DC-based vocalist and songwriter Cecily (Cecily Bumbray) is known for her agile soprano and honest lyrics. Her sound, as soothing as it is rich, is rooted in a deep appreciation for mid-century soul and jazz, 90’s R&B, and re-imagined folk music. Her debut album Songs of Love and Freedom garnered her a 2019 Wammie Award for Best Soul Album and was named “Best New Soul on Bandcamp” by the Bandcamp editorial team, who described the project as “stirringly timeless and modern.” Cecily’s 2019 release exploring unconditional love, Awakening Pt. 1. landed her first SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Awards nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year, a 2020 Indie Soul Music Award for Best Female Artist of the Year and a 2020 Wammie Award for Best Soul Song for her single, “Clumsy,” which BET.com praised for its “gorgeously sultry vocals.” The project was also named “Best New Soul on Bandcamp” by Chaka Grier of the Bandcamp editorial team, who praised her ability to blend “top-notch songwriting and thoughtful self-reflection with a gentle jazz-influenced sound.” Awakening Pt.II, Cecily’s eagerly anticipated continuation of the critically acclaimed Awakening Pt. 1 is set to be released in 2023. The album interweaves Cecily’s life experiences with inspiration from the book All About Love by Black feminist writer bell hooks. Cecily is a featured vocalist on modern jazz stylist José James’ latest project, No Beginning No End 2 (2020). She has opened for award winning jazz and soul artists Gregory Porter, Jose James and Maysa, R&B stars Johnny Gill, Kenny Lattimore and Elle Varner, folk artist Becca Stevens and alternative soul pioneer Bilal.