In the ever-crowded field of jazz vocalists, it is always such a pleasure to encounter an artist who stands out in the crowd, Willard Jenkins, DC Jazz Festival Artistic Director. Lori Williams is the real deal. She believes in her motto Words are powerful. Speak wisely and has found her voice in the music she passionately shares. Lori's third CD Behind the Smiles is a romantic collection, embodying a seamless mix of Jazz, Inspiration and Soul music. Her choices of lyrical themes are those that touch the human soul, Phil Perry. Lori's creative process has been characterized as a 'Love Supreme', offering a relatable musical experience for everyone who hears her. She is a singer's singer with over 30 years on the professional scene. She also surrounds herself with the crème de la crème of musicians on every CD project. The listener is taken on a captivating musical journey. With songs from Stevie Wonder, Melvyn K. Prince, Nancy Wilson and others, her songs are inviting and directly respond to the album's title. Behind the Smiles is a wonderful compilation of 11 original and cover songs. Lori opens with the Isaac Hayes' classic Déjà Vu, popularized by Dionne Warwick. She ends with Song of Praise/It Is Well, a beautiful marriage of songs. One of her proudest moments is shared on Mixed Signals when her daughter, Lauren Highsmith sings background vocals with Lori and scats at the end. You'll want to hear the progressive sounds and creative prowess. Lori offers sultry deliveries on The Island (Ivan Lins) and Through Your Eyes/Iris (Wayne Shorter, Music/Lori Williams, Lyrics), which were videotaped during the recording. Lori...can seamlessly move from Jazz to R&B where the listener can feel at home with her in either genre, Terri Lyne Carrington, Grammy Award Winning Jazz Drummer/Producer/Composer. If you'd like to hear sensual tones encompassing beautiful colors and sublime phrasing...listen to Lori Williams, Maysa, Grammy Nominated International Singer.