Vocalist and pianist Linda Williams, a native of New York City, was a musical director for Natalie Cole during the ‘70s and co-composed “La Costa,” from 1977’s Thankful. The song caught on to such an extent that versions were later recorded by Ahmad Jamal and Philip Upchurch. In 1979, Williams was showcased as a vocalist on two songs from Richard Evans' self-titled album for Horizon/AM, most notably the rare-groove classic “Capricorn Rising.” The same year, she released the Evans-produced, Arista-issued City Living album -- a coveted gem itself featuring “Elevate Our Minds” and “Our Song.” Williams later went into music education and performed and recorded as Aziza; she taught Alicia Keys at the Professional Performing Arts School and released an album in 2007, Jazzsoetry, Vol. 1. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi