Creating music is a passion for Anita and when it came time to decide to cancel plans to perform this summer, the decision was simple, “You know, typically, I’d be out on the road with our audience, but I’ve canceled my summer dates to deliver the record.”

Anita has been fortunate since the beginnning of her recording career to maintain the privilege of working with labels that give her the freedom to decide what she wants to do, whether it be gospel, jazz or something contemporary.  Once she has made that decision the music then comes first, followed by lyrics.

With this album, fans can expect a departure from anything that Baker has done before. She includes  some new collaborations, such as with Tyrese and Snoop Dogg, in an effort to reach out to a younger, second generation of fans.   

In the wake of her recent divorce, Anita found sanctuary in her music this time around.  The record defines a life fully lived, “There are luxurious love songs, there’s fun music, there’s also some very introspective grown-up things and you know we’re just trying to bring you some quality.”

Baker confesses that one of the last things to develop is the album title, which is still TBD.  As of now, there is  also no word of a release date, but keep your eyes peeled for a release sometime later this year.

Her debut album, The Songstress, received minimal mainstream success.  In 1986, Anita released her second record, Rapture.  Her single, “Sweet Love,” was her first chart topping hit and she never looked back.

The chart topping singles continued with, “Just Because,” off of her third effort, Giving You The Best I Got.  When it came time to start working on her fourth album, Baker became more involved in the production process introducing jazz influences and writing/co-writing most of the songs.

Anita toured, performed and recorded non-stop for five years before taking some time to rest and recuperate.

In 1994, Anita returned with her fifth album, Rhythm Of Love.  She has continued to achieve major commercial success, with her last major tour ending in 2008.  Anita Baker tickets are available for a few scattered shows this summer, but a full-blown tour is currently not in the cards.

Keep checking back for more Anita Baker news.