MODERN SOUL and R'n'B REVIEWS

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Spida Lee – Verbal Assassin BroadCite – Unplugged Vol Two Mocky – Navy Brown Blues Future Classic Attractions US3 – Schizophonic Verb T & Harry Love – Bring it back to Basics Mr Lif – Mo’ Mega Terell - Missing Education – The Demo Sophia Darcell – Soul Eclectic Rena Scott – Let me love you Rena Scott – Remember Krystylez Ann Peebles – Brand New Classics Amana Melome – Indigo Red Veeda – Love’s Anatomy Laura Jane – To My Planet Boo

Hil St Soul – SOULidified Ms Monique – Soul Sessions Chapter 1 Carole Riddick – Moments like this Ascendant – Where you are now Ty Stephens – Aquarian Mind Lawrence Welton – RSVP Ray Robinson – What it is Tony Ozier’s Mental Candy Playlist Vol 001 Geno Stanley – Baby Get Ready G Will - A blessing on the shelf Dabrye – Two/Three Dawud S Saleem – Keep it Simple Gwen McCrae sings TK JustLove

Ty Stephens – Aquarian Mind http://www.tystephensmusic.com/

Info: - SOME BIO INFO...

“I was mesmerized by dance shows, like SoulTrain and American Bandstand; Variety Television shows and Movie Musicals. I knew all the latest dances, and created productions in my mind and performed shows for my family with my sister, brothers and cousins, singing---not lip-synching---to the latest records. My parents saw this creativity in me and I was fortunate to have a Mom who followed-through on what she saw by enrolling me in a Summer Fine Art Program when I was 13, and a Summer Youth Theatrewhen I was 14. And, the rest, they say, is history!”.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, TY STEPHENS, started his journey in the entertainment business majoring in Fine Art and performing in school productions at Overbrook High School (the same school as famed alum Will Smith, but years earlier), and studying theatre and dance with the Philadelphia Youth Theatre at Society Hill Playhouse. He went on to Temple University’s Stella Elkins Tyler School of Art, only to quit in his sophmore year to pursue dance full time, dancing with John Hines’ Dance Theatre of Philadelphia until his move to New York City to join the Rod Rodgers Dance Co., and study at the Alvin Ailey
School, sharpening his skills as a dancer.

After 2 years on the concert dance scene, he began to audition for and perform in musical theatre, with touring shows like “SATIN SWEET” and “THE WIZ”, before landing his 2 Broadway shows: the original casts of “SOPHISTICATED LADIES” (with Gregory Hines, Phyllis Hyman and Judith Jamison) and “MARILYN, AN AMERICAN FABLE” (with Scott Bakula and Allison Reed). While on Broadway, Ty began performing in local piano bars and night clubs, finally focusing on his voice and, subsequently, his songwriting.

“It was a difficult transition for me to make in the theatre world . I had to eliminate or minimize my dance background in order to be taken seriously as a vocalist and songwriter. So, I spent a lot of time away from the Broadway scene as part of that “re-invention”. I continued to write and sing in clubs, and you could find my voice on so many demos, it wasn’t funny! I had no formal voice training, but my natural talents carried me far. I had really studied the recordings I listened to, and it showed when I went up to sing. I learned from Donny Hathaway; Stevie Wonder; Roberta Flack; Al Jarreau; Jeffrey Osborne; Chaka Khan; James Taylor; Joni Mitchell, and Nat “King” Cole, to name a few.”

Review;- A very enjoyable, extremely competent and well produced and constructed album. My favourite track is the midtempo What Does Your Heart Say? which allows the vocals to excel over a restrained backing, and to stick in the head with a memorable hook – a top order pop track..

The opener Waiting with its throbbing bass and horn lines kicks off in a very funky way. To put the various styles and nuances together it is interesting to put the tracks together by reference to the producer, or the musicians or the studio. The track that goes with this is What Can I Do For You? which is a slow jazzy ballad, very live feel, sultry and slow.

Found and That Damn Full Moon, Again are acoustic (broadly) and showy type songs. Sucker! starts for me is much better still a ballad but ‘harder’ although there is a tempo change half way and where I nearly lose it.

Skydance and All the Love were recorded live at TH Soul Café in new York, sounds like a very good show which is captured well here. Chaka! Is a homage to well Chaka. Closes on a midtempo I Never Liked You.

There’s no question that this has been put together well, is classy and professional. That said regrettably there are only one or two tracks that are particularly to my liking.

Tracks: 1. Waiting; 2. The Power ;3. What Does Your Heart Say?; 4. Found; 5. That Damn Full Moon, Again; ;6. Sucker!;7. What Can I Do For You?; 8. Skydance; 9. All the Love; 10. Chaka!; 11. Never As Sure (as I Am, Right Now) ;12. Another Thought....; 13. I Never Liked You

Lawrence Welton – RSVP http://lawrencewelton.com/rsvp.cfm

Info: - Lawrence Welton Bio

At the early age of 9 years old, a young Lawrence Welton developed a unique affinity for music. To appease this gift, he began to study a variety of instruments, including voice, guitar, bass, drums and keyboards. Welton went on to study music theory & harmony at Malcolm X College in Chicago under the tutelage of the late Bruce Hayden, a reknowned violinist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Lawrence continued his studies at the Institute of New Cinema, where he majored in Record Production and Music as Business.

Being recognized as an outstanding percussionist, Lawrence was granted the opportunity to play for the Sony recording group Smoke City, on their release “Dreams”. His talents also began to make room for him when he moved to Los Angeles, California and was called upon to play for Blues Great, Vernon Garrett.

In the early 90’s, Welton relocated to Dallas, Texas and began playing for Malaco records artist, “Jackson Day Connection”. To begin branching out and utilizing his skills as a producer, Lawrence then teamed up with Spectrum One Productions, a Dallas based production team. It was here Lawrence was able to showcase his talents co-producing for Bernard Wrights “Who do you Love”, Warren Baileys ”Repossessed Love”, Artist Sybils’ “Night and Day”, and Tareska Medlocks’ “Show You”.

In the mid- 90s’, Lawrences’ gift as a songwriter was tapped when he penned the single “I want you”, performed by artist Antoine Smith for About Time Records (UK). The single was released on a compilation disc featuring Rosie Gaines,former lead singer for "Prince", and it also featured the vocal group,
"The Debarge".

In 2005, Lawrence Welton pulled his talents under one hat and formed Ensight Records, wherein his first full project, R.S.V.P hits stores late 2005. Under the umbrella of Ensight Records, Welton also plans to release a full length Faith compilation album in 2006.

Most recently Lawrence recieved an honorable mention in March 2006 issue of "Modern Drummer" magazine from his High School friend and Studio great
drummer, "Michael White". White named Lawrence as one of his drum heroes. (Pg.91).

Review: - Gettiing big plays and attention in th eUK right now, particularly the stunning opening track, Good Loving, hard bass line, mellow groove, soulful vocals, sexy sax and hook, all the ingredients. But it doesn’t stop there Get At It is not far behind, bit more upbeat, moving towards a house vibe.

Everythangz Alright/feat. Isha & Carikature changes style to a contemporary R’n’B ballad. Lets Start All Over and Someday are ballads with lots of old school in them. Keep On is my favourite of the slow jams, though R.s.v.p., the title track runs it close. Autumn Love/feat. Celeste Harrell a duet which builds quite strongly and Celeste sounds pretty good.

Keep N Touch again has all the ingredients, tempo, groove etc but is a bit weaker especialy the instrumentation.

Not a bad album at all, with a couple of great tracks, certainly lots of promise, but the top tracks paper over the cracks somewhat, the cracks being some of the instrumentation, some of the lyrics particularly on the uptempo traacks are a bit weak, but this goes back to comment I have made elsewhere and is not particularly a criticism of this album but the indie soul ‘bar’ has been raised significantly over the last couple of years and this is beginning to show this year I feel, as not much ‘top’ product is breaking through.

Trtacks:-1. Good Loving; 2. Get At It ;3. Everythangz Alright/feat. Isha & Carikature; 4. Lets Start All Over(prelude) ;5. Lets Start All Over ;6. Keep On
7. I,m So Glad; 8. Autumn Love/feat. Celeste Harrell ;9. Don,t Look Back ;10. R.s.v.p. ;11. Someday ;12. Keep N Touch

Ray Robinson – What it is http://www.2-funky.co.uk/ http://universalurban.com/rayrobinson/ http://rayrobinsonmusic.com/

Info: - Canadian Urban Music Award Winner

Fresh off of his amazing showing at the 2004 Canadian Urban Music Awards(CUMAs), Reach Records is proud to congratulate our signature artist, Ray Robinson on his award for RnB Single Of The Year for "Missed Your Chance" at the prestigious CUMAs show held in Toronto on October 21st, 2004.

