Kimaya Diggs is a poetic musician based in Western Mass. She recently released her new album “Quincy,” which she wrote while dealing with a severe vocal injury, the loss of her mother to cancer, the death of a longtime friend, and her beloved dog Quincy. The album is named after her dog and is a collection of songs that deal with themes of grief and loss, but which are not downbeat. Diggs consciously wanted to avoid writing sad songs and instead aimed to write about grief in a way that was not slow and heavy. The 11 songs on “Quincy” range in style from soul and folk to R&B, with influences from Donny Hathaway to contemporary singer-songwriters like Tess Henley. The album is a departure from her previous acoustic sound and features a full-band sound. Diggs hopes that her album will connect with people through shared experiences of grief and loss.
Kimaya Diggs’ new album “Quincy” is a testament to the healing power of music. Despite facing personal tragedies such as a severe vocal injury and the loss of her mother, friend, and beloved dog, Diggs channeled her grief and created a collection of soulful, upbeat songs that celebrate life and gratitude.
The album opens with “I Hafta Try,” a pop-inflected number with a new wave techno bass line that sets the tone for the rest of the album. It’s an upbeat, catchy tune that expresses Diggs’ gratitude for the people in her life, despite the challenges she’s faced. The song is a reminder to keep trying and to keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity.
Throughout the album, Diggs’ smooth, sweet voice shines, delivering lyrics that touch on themes of grief and loss, but also hope and resilience. On “Letting Go,” Diggs reflects on the process of learning to let go and move on, a theme that runs throughout the album. The song is a poignant tribute to her mother, who passed away on Mother’s Day 2021.
Musically, the album is a diverse mix of soul, folk, and R&B, with influences ranging from Donny Hathaway to contemporary singer-songwriters like Tess Henley. The band behind Diggs, which includes her husband Jacob Rosazza and members of Lux Deluxe, creates a full-band sound that is both polished and organic.
One standout track is “Bloom,” a jazzy tune that features Diggs’ father on flute. The song is a tribute to the people who help us grow and blossom, even in difficult times. The lyrics are poetic and evocative, and the instrumentation is lush and dreamy.
Another highlight is “Follow Me,” a funky, playful track that showcases Diggs’ versatility as a vocalist. The song is a reminder to live in the moment and to follow our instincts, even when things seem uncertain. It’s a joyful, danceable tune that will have listeners tapping their feet and singing along.
Overall, “Quincy” is a beautifully crafted album that speaks to the human experience of loss and grief, but also to the power of music to heal and uplift. Diggs’ songwriting is honest and heartfelt, and her vocals are powerful and soulful. The band behind her provides a solid foundation for the songs, adding depth and texture to the arrangements.
Diggs’ release show at The Drake in Amherst promises to be a must-see event for fans of soulful, uplifting music. With its mix of joyful, danceable tunes and heartfelt ballads, “Quincy” is a poetic masterpiece that will resonate with listeners and offer comfort and solace during difficult times.
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