Soulful vocals and piano playing that blends old school R&B, like Stevie Wonder, with the neo-soul beats of today.

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URBAN/R&B: Neo-Soul, POP: Today's Top 40

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With a soulful sadness in her voice, Tess Henley, blends old school rhythm and blues with neo-soul arrangements on the seven songs she penned for her debut CD, Easy to Love, released in June 2008. The talented 20 year old singer-songwriter-pianist from the Seattle area is also a junior at the University of Washington.

Tess comes from a very musical family. She is the daughter of a singer/entertainer and her brother Carson Henley, is also a singer-songwriter-piano player. A third sibling, Maggie, co-wrote some of their music and all three have individually won their townâs version of American Idol! Tess was destined to sing from day one since her musical instincts were formed in the womb while her mother performed live dance music throughout her pregnancy.

Since age 3, Tess has been trained on piano at the prestigious Pacific Northwest School of Music. Early influences included Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, which she mixes gracefully with newer artist stylings such as Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, India.Arie and Musiq Soulchild, for her own soulful sound. Pompiâs Song, from her new CD, is a heart-warming tribute to her late grandfather that crescendos with a gospel choir.

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