The last quarter has been a time of bountiful blessings for Ray, who was nominated for 3 CUMAs that evening - no small feat for an artist who saw his first vinyl pressed in 2004. Since his debut album, WHAT IT IS dropped in August, Ray is quickly becoming the most captivating artist to watch artist in Canada's urban music scene.

Barely breaking a sweat, Ray has crisscrossed Canada with appearances that have taken his signature soul filled, rich voice to the stage from Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton and Vancouver, not to mention show after show at home in Toronto. This is only going to heat up for winter - this fall, Ray joined the roster of Paquin Entertainment Inc., who promise to keep this talented and highly sought after artist on the road and at a gig near you.

Ray Robinson, nee Rayon Henry, has been honing his craft for over ten years. Inspired by the church, Ray begun his pursuit of a musical career through gospel as a member of a group in the U.S. The group toured extensively throughout the United States, even gracing the stage of the musical mecca, The Apollo Theatre. Following the Apollo performance, the group garnered recognition and an album was highly anticipated. Touring had helped them build a fan base; unfortunately the group did not last.

Upon leaving the group, Ray Robinson returned to Canada and the church where it all began. "The RnB market in Toronto is beginning to get some recognition, but I think it can be much bigger." Once back at home, Ray was determined to succeed as a solo artist and began recording on his own, in a humble recording studio.

A multi-faceted artist, Ray Robinson writes and co-produces all of his music. Exposure to influences that span many decades has given Ray a distinctive approach to today's rhythm and blues. Ray's sound is accentuated by the message of Bob Marley, the smoothness of Al Green and Donny Hathaway and the sensuality and emotion of Marvin Gaye with the versatility of Prince.

"Vanessa Ann Smith, I wrote my first song for that girl," The song was entitled Give My Love A Chance. "I gave it to her before she went away to college. I was 15."

Ray Robinson has performed back up for The Philosopher Kings at Massey Hall, The Mike Bullard Show, and Canada AM. Ray also appeared on Groove Essentials Volume 2, and The Baby Blue Soundcrew's Private Party:

Volume 2.

For two consecutive years, Ray has performed at Flow 93.5's Urban Showcase at the Toronto Street Festival. Additionally, Ray performed back up for MuchMusic Best Rap Video nominee, BrassMunk at the Talib Kweli Show.

The first single "Missed Your Chance" is now an award winning anthem and the video for the track made it through high rotation. "Missed Your Chance" was produced by Def Jam/Capitol Hill Music artist Saukrates and DJ Kid Kut.

Ray's sophomoric track, "Gots To Be The One" has been quickly followed up by "Good Times", currently on play with Canada's urban radio outlets. Ray Robinson - WHAT IT IS. A Voice that will ring clear across Canada and touch your soul.

Review:

Not sure what the deal is with this but it looks like 2 funky have picked up and acquired the rights to this album from a couple of years ago, dropped a couple and added a couple. Whatever it is a fine release and worthy of attention.

My Heart is a great intro, bass heavy neo ballad in a Soulchild kind of vibe, touch of Stevie, complete with choral harmonies and lots going on in th e background without being complicated. Missed Your Chan remix with Kid Kut and Saukrates, more R’n’B with ‘copy’ sample, catchy tune.

I'm Down is a mellow catchy mix of R’n’b and neo with nice laid back horns (sample) . Good Times is a luscious warm groovy midtempo anthemic ballad. Girlfriend is pretty pop really with old skool soul influences. Be the One is also very catchy pop soul and is much better on the R’n’B remix.

Gone goes back in the direction of the tracks that I prefer, more neo, the vocals come through much better on tracks like this and Ray’s voice is suited to this comstruction. Similarly Bad times with its sparse arrangement is equally appealing. Pleasure Is Pain is a long and sensuous love ballad

Rather be alone and Patiently Waiting have a bit of a reggae vibe. Summer Star is slow and with a church feel.

Lots of variety and I particularly like the early part of the album, and , for want of a better description, the more neo cuts.

Tracks: - What It Is (Intro);2. My Heart;3. Missed Your Chance - Ray Robinson, Saukrates;4. I'm Down;5. Good Times; 6. Girlfriend; 7. Heaven; 8. Be the One; 9.Gone; 10 Bad times; 11 Rather be alone; 12. Pleasure Is Pain; 13. Patiently Waiting; 14. Summer Star; 15 Be the one Remix

Tony Ozier’s Mental Candy http://beatsgalore.com/bgrmain.cfm

Info: -With a voice dirty as Dobie Gray, Tony Ozier blends hip hop and R&B to create a sound enjoyed by all generations worldwide. Combining old school funk with sounds of the new millennium, Ozier pounds out original productions that rock the house and keep crowds thirsty for more. With roots planted in the dirty south and stretching across the country, this artist and producer has emerged from the underground to add new flavor to both hip hop and R&B.

Raised in Freeport, Texas, Ozier found his love for soul music in the music of Stevie Wonder, Gill Scott Heron, and Curtis Mayfield. Though spending most his childhood in Texas, it was the summers in Michigan that Ozier developed a love for funk and first envisioned himself on stage. “I can still remember being five years old at the Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo with my dad. We saw the Parliament Funkadelics, Ohio Players, and Cameo. I said, ‘that is what I want to do!’”

At the age of 18, Ozier made a move to Michigan where his influences grew larger and his horizons widened. In the midst of the Midwest, Ozier began playing keyboards. Like metal to magnets Ozier’s fingers had a natural attraction to the keys and he quickly became part of Michigan’s underground hip hop scene joining the live hip hop group The Urbanights. After enjoying both local and regional success, the band briefly emerged from the underground to engage in a tour across Japan.

Wanting to further delve into the scene, Ozier studied and received a degree in studio engineering and moved out West to further perfect his craft. Ozier has lived in worked in Los Angeles and Atlanta as a producer, songwriter, and artist for over 5 years. He is an accomplished engineer as well, with several underground hip hop and R&B albums to his credit.

Ozier performed regularly at clubs throughout Los Angeles and the Midwest with his band, as well as several others for the past 10 years. In 2004 his band, The DDFC, received a unanimous vote for the Los Angeles Music Award for Best Funk Artist of The Year. He is currently in the studio working on several production projects with BeatsGalore Records and Southern Kings Entertainment.

Review – The opening track Nobody is very reminiscent of Gil Scott Heron, one of Tony Ozier’s key influences, and similar artists from the old skool days, of funk and sou are clearly evident throughout. Mental Candy and It’s True are funkier, more P Funk.

End of Time is a preferable style (for me and I would anticipate the marketplace) and once again I have a comparison – and maybe this is where any weakness lies – this one is a bit Soulchild. Nice track. Makin It Through Featuring the Gorilla Funk Mob is harder but still with Scott Heron vibe.

I like the vibe and the vibes on Something to Ride To, dreamy old skool feel. Heads in a hip hop direction for Chasin the Money Featuring Trip-nito and R’n’B for Feel Good and spoken word for Untitled Featuring Neno and Jais’an but none of these are particularly inspiring fo rme.

Of the remaining tracks they never quite 1 of a Kind , Will You Be the One? - Special is the pick of these.
Concludes with a rimix of the best track Nobody (remix)

Promises much but for me only hits the spot on a few occasions.

Tracks:-1. Nobody;;2. Mental Candy ;3. It’s True; 4. End of Time; 5. Makin It Through Featuring the Gorilla Funk Mob ;6. Something to Ride To ;7. Chasin the Money Featuring Trip-nito; 8. Untitled Featuring Neno and Jais’an ;9. 1 of a Kind ;10. Feel Good ;11. Will You Be the One? ;12. Special
13. Outro;4. Nobody (remix)

Playlist Vol 001 www.2-funky.co.uk

A cracking promo compilation on the 2 funky label. 2 funky being one of the predominant outlets for indie soul in the Uk, and from where a good deal of the product on this site either can be obtained or was recommended by – so big up to Vijay and his crew.

Many of the tracks on here are reviewed elsewhere on the site so this is a best of a bunch of indie CD’s that we have featured, like Amar Khalil, Jeff Hendrick, Ray Robinson, Darnell Kendricks, JL Cotter, Costie Payne, BC Candyman, plus a few we haven’t caught up with and one or two surprised. It kinda leans towards the R’n’b side of Neo Soul, with a few popular on the Modern Soul Scene dancefloors.

