Excerpts from the Times-Standard
Thursday, September 27, 2001

The NAKED SOUL of Colette Washington . . .
By Catherine Kovacich

Colette Washington has no qualms about letting you see her 'naked soul.' In fact, she thrives on it with every note she sings. A determined individual zealous about her musical statements, Washington knows what it takes to succeed--and has it. Stopping by her native home of Eureka with her band, NAKED SOUL, she hopes to revisit the places, people and spirit that have shaped who she's become.

"I always wanted to be a performer because I loved singing, dancing and imitating people," Washington said in an email interview. "I feel totally alive and free when I'm singing because I can say whatever I want and people listen. By expressing myself through my original lyrics, I get to release passion, frustration, loss and love all at once, which feels great."

Prior to pursuing her dreams of becoming a musician, Washington worked around Eureka and fought fire for the California Department of Forestry in Garberville. She also owned and operated a successful mobile DJ service called "Full Tilt," providing musical entertainment for various clubs and occasions around the area.

With a sound self-described as "alternative/soul," the band and it's frontwoman blend rock, soul, funk, blues, folk and reggae together as if inventing a new genre of sound. "We're committed to making high-quality original music that brings people from all walks of life together," Washington said. "We strive to be true to the music and each other-even when the truth hurts."

Washington is personally influenced by the likes of Annie Lennox, Grace Jones, Meshell Ndgéocello and Aretha Franklin "because of the way their vocals and lyrics demand attention," she said. Washington herself carries the same qualities, primarily because of her encouraging father and a favorite school teacher, Alice Blaser, both of whom consistently challenged her to succeed. Washington and Blaser have remained in touch over the years since Colette was her student at Franklin Elementary in Eureka.

"Colette is a person of inner strength," Blaser said. "She is unpretentious, ambitious and compassionate; one who believes in the work ethic and equality. She sets goals and strives to achieve them. The 'American Dream' is becoming reality." "Colette is a people's person," Blaser continues, "Resolved to touching the hearts and souls of others with the sensitivity of her lyrics and music for the good of mankind. Her band exemplifies the height of her endeavors."

Washington moved to Washington State to attend the Seattle Art Institute's music business program when she left Humboldt in 1991. Deeming California her home, she relocated to Oakland, a place she considers "rich with diversity, history, art and music." It was in Oakland where she formed "NAKED SOUL" through extensive auditions and advertisements. The result has become: Al Hayes on lead guitar, Ace Alan on bass and vocals and Troy "Boom-Boom" Johnson on the drums.

"We strive to give our audience a musical experience that is heartfelt, whether we're live or on CD," Washington said. You can CATCH "NAKED SOUL" LIVE around the Bay Area and California.

"We ask everyone who hears about us to tell ten friends," Washington concluded.

VIEW NAKED SOUL MUSIC VIDEOS

VIEW NAKED SOUL SLIDE SHOWS

HEAR NAKED SOUL MUSIC

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