Her latest album, “Stand For Myself” (2021) has been called “the best soul record of the last 20 years” by NPR Music. You never know, this might be one of your last chances to see rising British superstar Yola in a relatively small venue when her tour pulls into Richmond for a date at the National on Sunday, March 13.
Yola, real name Yolanda Quartey, is already a six-time Grammy nominee and “Stand for Myself,” recorded in Nashville and produced by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys, has been nominated in the Americana category at the upcoming 64th annual Grammy Awards Show to be held on April 3.
Side note: This Richmond gig at the National will likely be a special stop for Yola, who is also an actress who will portray gospel rocker Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a former Richmonder, in the upcoming “Elvis” biopic by Australian director Baz Luhrmann (“The Great Gatsby,” “Moulin Rouge!”). Tickets for the all-ages Richmond show are $25-$30 and can be found here.
Check out the title track video from the album:
In the past, Yola has worked as a guest vocalist and songwriter for British musical groups such as Massive Attack, Sub Focus, Bugz in the Attic, Duke Domont and Ginger Wildheart. Here’s some more info from the National website about the new album:
“Stand for Myself is … a sophisticated and diverse sonic mix of symphonic soul and classic pop, tracing an expansive musical thread to Yola’s most eclectic musical inspirations. Yola’s inimitable vocals share nuanced stories of allyship, Black feminine strength through vulnerability, collective awakening and loving connection from the sexual to the social. Yola declares that it is only when we stand for ourselves and acknowledge our complexity, that we can be truly alive. For Yola, living is more than merely surviving.
Yola performs with opener Jac Ross at the National on Sunday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. All ages show. Ticket prices are $25-$30. All attendees will be required to show evidence of their full vaccination against COVID-19 OR produce a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen; no ‘at home’ tests) taken within 72 hours prior to attending the event.)