We’ll concentrate more on those not already reviewed. Emelee - Head Over Heels is a light catchy dancer with an airy good time feel. Maskerade - Not Without You, a perfect amalgam of soul, R’n’B and hip Hop. Kayte Burgess – Happy, one of the surprises out of Soul Clap in Canada, great stuff all round. Darien Brockington - Steppin Out, a good time upbeat song both musically and lyrically. Johanna - Long Gone, what a great track, slow but great vibe to it, grows more on me with every play.

Ahmir - Welcome To My Party is pretty straightforward dancehall R’n’B. Howard Murray - Come and Get It is an interesting cut, earthy feel to this R’n’b offering – nice. Christopher Terrell - Dont Stop is pretty formulaic but nonetheless catchy R’n’B, but what adds to it is the quality of th evoice, the voice I like, the material I am less keen. Nyr - Amazed By Your Smile – Nyr has a great voice perfectly showcased in this catchy midtempo bass heavy outing. Rahbi - Another Chance the prince of Hip Hop Soul, upbeat and my kind of thing.

Slum Village & Dwele - Call Me another using the footsteps sample, getting a bit bored with tat one, but this partnership of Slum Village and dwele pretty much makes up for it. Young Jeezy and Dino West Gangsta, mellow hip hop at its best

A great and well recommended album lovingly put together.

Tracks: - Emelee - Head Over Heels ;Amar Khalil – Solitary ;Maskerade - Not Without You; Kayte Burgess – Happy ;Jeff Hendrick - Old School Party ;Darien Brockington - Steppin Out ;Johanna - Long Gone; Ahmir - Welcome To My Party; Ray Robinson - Missed Your Chance ; Darnell Kendricks - Jones In My Bones; JL Cotter - Mo Thangs; Howard Murray - Come and Get It ;Christopher Terrell - Dont Stop ;Costie Payne - All I Wanna Do; Nyr - Amazed By Your Smile ;Rahbi - Another Chance; Slum Village & Dwele - Call Me; Young Jeezy and Dino West Gangsta; BC - Candyman

Geno Stanley – Baby Get Ready http://www.soundclick.com/pro/view/01/default.cfm?bandid=97045&content=main&songid=0

Info: This multi-talented singer/songwriter/ producer. Is back again ! New CD entitled " Baby, Get Ready " 15 new songs. Sexy, romantic, sensuous, beautifully arranged, ballads.
" Baby, Get Ready " " Handled Your Business" " Making You Feel So Good " " A Little Freak "
They'll definitely put you in the mood !
Fella's put these on for your ladies ! Also fresh R&B tracks mixed with hip-hop, that will definitely have you bouncing !
" Let's Have A Party" " Do You Wanna Dance " " Summer Thang "
Did I mention the Classic Ol' school flavor ?
" Sorry I " " Gotta Get Over " " Couldn't Help It "
Delivered the " G-Love " way !
Luscious harmonies, smooth vocals, heartfelt lyrics !
With a vocal delivery that's compared to the legendary R&B vocalist of today and yesterday !
Yet with a style of his own ! Music that you'll enjoy from start to finish !
Experience the "LOVE" ! The " G-Love " Way !

Currently, residing in Denver, Colorado. He's been a lead vocalist for Pro-Entertainment. A company that specialize in providing live
entertainment for corporate functions. He's been a lead vocalist with bands such as Park Avenue, Sudden Impact, and Full House.
In May of 2004, songs from his debut CD, " It Must Be Love " were released on an independent film entitled " FATE " an
Ajene Films Production.
He's written songs that has appeared on compilation CD's released in Las Vegas.
" Sin City "(2000) Black Period Recording Group " Feel Me " " Too Tall " (1999) Fuqua Productions " Vocalist on " Come With Me "
( Legendary Harvey Fuqua of the " Moonglows " ) Manager / Producer : Marvin Gaye / Booker "T" & MG's and the vocal group " The Spinner's )
Worked with Jazz Artist: Paul Taylor

Review: - Well what does an album need to get attention (in the UK), an instant attention grabber, a modern soul room gem, a foottapper, a dancer, and that is exactly what this album has - Let's Have A Party is such a track and it is getting plays up and down the country.

The strength though (for me) is in the ballads and Her Lover is pure sweet soul and I Love You is smooth as silk. Handled Your Business is also quality.

Change of feel as we go a bit old skool with Sorry I and Gotta Get Over. The styles mix and merge quite nicely as we hitthe dancefloor again Summer Thang (Featuring Skeet ). There is a harder edge (which I like) to Do You Wanna Dance (Featuring D-Nell)

The best track tough is the moody and downbeat Baby, Get Ready. Making You Feel So Good is also a slow jam, with old skool harmonies and continues in this mood, and closes with a duet Couldn't Help It ( Featuring Tameka) and a remix of Do You Wanna Dance ( Remixed)

A very good album , and Geno is an excellent vocal talent, suitable to a range of material as this album illustrates.

Tracks: -1. Let's Have A Party; 2. Her Lover ;3. I Love You; 4. Handled Your Business; 5. Sorry I ;6. Gotta Get Over; 7. Summer Thang (Featuring Skeet ); 8. Do You Wanna Dance (Featuring D-Nell);9. Baby, Get Ready;10. Making You Feel So Good; 11. A Little Freak; 12. Heartless; 13. Wasn't Suppose To Be; 14. Couldn't Help It ( Featuring Tameka); 15. Do You Wanna Dance ( Remixed)

G Will - A blessing on the shelf

Info:- “G-Will”

A composer, producer, performer and artist presents his new highly anticipated hit album-“A BLESSING ON THE SHELF” featuring the sultry and hypnotic single “FELLIN U”.

Gregory Willis, pkA G-WILL was born in Columbus, Ga. One of three boys and two girls fathered by Mr. And Mrs. Mattie Willis. The family moved to Atlanta, Ga., where Willis attended Murphy Elementary School and Fredrick Douglas High School.

Influenced by his aunt Annie Mae Price, Willis started singing in the church choir at the age of five years old. At the age of ten, he started learning how to play the following instruments, violin, viola, and cello, lead guitar, bass, keyboard and trombone.

“G-Will” has traveled the world over including Japan and Europe. He has preformed in the following venues: House of blue, Radio city music hall, B.B Kings (NY), Fox Theaters (Atl), Las Vegas, The Omni in (Atl), Richmond coliseum, & The Norfolk “Scope”.

“G-WILL” has opened shows for; Sam Salter, Faith Evans, Destiny’s Child, Jahiem, K.C. & JoJo, Silk, Uncle Sam, Kut Klose, & Keith Sweat.

“G-WILL” has also done club remixes with the legendary DJ Marley Marl; Mary J. Blige, Usher, Omarion, Mario and Keysha Cole.

In 1998 while recording for Viking label, from his hit album “Do Me Baby” he had three successful Billboard Chart singles. He also had a major publishing deal with EMI music. “Now he’s back in 2006” he is continuing his quest to capture the hearts and souls of America’s Urban Hip-Hop. And R&B markets starting with the first of many hit singles. Feelin’ You:. On Golden Hand Record Label.

YES G-WILL IS BACK WITH A HIT ALBUM ENTITLED - “ABLESSING ON THE SHELF”

Review: - A Gregory Willis incarnation as G Will comes up with a quality album right up my street – soulful R’n’B of the highest order with some outstanding tracks such as Should I Go a haunting pleading song of uncertainty and guilt. Also quality is Don't Hold Back an old skool style ballad but with a current day edge, sultry and soulful or what.

The opening track is a fine slow jam, Leave Right Now, beforewe move into Feelin' You another gem of a modern day soulful sexy ballad. Freaky Side has a nice vibe but its all a little bit contrived. See You Happy is a bit of a stepper, change of pace and a fine midtempo dancer. Big Daddy continues in that groove.

Rub You Up is back downbeat and sexy. Tomorrow takes a different feel, more upbeat , but not really feeling this one. The album is predominantly slow jams , Sippin' On a Forty , I Received Him, Come On Now Baby and the best of this bunch When Was the Last Time

Therefore an upbeat track like Open Your Heart is welcomed though its not particularly stringe, wouldn’t say it’s a house track but its moving in that direction but it’s a pretty weak mix. Yo Mom is dancehall R’n’B.

A pretty good album with several tracks I really like.

