SĒN Baltimore Magazine - Nightlife, Local Music, Events and Podcasts

Teporah performs Live at The Patterson Theatre on Saturday, July 12, 2008 @ 7:30 PM.

Teporah began her fixation with music at the age of five. Since she comes from a family of musicians (her mother played several instruments and was a teacher at Peabody) it’s no wonder Teporah would inevitably blossom into a rooted artist in the Baltimore music scene. Teporah reveals that she is heavily influenced by Blues and Jazz, and somewhat of a Pedigree since her Grandfather was a Jazz player. Also influenced by rhythmic African style music and Latin Jazz, she explains, “I learned through playing in rhythmic orchestras how rhythms can interlock, as opposed to just having a [drummer]…and I think that’s the essence of Jazz in a lot of ways, especially Latin Jazz.”  

Teporah’s music is unique in many ways. There are the Jazz roots for certain, but it transcends the presumptuous elements of traditional Jazz and blends with other styles. She approaches her music in multi-dimensions, conscious of the words and mood that is set by her smooth-flowing melodies. Candid about her love of Baltimore, many of her songs are written about Charm City. It can be said her songs may have a somber tone at times, though it is fair to say real life and the situations that inspire her music are complicated. Most of us can relate to the complications that can dampen a mood. But Teporah’s music is hardly gloomy. Quite the contrary, her music digs into the soul and helps people feel again. But at some point in life, we all come to realize times can get tough and sweeping them under a rug may not be the therapeutic approach best suited for dealing with matters. Music is her outlet and she embraces the notion of exerting those deep emotions on the stage, perpetuating the process of mending our broken pieces as human beings.

Respectfully, some phrases I think are due to describe Teporah are: emotionally brilliant, sweetly melodic, and gently courageous. Her territory incorporates the cobble-stone streets of Fells Point, around the city of Baltimore, and into the hearts of her fans. Women and men alike will fall for her sultry, silky voice in combination with relishing compositions and come away as new fans. Her presence on stage is powerful, yet her humbleness reaches out and touches the soul with notes at her fingertips. Yes, she is immensely talented. Yes, she is fascinating and fun. And yes, she is worth coming to see. Feast your ears and eyes in this summer’s hottest ticket in town: Teporah at The Patterson Theatre @ 7:30 PM with Gary B and the Notions, JV Myka Project, Impossible Hair, and The Squaaks. Tickets are $8 at the door. Teporah also performs at The New Haven Lounge on Friday, July 18, 2008 @ 9 PM with Greg Hatza. The President of Blue Notes Records will be in attendance, so be there to support Baltimore’s finest musicians.