As a young girl in her church choir Tamara Wellons was named the girl who could sing acapella on key. Folks knew Tamara’s homegrown gift of voice would take her places. D.C. New York. London. South Africa. And now as the 2006 Maryland State Individual Artist Grantee and artist on the new Ocha Records Label (a joint venture between House Producer Osunlade and DJ/Producer Carlos Mena); Tamara knows she will go places beyond what she could have ever imagined both vocally and spiritually.

As Tamara hits the studio to whittle away on her upcoming debut project, one can’t help but attribute the story of that “little country girl with the big voice,” to her. Residents of her hometown, Ivor, VA praise her accomplishments. As a wife, mother of three, teacher and artist; Tamara’s works hard to maintain a balanced life. And she hopes her music reflects this balance and the simplicities of life.

Tamara’s gift of voice was discovered in the church choir, yet those in the gospel community knew this gift was deeply rooted in Tamara’s family. Her grandmother Ellen and sisters made up the gospel group The Pritchett Sisters.

Today Tamara’s musical foundation, influences and natural soul reverb in voice full of passion, southern grace, sensuality and edginess. Tamara is ever grateful for her upbringing but doesn’t allow the “small town girl” label to limit her. And when it comes to her music Tamara refuses to be pigeonholed into one sound.

Joining the Bowie State University Jazz Ensemble seemed a natural musical progression for Tamara. It provided her the freedom she needed vocally. In 1997 Tamara began to dig into her funky side as lead vocalist in few DC funk fusion bands. Tamara’s first solo recording effort titled “.Introducing, Tamara Wellons” did just that. It introduced listeners to a graceful yet powerful artist as well as showcased Tamara’s skills as a songwriter.

The six-song EP included the hip-hop version of Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon.” Introducing also featured the originals “Ferry Ride” “Finally” and “Groove Song.” To support “Introducing…”, Tamara began performing throughout the East Coast in venues such as DC’s Bohemian Caverns, The Black Cat, Cada Vez, and Twins Jazz Club. This was also the beginning of Tamara’s original fusion of strong melodic vocals, pulsating, groovy production and passionate lyrics.

Tamara is an artist who loves experimenting with other genres of music. This compelled her to take on the Nirvana anthem of teen angst” Smells Like Teen Spirit.” The result is a jazz-inspired orchestration of the definitive rock classic. The song combines Tamara’s fluid vocals, Elise Perry’s (Kindred) soulful arrangement and hypnotic instrumentation by Raleigh Neal (Spearhead). Bassist Walt Cosby and drummer Jay Nichols (Citizen Cope) also played on the track. “I had to push myself to higher and unplanned heights. It’s a beautiful and courageous feeling to challenge myself vocally.”

As ambitious as “Introducing” was, Tamara’s second release “Tamara in Wonderland” allowed listener’s to follow the vocalist on personal artistic journey. The twelve-song mix cd of original dance and soul showcased Tamara’s spirited and rich delivery.
Tamara’s luscious vocals fell perfectly over instrumentals chosen by East Coast Premier DJ’s Stylus and Jahsonic. The songs on “Wonderland explored themes love, motherhood, and uncertainty in relationships. In particular the tracks “Caught Up” and “Oh Well” caught the ear of Legendary House Producer Osunlade(Yoruba Records) after a chance meeting in Miami at the Winter Music Conference 2005.
DJ/Producer Carlos Mena’s put his infectious Afro-Cuban pulse to the already punchy song “Oh Well”. Both songs were re-released on the Ocha Records WMC 2006 Sampler.

In addition to the production talents of Osunlade and Carlos Mena, Tamara’s anticipated full-length album will also feature music by Kokayi (Wayna, Vinia Mojica, Opus Akoben), Unknown, and DJ Stylus.

In between recording and preparing for her upcoming performances; Tamara is also enjoying the birth of her third child, a baby girl she’s named Trinity. Tamara says her energy comes from being busy, in turn churning her creativity. As Tamara’s life grows, so does her voice. It is a voice of honesty and purity. It is a voice that empowers all who listens. This is the voice of Tamara Wellons.

Photo by kimberly c. gaines