Tracks: -1. Leave Right Now; 2. Feelin' You 3. Freaky Side ;4. See You Happy; 5. Big Daddy; 6. Rub You Up; 7. Should I Go ;8. Tomorrow; 9. Sippin' On a Forty ;10. I Received Him; 11. Open Your Heart; 12. When Was the Last Time; 13. Yo Mom; 14. Don't Hold Back ;15. Come On Now Baby

Dabrye – Two/Three http://www.dabrye.com/ www.ghostly.com

Info: - Taking the next logical step in his evolutionary hip-hop album cycle, Dabrye has rounded up a formidable crew of MCs (including MF Doom and J Dilla) to create Two/Three. A moody, propulsive take on the genre, the Blade Runner-esque beats help cage rhymes ranging from world events to the street, with little chance to catch your breath. The result is a dizzying narcotic rush stronger than a back alley glue hit. Five years after his meticulously sculpted debut One/Three, Tadd Mullinix is back to make an indelible mark with his new hip-hop sound.

Review: - Whoaw – loved this, not many albums go on and leave you interested and compelled to continue with it, but this is one such album. Full of intrerest from its old skool electro beats, through to modern expansive hip hop. Air featuring Doom and Game over with the man Jay Dee (to whom this album is dedicated) had been precursors to what was to follow, but now the full album is unleashed.

It is moody, eclectic, electronic, experimental, bits of jazz, lots of funk, some fine collaborations, a progressive and interesting album. Sometimes menacing, sometimes optimistic. Not in style but reminds me somehow of the wizardry and freshness that King Tubby brought at a time when styles were closing in and needed a new direction.

It’s a vibe album so don’t want to single out anything particularly but the fast paced Get It Together (feat. Invincible and Finale), and Game Over (feat. Jay Dee and Phat Kat) are worther of special mention.

Tracks: - 1. The Stand (feat. Wildchild); 2. Air (feat. Doom); 3. Machines Pt. I ;4. Encoded Flow (feat. Kadence) ;5. That's What's Up (feat. Vast Aire) 6. Tell Dem;7. Nite Eats Day (feat. Beans) ;8. Jorgy (w/ Waajeed) ;9. Special (Guilty Simpson and Paradime);10. Bloop ;11. Viewer Discretion (feat. Invincible and Finale) ;12. Piano ;13. Pressure (w/ Waajeed | feat. Ta'Raach) ;14. Reconsider (feat. Kadence) ;15. Get It Together (feat. Invincible and Finale)
16. My Life (feat. AG); 17. In Water ;18. Get Live (feat. Big Tone); 19. Machines Pt. II; 20. Game Over (feat. Jay Dee and Phat Kat);

Dawud S Saleem – Keep it Simple

Info; -Hello my name is David Saleem. I am a solo vocalist. I am doing all the vocals on the first five tracks of my new cd entitled Keep It Simple. I am working with two very talented music producers on this project. The music on the first track entitled In The Groove was composed by Abdul Rahim of Covington, Ky. Tracks two thru six were composed by Las Vegas number one beat maker Eric Smidi Smith. Tracks 7 and 8 were composed by Floyd Grace better known as Twink.

This is my first cd so I really hope that it is entertaining to all who listen.. I want to thank everyone in advance for checking out my music and hopefully taking a copy home for your private collection. Thanks and look forward to my next project. I am also lead singer on another cd entitled The Surprise of Love that is available at cdbaby.com. Keep it Simple and The Surprise of Love can also be purchased from any Best Buy Store via cdbaby.

To purchase the Surprise of Love send your friends to http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/TwinkMusic

To purchase Keep It Simple send your friends to http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/Saleem.

Thank you sincerely, Dawud Saleem.

Review: - First off let me say that its good to see Smidi cropping up again, he really is helping to progress Independent Music from his Vegas studio. Overall there is a very nice feel to this, it is all very laid back and easy going, and is particularly strong in the falsetto vocal ranges. There’s lots of old skool feeling, some gospel overtones here and there.

It is an album that you can put on and it will sooth you away and vocally has some strong points. However it doesn’t have the strength pr a particularly strong track that’s going to take it to the next level. It’s just sweet and soulful.

I Don't Want to Feel The Rain and Cruise Control are strong cuts. Keep It Simple is as upbeat as it gets, but the closing track Hey Baby is my pick.

Tracks: - 1. In The Groovve; 2. Can I See You Again 3. Come Back To Me ;4. I Don't Want to Feel The Rain ;5. Keep It Simple ;6. Cruise Control; 7. Girl You Know What To Do ;8. Hey Baby

Gwen McCrae sings TK http://www.henrystonemusic.com/

Out of Henry Stone’s new imprint and obtainable from the website mentioned above, repacked Miami sounds featuring the original Miami players. So most of the tunes will be well known. So what do these repackages add, well actually not a lot really, great to hear some of them again but in th emain they are produced in the same way as before, the productions are ‘clean’ and fresh and seem to have lost that edge in production.

Some great names though, aside from Gwen, in support there is KC, Latimore, Timmy Thomas, David Hudon, Little Beaver, all greats of Miami Soul. So Gwen romps through a heap of well known tracks, not necessarily those that she made famous but they are there to.

Rockin' Chair (WITH A LITTLE TASTE OF LATIMORE) and gwen’s version of george’s Rock Your Baby go hand in hand in style. Personally I think the slower tunes like What You Won't Do For Love come over the strongest. Her version of Please Don't Go sounds good with a female lead. Timmy Thomas also appears on her version of his Why Can't We Live Together and also a version of Party Down, another Miami favourite groove.

A top track is the bluesy Southern Soul complete with intro monologue and more than ably assisted by Latimore is Let's Straighten It Out - DEMO (774KB). Also strong is Honey Honey (performed with David Hudson which is the kind of track that allows her strong vocal to come through.

90% Of Me Is You is one of my favourite Gwen Rare Groove tracks, so great to hear it but I have to say I prefer the original version. Versions of Classics like Clean Up Woman and Misty Blue

One new track which is a light Reggae ish track You Gotta Love Me (Like I Love Me) performed with KC
TRACKLISTING
1. Rockin' Chair (WITH A LITTLE TASTE OF LATIMORE); 2. Rock Your Baby 3. What You Won't Do For Love ;4. Jazz Freak ;5. Please Don't Go 6. Let's Straighten It Out; (performed with Latimore) ;DEMO (774KB) ;7. Keep It Comin' Love ;(performed with KC) ;DEMO (774KB) 8. Why Can't We Live Together (performed with Timmy Thomas) ;9. 90% Of Me Is You ;10. Clean Up Woman ;11. Party Down 12. Misty Blue ;13. Honey Honey (performed with David Hudson) ;14. You Gotta Love Me (Like I Love Me) (performed with KC) ;15. Rockin' Chair

JustLove http://www.myspace.com/justlove http://www.justlovelove.com/

Info: - Love “Just Love”

What’s in a name? Well for Aaron B. Chenery this unique recording artist from Brooklyn, NY legally changed his name to Love, just “Love” after graduating High School. Why? In his words: Love is simply energy and the foundation for all things. How it's used, interpreted and shared with each other is what makes it so powerful?

Love wrote his first song at the age of 15 “We can rock” and has since recorded and peformed over 20 songs. He is committed to blossoming as a self contained Artist both writing and playing the acoustic guitar?

Love’s journey as a solo artist has proven to be star quality on and off the stage.
Always intriguing to the public eye, those who have experienced Love’s music agree his performance takes you on a journey that’s both fun and educational. Leaving you feeling lovely with a sound he calls New World Soul?

In 1997 Love received high marks from judges after appearing on MTV’s amateur competition “The Cut”, one of whom was singer Brian McKnight who recognized pure, raw talent and commented, “I liked what I saw and would love to see more” ?

Grounded by early influences of Prince and Michael Jackson, Love formed a 7-piece band titled “Just Love”. Performing to packed houses at popular clubs throughout LA sometimes performing barefoot, a symbol of his earthiness?

Once established Love has dreams of exploring the film and television industry.
He has since completed his demo and has a video filming this summer. His debut single set to be released this fall. In the mean time Love stays busy developing himself as a career artist making music that transcends space and time?

When asked what he wants to achieve as an artist: It’s to spread the message of love, not a fanatic obsession but a balance of that virtuous & universal emotion that lives within us all. Love’s career is sure to ignite a love affair with the world?

Review: - Promo CD which can be previewed on the MySpace page – Acoustic in the main Soul, with a rock (not heavy) edge. Bleed is a particularly strong track both for its lyrical content and it’s anthemic catchiness. Ordinary People too is a very strong ballad

Ur loves an addiction is more upbeat, with a strong groove going through it, kind of acoustic club R’n’B. Mr Joke is not really to my taste.

