Melissa Jones

“Don’t move too fast” or you’ll miss the ever-so-soulful speeding bullet that is Melissa Jones!



Following the release of her album, She Be in 2019 and her single, Grapevine, Melissa has released a single this year titled Make It Last.



The song opens with a burst of energy, with a funky and jazzy melody reminiscent of late 90s, early 2000s Pop R&B (think Blu Cantrell and Lady May). That said, the influence of soul queens such as Angie Stone, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Heather Headley and more becomes more palpable as the song progresses.

Melissa describes her music as a blend of neo-soul, R&B, jazz, soul, and funk. There are elements of live instrumentation, vocal scatting, and dynamic musical changes in the arrangement of songs. Funk is alive and well on this track, with a rich and steady bassline and drums that implore you to get up and dance. The message is endearing- encompassed in Melissa’s lyrics are all of the tools to show you how to show love and what true love is, as well as showcasing her desire to keep the love connection present and fresh.

“We gotta feel the mood and let it ride,



We’re gonna let the beat play on,



We’re just gonna make it last,



Don’t move too fast,



We’re just gonna make it last,



Don’t move too fast now”



Melissa’s message is to live in the moment, in today, and revel in love and positivity. The song ends in a melodic and joyful harmony that reminds me of Sunday Service when you’re a child- the pastor, along with his drums and choir, dismissing you with a comforting, familiar and upbeat rhythm. Coupled with an apparent Gospel influence, jazz is present throughout as Melissa scats rhythmically over unique grooves to immerse you further into this track.



Melissa Jones’s musical style and cadence is reminiscent of improvised jazz with an eclectic fusion of neo-soul, hip-hop and R&B. As a singer-songwriter and producer, Melissa channels her energy through free-form scatting and melodic rhythms. Her songwriting process is described as a stream of consciousness of melodic/musical arrangements that form instantaneously.



"The goal of my music is to continue to develop my sound by pushing the envelope. I want to create something that hasn't been done before." - Melissa Jones



About Melissa Jones: Born and raised in Oakland California, Melissa grew up in a musical household where she was exposed to her parents’ broad range of music vinyl collection and stereo surround sound speakers that amplified a house concert experience. Melissa’s musical influences range from Erykah Badu, Anderson .Paak, Robert Glasper, and Prince. Melissa has collaborated with a multitude of musicians and artists and was the former lead singer of soul band No Lovely Thing, a genre-bending 7-piece band that combined a mixture of neo-soul, blues, funk, and alternative rock. Melissa has gone on to record and collaborate with other producers/musicians where she strengthened her songwriting and production skills. Melissa currently resides in Brooklyn, New York where she is recording and working on her debut solo album with Producer/musician Errick Lewis.



Make It Last from her forthcoming album is available on all streaming/digital platforms including Spotify and Apple Music.



You can follow and witness her artistic evolution/updates on Instagram: @melissajonesmusic



Learn more about Melissa on her website: https://melissajones.bandzoogle.com/




#artiststowatch #newreleases #melissajones #neosoul #makeitlast #newsingle #upcomingalbum #finessedmedia #artistprofile - Finnesed.media

Melissa Jones, a budding rnb/neo-soul/jazz vocalist and songwriter based in Brooklyn, has recently unleashed her debut full-length album, “Birds of Paradise”. The Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter wows from the very start with “Make it last”, a soulful and jazzy opener. Warm bass lines and smooth melodies provide the backdrop for Melissa’s breathy vocals that glide effortlessly over the beat. The retro R&B influences transport the listener back in time while feeling fresh and contemporary.

On “Without You”, Melissa’s nuanced vocal performance and vast range shine through as she sings her lyrics. The deep bassline and ‘80s-style synth accents create an atmosphere that Melissa brings to life with her gorgeously supple and strong voice.
The mood lifts higher with the infectious “Mood Booster”. Synth riffs twist above an iconic beat, creating an uplifting backdrop for Melissa’s delivery full of effortless charm.
“Real One” is a dancefloor-ready slice of soul-pop with perfectly calibrated stripped-down instrumentation that allows Melissa’s stunning vocals to take center stage. Bright synths and a bouncy bassline invite movement, while Melissa’s robust yet silky vocals stay grounded in R&B and soul.

Gliding strings, rhythmic flashes, and warm beats accompany Melissa’s deep runs and riffs on “Take a chance on me”, showcasing her impressive range and expression. The organic instrumentation and retro R&B influences give the track a vintage yet fresh feeling.
The tempo kicks up on “Right by me” with an upbeat dance beat, catchy bangs, prominent percussions, and driving bassline that elevate Melissa’s spirited yet controlled delivery.
“I don’t mind” begins with deep synths and beats that create an old-school atmosphere. As Melissa’s enchanting vocals float above, synth riffs and guitar accents are sprinkled in, giving the track an otherworldly yet soulful vibe that distinguishes it on the album.
The album closes on the contemplative yet powerful “Unravel”. An atmospheric guitar figure backed by a shuffling beat introduces Melissa’s deeper yet raw vocals. The skillful blend of rock and soul ensures the album ends on a dramatic high note, an exclamation point on Melissa’s gorgeous debut.

Over the course of “Birds of Paradise”, Melissa Jones proves herself a vocalist of immense range, feeling, and soulfulness. Her debut album heralds the arrival of an R&B talent ready to carry the genre into its next chapter. “Birds of Paradise” is a soulful and jazzy album well worth streaming on Spotify. Be sure to follow Melissa Jones on social media to keep up with her soaring journey into the realm of neo-soul.
https://open.spotify.com/album/2e96L4GmM2ocdqYN2yke9U - Saiid Zeidan

Melissa Jones Soars to New Heights with "Birds of Paradise"

As Melissa Jones releases her debut album, "Birds of Paradise," get ready to be whisked away to a world of lyrical enchantment. This captivating ensemble skillfully combines components of soul, jazz, funk, and rock to create a sound tapestry that enthralls the senses and leaves an enduring impact.

Melissa Jones
Melissa Jones

With a fearless exploration of musical styles and a raw vocal prowess, Melissa Jones delivers a groundbreaking sound that pushes the boundaries of contemporary soul and neo-soul. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Prince, Melissa infuses her music with a unique blend of improvisation and melodic rhythms, showcasing her remarkable talent as a singer-songwriter and producer.

"Birds of Paradise" is more than just an album; it's a testament to resilience, growth, and the power of music. Melissa's deeply personal journey, marked by the challenges of the pandemic, loss, and heartbreak, finds expression in each of the eight tracks.

The rich harmonies, intricate melodies, and avant-garde rhythms woven throughout "Birds of Paradise" create a timeless sound that will resonate with music lovers of all backgrounds. Melissa's ability to infuse her music with color, magic, and fearlessness truly sets her apart as a rising star in the music industry.



Experience the magic of Melissa Jones' "Birds of Paradise" and allow yourself to be swept away by its grooves and melodies. This saucy banger of an album is a must-listen for anyone seeking soulful and edgy musical artistry.

Connect with Melissa Jones on her official website, Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram. - Daniel Otchere Darko