V IS FOR VIRTUOSO – Verzell Le’Zon

The ancestors of Soul are smiling down. The resurgence of R&B is real and in full swing. Not since the creative arc of the 70s, have artists been putting out music that challenges and pushes the boundary of not just contemporary R&B. But does so while still honoring and incorporating elements of traditional Soul. Yes, the new school artists are Renaissance out the gate. And confident in their total package. So the timing is perfect for the arrival of an artist like VERZELL LE’ ZON. Born and raised in the Soul music Mecca that is Detroit, VERZELL (born Verzell Page Jr.) Found his passion and purpose early on, and very close to home. “My biggest influence is my Great Grandmother, Tarrie Lee, who introduced me to music at as a toddler; teaching me how to play piano which eventually led me to playing for church.“, speaking on his musical beginnings. A beginning that would take him on his life’s journey and justification. He would go on to hone his found gift to fruition in his defined life’s purpose. “I’ve been an artist since the age of 18. I decided to do music because it was the only thing that I’m passionate about. I’m an avid believer that passion is purpose.” And so it began. His foray into  a career as an artist. A multi instrumentalist playing guitar as well as piano and keyboards. VERZELL is best comparable to contemporary artsists such as Musiq, Eric Benet’, DeAngelo, Robin Thicke and of course Maxwell. Making sure he was going to be taken serious as an artist, he also honed himself in various areas of entertainment and picked up a few special opportunities along the way. ” A highlight for me was when I was called to audition for Berry Gordy for a role in his Motown Broadway play at Hitsville USA. I felt as though I was walking down the path of some of my biggest influences who happened to be Motown artists.” No doubt the DNA of Stevie, Marvin, Smokey and of course Michael, is present in the young singer/ songwriter. “As an artist, the perception isn’t as important to me as the message. A person can perceive me to be the most horrible person in the world, but if I’ve successfully conveyed to them the messages in my songs, then it’s a mission accomplished. The only downfall to the music industry in my opinion is there’s little to no originality in mainstream music. It seems to be the trend to sound alike, dress alike, and record like-sounding records.” Speaking on the state of musics stagnation creatively. Something he feels needs to be addressed and rectified by this generation of artists and held to a standard. As for his own music. He has begun writing and recording what he plans to be his debut release as an artist planned for 2016. And been an advid performer throughout the city  hitting some of the most well known stages, clubs and festivals. He has also been asked to participate in a project called “The Love Project”, an independent Detroit project featuring a stellar lineup of the city’s hottest young performers. It will be a year of destiny fullfilled by purpose for VERZELL LE’ZON. Glad to be along for the ride.

ARTIST – VERZELL LE’ZON….. Singer/ Songwriter/ musician

GENRE – R&B/ Soul/ Neo Soul/ Pop

Comparables – Maxwell, Bilal, Musiq, DeAngelo, John Legend, Miguel