A very interesting and pleasingly different from the norm and cutting its own niche,

Tracks: - Ur loves an addiction; Mr Joke; Bleed; Ordinary People; The Best Lie; Peace of Mind

Verb T & Harry Love – Bring it back to Basics www.silentsoundz.com

Out on June 12 I believe this is British Hip hop at its best, very accessible, very instant and uncomplicated, positive messages and some nices beats and rhymes. Hard to pick favourites delusion is probably the top cut aand best known at this stage as the first single. I like Chaos with female harmonies provided by Rosie. Not enough Hours features Karizma. W.30 is top too with its jazzy backbeat, easy lazy late nite style.

Top cut is Get Dis Happnin with old skool soul sample and bass line, something like Whio is (s)he.

Does go back to basics, bit old skool yet fresh enough, and well worth a digression from the Soul side.

Mr Lif – Mo’ Mega http://www.definitivejux.net/

Press Release:
Some artists make albums because they can. The great ones make albums because they have to. With that said, the first thing you need to know about Boston-bred MC Mr. Lif’s new album, ‘Mo’ Mega’, is that this is the album he had to make.

Hot off of last year’s smash success with the Perceptionists (his collaboration with fellow MC Akrobatik and one of Rolling Stone’s Top 50 Albums of 2005),Lif is back with an arsenal of new rhymes that showcase his massive talents as an MC, poet, and true life reporter.

Produced by the Jux man himself, El-P, ‘Mo Mega’ adheres to the tradition of the story telling of legendary MCs like Chuck D, KRS One, Rakim & Guru, ‘Mo’ Mega’ delivers a take on modern day America that is simultaneously personal and political.

Following the breakout success of ‘Enters The Colossus’ EP (Def Jux 2000), Lif established himself as one of the most ambitious and forward-thinking MCs in the game. He further cemented this status with the releases of his acclaimed ‘Emergency Rations’ EP and ‘I Phantom’ LP in 2002.

In the time that followed, Lif was profiled by MTV, Rolling Stone, SPIN, The NY Times, Entertainment Weekly, XXL and a slew of other media outlets. His stock quickly rose on a national level thanks to a relentless tour schedule. The crowds grew steadily, and by the time Lif took to the road with fellow Def Jukie Aesop Rock for a series of sold-out shows, the people had spoken. They were tired of clichés, and with our culture in crisis, economy floundering, and soldiers coming home in coffins, they didn't want to hear about trivialities of the hyper-consumerism and egomania that have infested society.

To help commit the sound and fury of his most recent soundbombs to tape, Lif has teamed up with acclaimed producer and longtime collaborator El-P to set the sonic table for ‘Mo’ Mega’. As always, Def Jux head honcho El Producto has flipped the boom-bap, orchestrating a catalytic soundscape from behind the boards—one that could only be navigated by a lyrical force as focused and deadly as Lif’s.

Having recently collaborated with UK trip poppers, Morcheeba, Lif’s talents reach far and wide. There’s no need to look any further than your newspaper or TV to see the inspiration for ‘Mo’ Mega’s’ calls to arms. From the water-logged streets of New Orleans to the killing fields of Sudan , from the struggle of personal relationships to the stress of living in USA 2006, there’s a riot that’s been going on. Consider this it’s soundtrack.

Lif’s latest single, ‘Brothaz’ features remixes from French outfit, TTC and fellow label mate, Cannibal Ox.

Review – Bit off the beaten track for this site but this is alright, it is harsh at times but intelligent viewpoints and a good piece of non mainstream hip hop.

Ultra/Mega covers American consumerism, and Brothaz is the killer track and its politicisms. Fries adds some humour as does Murs is My Manager with its fast jazzy funk grooves. Washitup too is dancehall with afunky twist. The title track Mo' Mega is maybe more mainstream in concept. For You is also a top track, more poignant maybe

So a pretty diverse and interesting set.

Tracks - 1. Collapse; 2. Ultra/Mega ;3. Brothaz ;4. Fries ;5. Take Hold Fire ;6. Murs is My Manager ;7. Washitup; 8. Long Distance ;9. Mo' Mega ;10. Lookin' In ;11. For You

Amana Melome – Indigo Red Buy Here http://www.amanamelome.com/new/index.html

Info: - Born in Germany, raised in Italy, Amana Melome' grew up exposed to music from around the world. Both grandparents were heavy in the international Jazz scene; her grandfather Jimmy Woode started as the youngest musician in Duke Ellington's band and toured as one of the golden men of Jazz until his recent passing.
" My grandmother was a jazz vocalist and I remember loving listening to her sing while ironing. By the time I was a teenager I knew so many old jazz songs it surprised even her... I enjoyed them so much, they just stuck" she giggles.

" I've been fortunate enough to see much of the world, and can't wait to see the rest. The languages came into play because I love to communicate and possibly have an exchange with everyone I encounter" she says humbly, carrying 4 languages plus in her pocket (English, Italian, French and German ).
Amana moved back to the States to go to college and made the village in New York City her home for some years as she earned her BA degree at NYU. She recently moved to LA to pursue her singing career.

"I grew up listening to (and being inspired by) everything under the sun...thanks to my mother; everything from Carmen McRae to Angelique Kidjo, from Manu Chao to Vivaldi, from Bob Marley to Lauren Hill, from Neffa to Alliance Ethnique, Eminem to Jack Johnson...so when I create music, my ear jumps all over the place and I'll find myself combining opera with bossa and jazz, but hey, that's who I am..."

"Essential to my existence is the love and support of family and friends including my wonderful producer 'Sage'. So blessed to find someone on the same crazy page as I am...after tedious trial and error with other producers " .

Now dedicating full time to songwriting, she says " the arts ARE my life, everyone in my family is an artist, and creating is as essential as air to me .
I am looking forward to the journey as I get a chance to share myself with the world, each day I am excited anew".

Her lyrics : vivid and laced with a consciousness and purity that can only add to the music scene today.
Currently Amana has a band performing around the country and sharing the live experience of her songs promoting her newly released CD "Indigo Red".

Keep an eye out for this rising star.

Review: - Mainly jazz flavoured and influenced but also a melange of styles. Kicking off with a lightly caribbean flavoured Caterpillar, and then an acoustic Nao Falo, and a funky Space Age Mama Jama. Well does all this do it, yes I think it does.

Indigo Red , the title track but pretty much an interlude, is again acoustic, spoken and dreamy. Platonic again is reggae flavoured particularly when it picks up. Encantada is well a whole punch, kinda Spanish, acoustic, bit operatic, bit afro if you want something different try this. Black Sheep, a blues jam, contains rock elements with distorted guitar. Most of the rest is downbeat jazzy ballads and great to chill to.

I feel at this point I must mention ‘Sage’ , the producer, arranger, instrumentation, studio – I am sure he was very influential in this packagee.

I found this different and most enjoyable, it doesn’t have that ‘killer’ track (theat the UK particularly like to latch on to), but it is well produced, well sung, a jazzy neo feel to it, with lots of variety.

Tracks: - 1. Intro; 2. Caterpillar; 3. Nao Falo ;4. Space Age Mama Jama; 5. Indigo Red; 6. Floss Girl; 7. Platonic; 8. Encantada; 9. Black Sheep; 10. Hear Say
11. So Glad I Found You; 12. Jack and Jill; 13. Searching for Myself; 14. Indigo Red (reprise); 15. Bella Farfalla

Veeda – Love’s Anatomy Buy Here http://www.veeda.4t.com/

Info : With vocal spices of Chaka, Sade and Ella, VEEDA (age 28), has an impeccable style that is long anticipated. Born a "Mack" diva, with powerhouse vocals, VEEDA's original music will cause you to tune your ear to the smoothness of perfect pitch in the key of Jazzy erotic "E". Many accolade her sound as an "R&B/jazz refined gumbo" that flourishes into a dynamic eccentric resonance that undoubtedly classifies her as a contemporary urban stylist.

With the debut of her CD Love's Anatomy, her interpreting of standards like Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wanna Holler) and lyrical dedicational revision of Mr."Grover" Magic both songs will make you wanna' dance as well as remember the late and great artist from the past. The CD also reveals her excellent penmanship of profound lyrics and melodic structures delivered in her incredible flexible alto range and rich timbre in such originals as Love's Anatomy, Young Mothers, Jessel's Song and So Ya' Say. The CD absolutely promises a little something for every ear, regardless of age.

