November 12th-14th) where you can see both Ms. Bush and Mr. Gourdin perform live.
