Biography

Born on August 22, Joli has ties to both Baltimore and New York. Joli started singing in church as a child (Israel Baptist Church) and has the support of her parents and her older sister and brother. She attended Catholic High School of Baltimore, and went on to graduate from Morgan State University in 2006. She started out as a vocal performance major, and later changed direction and earned a degree in fine arts.

Her musical influences are vast and diverse, drawing inspiration from such artists as: Leontyne Price, Roberta Flack, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sam Cook, Donnie Hathaway, Lalah Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Sade, Roy Ayers, Nina Simone, Selena, Tito Puentes, Anthony Santos, Aventura.....diverse indeed! Today, some of her favorites include: Jill Scott, Toby Love, Teena Marie, Phyllis Hyman, Xtreme, Jimi Hendrix, Don Omar, Maxwell, Les Nubians, Chrisette Michele, Jasmine Sullivan, Kinto Sol, Fertile Ground, The Roots, Wisn y Yandel, Common, Tego Calderon and Me'shell N'degeocello.

When asked why she loves to perform, Joli says: “The best thing about performing…… the feeling I get when the audience is really moved….not only by the sound of my voice or the music, but the lyrics as well…. It lets me know that there are people out there that feel the way I do about the way of the world or various situations. It’s almost like being in a big support group with family and friends…but with music!”

As an artist, Joli strives to be unique, while maintaining a vibe of familiarity. She enjoys singing to abstract beats, with lyrics that make people sit down and think. “I like to leave a lot to the listener's imagination, so each listener can get something different out of what I'm saying. I try to approach my music just like I do my paintings. I strongly believe one can have tracks that move and groove a person but still have something meaningful to say.”

Currently, Joli is performing at various locations throughout the Baltimore / Washington, D.C. metro area. In addition, she is in the process of recording her debut album which is scheduled to be released in February 2010. Be sure to follow this rising star of the Nu Jazz era!