With performances that include saxophonist Paul Taylor (CIAA/2006/DTT Entertainment), THE SAX PACK Concert – Kim Waters, Marion Meadows & Jeff Kashiwa, Jazz in the Park sponsored by the Durham City's Parks and Recreation Department, Soul Cafe' (NYC), The Bimbe", Radio One “Live at City View” in Baltimore, MD, Triangle-Triad Black Entertainment & Sports (TRIBES) Magazine Kicks Off Event, private corporate parties, weddings and other jazz and R&B venues, Veeda continues to pass the sounds of long-over-due “good music" on.

As one fan recently stated in an email, "Veeda has a gift. It is almost as if a spirit comes straight from above out of her mouth. It is difficult to explain. But, I could hear something other than the lyrics and music … there is this feeling."

Veeda's inherent of a natural vocal ability includes operatic vocal technique classes, in addition, she plays piano. Veeda has worked with some of the best in the business - Grammy Songwriter Pam Sawyer (Love Hangover by Diana Ross), Darryl Roberts (Same Ole' Love by Anita Baker), Omar Hakim, (Sting), William "Spaceman" Patterson, (Falling by Alicia Keys).

Born and reared in Durham, NC, Veeda grew up surrounded by vocalists as well as musician. Her mother sang as a lead vocalist with a east coast road band for 26 years. In addition, she was one of the finalist in GIMME THE MIKE (sponsored by FOX/50).

Her musical fortes are Ella Fitzgerald, Sade, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, George Benson, Abby Lincoln, Billie Holliday, Mary J. Blidge, Jill Scott, Chaka Kahn, Will Downing, and Durham's own international recording artists Nnenna Freelon and Eve Cornelius.

Review: - A very fine intro and version of Inner City Blues (Makes me Wanna' Holler), very jazzy, very individual and a showcase to Veeda’s strong vocals. I wouldn’t ordinarily go for a re,ake of such a great track but this works. So You Say is kinda Stevie funky with Chaka vocals, but again it is the vocals that power through.

Mr. Grover Magic is a jazzy skit, an easy jazzy reminiscing og th egreat Grover and complemented with a great sax. Where do me go now – well it’s a Sade soundalike and vibe, Love's Anatomy. Young Mothers is a slow heartfelt pretty much acoustic ballad. Tonight is another slow and moody ballad and very much a favourite.

Lot of albums get stale or samey by track but this one is going strong with another favourite a slow funky baduesque Jessel's Song and another in a similar vein Ooh And How He Touch Me. A third track of a similar ilk is In Your Corner, with some sweet vocals. More traditional ending on Satin Blue

Liked this particularly the strength of the vocals.

Tracks: -1. Inner City Blues (Makes me Wanna' Holler) ;2. So You Say ;3. Mr. Grover Magic; 4. Love's Anatomy; 5. Young Mothers; 6. Tonight ;7. Jessel's Song ;8. Ooh And How He Touch Me; 9. In Your Corner ;10. Satin Blue

Terell - Missing Education – The Demo www.datboyzent.com

Laura Jane – To My Planet Boo http://www.sweetlaurajane.com/

Info: - LAURA JANE; she is a singer, a writer, a dancer and an actress. She is multicultural, she is a thinker and a world traveller. Some might say she is a chameleon, a loner even, a free spirit with an open mind. Whatever, the case may be or whatever one's perception may be, one thing is clear - she is an artist to watch with a one shot vision to conquer the world with her music.

Having performed as a background singer with some of the greatest and most popular artists around , her credits reflect her passion for all kinds of music. Sharing the stage with people like Tre Hardson of the Pharcye, Kim Hill, N'Dea Davenport of the Brand New Heavies, The Queen of Salsoul - Cecilia Noel, The Soul of John Black, Bosson, Jessica Simpson, Aaliyah,Monica, oldtimers NewBirth, Jada Pinkett Smith of WICKED WISDOM, The Alan Hewitt Project, saxophone extraordinaire Andre Delano and international superstar Enrique Igleisas, with whom she has toured the world as a featured vocalist in his concerts performing duets with him recorded by Whitney Houston and Kelis.

LAURA JANE - now in her own voice is releasing her debut album TO MY PLANET, BOO! And Laura's planet includes every style of music and it is indicative on this record. "I didn't want to do what seemed to be an R & B record, I wanted to incorporate rock, electronic, world music even. My original concept was a Sade meets Bjork". She then turned to friend and colleague Winston Black, probably Los Angeles's premier underground producer to concieve the record. Laura Jane's influence and love for true old school soul music is reflected in her vocal style captivated on such songs like THE BUZZ,, SUMMERTIME IN THE CITY and FEVER. Her thoughtful lyrics and messages are exemplified in two raw and earthy brazilian percussion tracks created by the Gilmar Gomes Percussion Orchestra on THE CALL and DOMINO EFFECT. Mr. Black, incorporating rock, electronica and funky dance music is reflected on DEAR RITA and LONELY SUNSHINE. The hot beat and arabic sound of LAURA LEFT and the transient title track TO MY PLANET BOO give this record a little bit of everything for everyone. The only way to describe is funky world pop music.

Purchase your copy of LAURA JANE'S debut album TO MY PLANET BOO! here today on CDBABY!

Review: -

Laura Left kicks off as R’n’B with that middle eastern arabic feel. Kind of Ok but none too original these days. An interesting track with freestyle vocals, sax and effects, very fastpaced and jazzy with Drum and Bass overtones - Summertime in the City. Fever is more neo than the rest and a track I like, but not necessarily fo rthat reason

The Call is lots of things, funky, latin, percussive, native american. To My Planet Boo, the title track, lots in there , some old skool influences but I can’t really see where this one is going. The Journey brings it back down to something I can relate to, well the funky side of the guitars, but not the rock bite, some nice sax work in there too. Domino Effect again is percussive, brazilian, spoken word, poetic, with thought provoking and well structured words.

The Buzz again is very interesting, stsrts of in a p funk kind of direction and then goes a bit latin and then back. Lonely Sunshine is more poppy, more dancey and maybe more accessible.

A diverse and interesting album – there’s a whole bunch going on, some of which I get and some I have to say I don’t but it never hurts to have a challenging album.

Tracks: -1. Laura Left; 2. Summertime in the City 3. Fever ;4. The Call; 5. Dear Rita; 6. To My Planet Boo; 7. The Journey; 8. Domino Effect; 9. The Buzz; 10. Lonely Sunshine

Sophia Darcell – Soul Eclectic www.sophiadarcell.com

Info: - Sophia Darcell

Take the ultra cool backdrop of sizzling hot Miami, a sultry female soul singer, and five dapper groove-oriented musicians collectively from Paris, Aracuja, Barcelona, and Memphis…put them together and what do you get? One eclectic undeniably sexy wall of sound reflected in Sophia Darcell’s new album "Soul Eclectic".

Currently touring throughout the Southeast, Sophia Darcell makes an impressive return to the urban music scene with a marked departure from the melancholic acoustic songs of “Love=Pain” back in 2001.

Although the depressive ballads on “Love=Pain” earned Sophia rave press reviews in South East Performer Magazine, Creative Loafing Atlanta, Splendidezine.com, etc., in addition to performances everywhere from Hard Rock Café to Phillips Arena, it’s obvious the songstress/producer rebounds this time around with more socially conscious songs, backed by up tempo Urban Afro-Caribbean grooves, and a decidedly different attitude concerning life and affairs of the heart.

Joined by Eric Escanes (Guitar), Charles Silva (Percussion), Dave Gabillet (Drums), Kenneth Williams (Bass), and Juan Pau (Keyboards), Sophia Darcell’s comeback is nothing ordinary. Together their smooth fusion of Jazz, Rock, Funk, and R&B bring to mind Brit-Soul bands like Brand New Heavies, Sade, Les Nubians, and Incognito.

Their first singles "Charades", "They Love Like That", "Make Up Your Mind", etc. are expected to begin airplay on various radio stations across the U.S. and U.K. in March 2006 including WEDR 99 JMAZ 99.1 FM, SIRIUS satellite radio, and Etherbeat Alternative Urban Internet Radio.

Without further ado, take a listen to Sophia Darcell.

Review: - From the forthcoming album due on June 29 2006 and if this sampler is anything to go by it will be very much worth it. Sophia Darcell is the band but it is very much built around the sultry easy vocals of Sophia Darcell. The musicianship though is excellent and it is a fusion of styles and they particularly cite British bands, but I detect a bunch more than that like the funky guitar and percussion on they love like that and the curtis mayfield on 7 seas.

