By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

Alterna-soul diva Macy Gray showed New York City just how 'BIG' she was when she played the Gramercy Theatre to a jam-packed audience last night.

The 39-year old Grammy Award winner brought the house down during a 90-minute set replete with a full band and three strong-voiced back-up singers.

Acting as a ringleader, Gray corralled her growing repertoire during the feel-good fest, which gave off the vibe of carnival.

Her latest opus, titled 'BIG,' was released this week via Black Eyed Peas front-man's will.i.am recording imprint with Geffen Records.

Having him commandeering the ship has been a good thing for Gray, who languished for a spell once her and her longtime label Epic Records parted ways.

"I've known Will for a long, long, long, time," she told 'MTV Radio Networks' this week. "I met him when I did my first album we actually toured together, he did some remixes for me on my first record and ... he's like my little brother."

"I heard he was working on 'Monkey Business' this was about two, two in the half years ago," she explained, "and I went down to the studio to see if I can get on the album. He told me that he had a record label, I told him I wasn't signed and then we hooked up from there."

Featuring a battalion of top-notch hit-makers such as Justin Timberlake, Natalie Cole, Stacey "Fergie" Ferguson, and celebrated record executive Ron Fair, the soul-infused set features high caliber production brilliance juxtaposed with Gray's off-beat lyricism.

One song, 'Strange Behavior,' talks of a domestic spat that ends with the murder of her spouse over insurance money. Another, 'What I Gotta Do,' is a cry out to her children about the sacrifices she makes with work over motherhood.

Macy Gray has always specialized in what the hip-hop kids call "REAL TALK."

Say what you want, what she lacks on vocalizing, she sure makes up with her karaoke friendly approach to melody and harmony. It's fun stuff.

Live, she takes on another persona. With songs such as the crossover sensation 'I Try,' she doesn't hesitate and lets it all hang out -- exposing everything; warts and all.

And audiences around the globe eat it up.

On the radio, the Canton, Ohio native (legally known as Natalie Renee McIntyre) is making waves on the air as 'BIG's' first single 'Shoo Be Doo' was the #1 most added Urban AC track and debuted at #36 on its chart -- eventually moving 12 spots to #24.

According to Gray's rep, WBLS in New York, WHUR in Washington DC and WSRB in Chicago have all received the track with open arms.

Another 'BIG' stand-out, 'Finally Made Me Happy,' features Cole, the multiple Grammy Award jazz, pop and soul stylist. The track was put up on iTunes last week and sold over 7,000 downloads in just one week.

Fresh off high wattage appearances on 'The Late Show with David Letterman' and a memorable visit to 'The View,' Gray is off to Europe to promote her latest musical contribution.

BV Extras:

-- Watch the video for 'Finally Made Me Happy' (featuring Natalie Cole) here.