Charades has a funky intro laden with mellow horns and heavy guitar. Its an interesting and eclectic mixwhich mixes together well, and add to that chilled vocals and haunting harmonies, there ‘s lots to listen to but it all adds to a great track. 7 seas starts with seagulls and acoustic guitar, which in itself conjures up an image, add the sweet melody, percussion, funky guitars and vocals and it could be out of a Chicago concept album.

The funky they love like that is my favourite of the four with an anthemic hook that hangs in your mind – on the break it kind of goes a bit dubby and I could see it going much harder in a mix. make up your mind probably contains the strongest vocals on an acoustic ballad with sampled strings, great corus and great song.

Very nice indeed and can’t wait for the full album.

Tracks:- Charades; 7 seas;they love like that;make up your mind;Drama King interlude.

Rena Scott – Let me love you Buy Here http://renascott.net/

Info: - Rena Scott's powerful voice and unrivaled magnetic style have brought her to the forefront of R&B, pop, jazz, and gospel vocalists. Her new CD, "Let Me Love You, " on Amor Records, is further testament to her incredible range of talent.

Scott, who grew up in a Detroit suburb, began her singing career at her elementary school and from there became lead vocalist in the church choir; singing at a professional level by the tender age of 13.

Scott started appearing in local clubs, attracting audiences everywhere she went. While performing with The Four Tops, she was discovered by a local production company who signed her to a contract. Her first record, "I Just Can't Forget That Boy," debuted while she was still in high school.

As a student at Wayne State University, Scott landed a job as a backup singer for her idol....Aretha Franklin. Their five state tours ended at New York's famed Carnegie Hall, and Scott vowed she would return someday as a headliner. This vow became a reality when she sang opposite Michael Henderson on their million-selling duet, "Take Me, I'm Yours," on Arista Records

Scott left Detroit to accept an offer to entertain at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. Four months later she headed for California.

Scott is a seasoned performer and a true professional who devotes her full energy to each new endeavor. Her first single off the new CD, "I know It's Right," is starting to chart and is being received worldwide.

Review: the track, A Love Thang, is a great opener, midtempo, old school, warm soulful vocals. Let Me Love You takes it right down into a classy ballad, a track that has rightly landed many plaudits and garnered much attention. Then third track third style Good to Me uptempo and funky, but of its ilk I prefer Move On It. Nonetheless the three openers show the diversity on show, and all done professionally and with a warmth and pedigree that you don’t often see these days.

Day & Night is a killer sexy, saxy, sultry ballad that is up there with the best on the album. I Know It's Right treads the same path.

Remember-long Version and Remember-radio Version is absolutely quality and in say a Jean Carne mould, so as you will appreciate it is sophisticated soul of the highest order. Plaything and Not Forever are slightly more upbeat - – the latter is particularly funky - and it comes back down for I'll Keep Coming Back.

Quality album that comes complete with a DVD dual disk side.

Tracks: - 1. A Love Thang ;2. Let Me Love You ;3. Good to Me ;4. Day & Night; 5. I Know It's Right; 6. Remember-long Version; 7. Move On It ;8. Plaything
9. Not Forever; 10. I'll Keep Coming Back ;11. Remember-radio Version

Rena Scott – Remember http://renascott.net/

Quality track from the above album also with a DVD side.

Krystylez Buy Here http://krystylez.com/

Info: - Born in Chicago, Krystylez as a child loved music his father was a Gospel singer and so was his mother. Growing up with sensational artists like Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, The Enchantments. He brings a smoothness to your ear.

But Krystylez is not a stranger to the hip hop r&b world either with artists like R.Kelly, Joe, Dru Hill, ect. He brings a feel that you will never forget.

His cd Krystylez tells his story about whats he has been through and is just telling it like it is. You can be relaxing with his song called "Second Chance" or just banging at the party with "Bordiqua". World be ready Krystylez coming to your door.

Review: - Second Chance is probably my top track here, a mellow well structured piece of R’n’B, nice vibe with a hook that stays in your head. Nice track. The opener Easy Come Easy Go isn’t too bad either, even more downbeat but with a strong feel. A couple more downbeat items not quite up to the quality of the first two, Vertical Joyryde and If I Could,

Then hit the dancefloor with Bordiqua with its fast paced rhythms doesn’t quite do it for me. Locked Up is another change particularly lyrically, more provoking and less relationship based, slow vibe strong vocals, bluesy kind of feel.

A lot of the tracks are slow ballads, some of them are quite good, most of them have something going for them (I Lied for example has some pretty heartfelt lyrics, sounds personal) but overall I find myself wanting something more, or maybe something less and a bit more variety.

Here 4 U is a bit of a stepper. No Way is more the kind of track that the UK might go for, midtempo dance groove. Going On and Forgive me are pretty formulaic.

Of the names mentioned in the intro I would classify it as better than Dru Hill but not quite a Joe, but overall a pretty good album. I like the structure and delivery of the songs, just maybe a little more originality required.

Tracks: - 1. Easy Come Easy Go; 2. Second Chance ;3. Vertical Joyryde; 4. If I Could ;5. Bordiqua ;6. Make It Right ;7. Locked Up ;8. I Lied ;9. Here 4 U
10. No Way;11. Push; 12. Going On; 13. Slyde ;14. Forgive Me

Ascendant – Where you are now http://www.ascendantmusic.com/

The BAND: Aleata Holloway Vocals and Bass Grooves ;Kael Mboya Vocals and Keyboard Colors ; Michael Lockett Vocals and Percussive Moods; with Kirk T. Marshall Drums (2001-present) ;Gabe Wallace Drums (2002-2003); James Knowles Drums (2004-present); Phillip Seed Guitar (2004-present); Gary Baker Guitar (2003-2004)

Who is ASCENDANT?

ASCENDANT is a band and a partnership, shared primarily amongst three artists, Kael Mboya, Aleata Holloway and Michael Lockett, whose collective vision is to share their gifts, especially their talent and passion for music, with the world.

Their sound is a soulful blend of R&B, rock, funk, jazz..., so expect to be moved by the funk, the groove, the mood, the beat, the energy, the fire, the essence. This is not for the surface people. ASCENDANT digs deep into the core of you and lifts you up to places you never thought you could reach.

ASCENDANT was started by Kael Mboya (pronounced EM-BOY-YAH) as a vehicle for his musical expression. After having performed in and recorded for several bands (including David Josias' 1995 single "Mindblowin", imi Records) and having toured half the world over, Kael decided that it was time to put energy toward his own ideas.

He is always true to what the music is asking of him; intensely passionate and dedicated, putting his heart and full energy into the creativity and expression of the music. This really comes across in their performances. "The dancing keyboardist" is full of energy when he directs the band from a danceable groove into a foot stomping vamp. Kael: "I don't direct the band per se. I am directed by the music. I don't think we (artists) write anything really. Creation does. The chords already exist. Being a part of that process, being a vessel for music to flow through, that's an artist's job. We channel it. It directs us and we have to be open and true to the spirit of it."

Aleata Holloway joined up with Kael and added her own unique style to the mix. Having also performed in many bands over the years, including touring with blues legend Otis Clay, she found a great opportunity to showcase her own music with

ASCENDANT. Her talents as a bass virtuoso combined with lyrical honesty and heartfelt emotion, make her one of the most unique artists around today. Her capabilities seem endless as she flows through a melodic ballad or a rocking burst of funk with ease. Aleata says, "music is an extension of self: thoughts, talents, emotion, knowledge, ability, energy...spirit."

Once the creative heading was decided by Kael and Aleata, they both wanted to share the opportunity with their mutual friend Michael Lockett. Michael added a desirable element to

ASCENDANT with his talents of harmony and vocal styling.

Michael was bitten by the singing bug when he was nine years old. Once he understood how much music was a part of him, it was time to make it a career. He began singing with a local vocal group, Truce, who competed in various talent shows and clubs around Chicago. They released one single, "Pump It", with the Strictly Rhythm Records label, wrote and performed over twenty original songs and toured the U.S. and Italy. Throughout his career, singing and songwriting have allowed him to express himself honestly: his dreams, his happiness and his sorrow. Michael: "My experiences are unique to me, yet through my songs, I always hope to open a doorway to the heart of the listener, connecting us, even for only a moment."

ASCENDANT has brought their unique soulful sounds to many venues across the USA. They have gained fans and high ratings from music lovers due, in large part, to the dynamic musicianship displayed at their shows. The trio has steadily utilized top notch musicians in their "backfield". Here a just a few...

Kirk T. Marshall has played with ASCENDANT since their first performance. His consummate skills as a drummer really come to bare as ASCENDANT may start a groove funky then end it jazzy or reggae. Kirk has extensive experience, having played for the gospel stage play "A Piece of My Soul" for four years and performed in countless bands over the past ten years. Kirk's current project, Konstant Groove, has provided live entertainment for various occasions. Newcomer, Gabe Wallace, exhibits fantastic skill for his young age. The energy and fun spirit he brings to an ASCENDANT show stirs the crowd and raises them to new heights. Gabe's current project, Junto Phenix, brings fresh perspectives to the "jazz fusion" music movement. Experience ASCENDANT: The band, the skills, the message, the essence.”

Review: - A very live sounding band encompassing funk, jazz soul and R’n’B. Power (Real) (mp3) is a funky opener, funky catchy vocals, funky Stevie (Superstition era) backing, pulling in the anthemic qualities of say the Ohio Players, and I would guess a show opener. We Can Work It Out Somehow is a nice mellower tune with Aleata on lead. Another variation on Give It Up (The Mentality) (Real ) (mp3) which has a reggae vibe and strong lyrical content.

Illusions (Real) (mp3) is a long epic ballad containing some great vocals by Aleata and one of the top tracks. Although possibly my top pick is Friend fa Sho' (Rising) which features Michael on lead, a mellow ballad but with a funky vocal, a top performance. Make It So (Parts 1 & 2) (Real ) (mp3) is an interesting track in the way it is structured into parts 1 and 2.

Where You Are Now (Real) (mp3) is my favourite uptempo track, with the vibe probably most likely in the uk featuring the three vocalists in rotation and some nice harmonies. Happy (Real) (mp3) is a feelgood, summery acoustic ballad, or that’s how it starts until it picks up an almost gospel vibe, before it goes back acoustic, and so on. Closing with We Are... (Real) (mp3)

which is a sweet band appraisal.

Tracks: -1 Power (Real) (mp3), 2 We Can Work It Out Somehow 3 Give It Up (The Mentality) (Real ) (mp3) ,4 Can't Help Myself (Real) (mp3) ,5 Illusions (Real) (mp3) ,6 Friend fa Sho' (Rising) , 7 Hard Times ,8 Make It So (Parts 1 & 2) (Real ) (mp3) ,9 Where You Are Now (Real) (mp3) ,10 Happy (Real) (mp3) ,11 10-D (Real ) (mp3),12 We Are... (Real) (mp3)

Hil St Soul – SOULidified http://www.shanachie.com/

From the opening bars of Hey Boy you can instantly tell that this is going to be a good one, excellent opening track, strong vocals, catchy hook. Sweet On You is beatier but so infectious, more R’n’B I suppose. It's OK starts off acoustically before the organ kicks in, the track like the previous two is structured over a catchy groove or hook and Hil’s luscious vocals kind of freestyles over and above this in a controlled way.

Goodbye is a sexy ballad, almost too much so for a Goodbye song. Betta Days is pretty much contemporary R’n’b complete with old skool sample, maybe even ripe for an ever harder remix for the clubs.

Can We Spend Some Time is a bit of a gem, semi funky, tinkly piano, choral hook, nice tempo, gospelly overtones. We Don't Talk is a bluesier old skool soul ballad. 2 Good To Be True is a bit of a skit and not, for me, s strong. Smokey Joint has a nice vibe, jazzy kind of hip hop with King Reign. Baby Come Over is a slow neo duet with Dwele. One of a Kind is a strong ballad slowie. Closing with another sexy slow jam Time For Love.

Pretty strong the whole way through with some strong cuts and one of the better things in something of a slow year so far.

Ms Monique – Soul Sessions Chapter 1 www.msmonique.net

Sassy, Sexy and Soulful and as some would say she is the Real Deal. Vocal ability that will stand up to any artist both old school and new school. A flat-footed authentic soul singer that merged on to the music scene with a whole lot to say. Ms. Monique was born and raised in Boynton Beach, Florida. Performing was in her heart as a very young age. Ms. Monique went on to sit many stages with musical legends such as BB King, The Ojays, Jeffrey Osborne and the list goes on. Her debut album Soul Sessions Chapter 1 is gaining critical acclaim both state side as well as Europe and Asia. This album is creating such a buzz in the industry and has many saying that Ms. Monique will be just the artist to bring back Classic Soul. Her peers compare her to Gladys Knight, Betty Wright and the sassy Millie Jackson. She accepts these comparisons gracefully however when you encounter Ms. Monique you will know that she is defiantly in a class of her own. Her immaculate writing skills have enabled her to write and co-produce each track on her album. Each song coming from personal experiences as well as others around her. Ms. Monique is receiving airplay across the world and is continuing to move into arenas far beyond even her initial expectations. She is enjoying the rise to the top and gives God the glory for giving her the platform to share her talent with the world.

Review: - Love it, some very nice vocals on this, very much in an old skool vein. I have already played out Mr. Do Right to good reaction, mellow vibe, southern tinged, lovely funky horn and string loops, with a sensuous vocal, great stuff. Get Up is more upbeat and funkier, but again a top tune in a Miami funk, Betty Wright kind of style.

Lollipop takes it down into a sensual love jam, but again it is warm, easy on the ear, instant and very soulful. Love Therapy has a deeper stronger vocal, leaning more towards say a Millie Jackson in delivery and storyline, complete with monologue. I’m really loving this section, another couple of slow jams Slow & Easy and I'm Looking For a Good Man .

Do You Wanna Step Wit Me is the obligatory stepper these days, and not a very strong one. The Miami funk of Ooh Baby is much better before yet another enormously strong love ballad You Did It To You . Closing with what I guess is a personal song Single Mama .

Ms. Monique
SOUL SESSIONS
CHAPTER 1

Click on a song to hear a 30 second snippet.

Intro, Mr. Do Right ,Get Up, Lollipop, Interlude (WSOL), Love Therapy, Slow & Easy, I'm Looking For a Good Man, Interlude (Radio Spot), Do You Wanna Step Wit Me ,Ooh Baby ,You Did It To You ,Lover Therapy (Continuation) ,Single Mama, Prayer

Carole Riddick – Moments like this http://www.carolriddick.net/

Info:- Philadelphia’s best kept secret is out of the bag! Carol Riddick is releasing her solo debut album Moments Like This for all the world to hear.

The sultry singer/songwriter has graced stages from her hometown of Philadelphia to across the globe, winning fans and admirers with her extraordinary voice. Highly regarded in the music community for her vocal dexterity, mesmerizing performances, and genuinely warm personality, Carol Riddick’s time is now.

Born and raised in South Philadelphia, music has been a part of her life since she was a teenager. It was in her early adulthood that the industry took notice of her vocal talent when she got her start touring with Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff. Since then Carol has blessed the tracks of many notable artists. She is featured on records by Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scott, Norman Brown, and Kindred. Most recently her distinct vocal delivery can be heard on Musiq’s “Soulstar”, the title track on his multi-platinum album.

“I so love sharing my gift of music and creativity with others. It’s amazing to have worked with such stellar artists and vocalists like I have. I am blessed to have been able to work on beautiful music with some of the most talented musicians in the universe.” Yet even while working with the industries finest, Carol always dreamed of sharing her own music. Now, with the release of her debut album, Carol has evolved into an artist in her own right.

After partnering with Axis Music Group, a Philadelphia-based record company, Carol spent the majority of 2005 writing material for her project. Moreover, Carol creatively spearheaded her debut album. What some may consider a huge undertaking for an artist came natural to Carol who co-produced and co-wrote the majority of tunes on Moments Like This. While penning her lyrics, Carol drew inspiration from her loving family and an unyielding quest for living her dreams. Musically, it was imperative to deliver a stellar live sound. To achieve this goal, she collaborated with Grammy award winning producers and songwriters including James Poyser (Erykah Badu, The Roots), Anthony Bell (Jill Scott, Jewel), and Carvin Haggins & Ivan Barias (Musiq, Faith Evans). Carol’s fondness for the Philly International and Motown recordings she grew up on is reflected in Moments Like This which carries on the tradition of music that moves people. The album is laced with live instrumentation and purely soulful vocals; it is simply music for the grown and sexy. Highlights include a song dedicated to her daughter entitled “All I Wanna Be (Krystal)”, the women’s anthem “Brown Eyed Girl”, and the hit single “You Better Not Hurt Me”.

“I’m committed to writing empowering, positive music that people can gain inspiration from. It’s my hope that listeners will feel the songs as strongly as I do and make them a regular part of their listening experience. I poured my heart and soul into this music and I hope that it touches all who hear it with that same intensity.”

We invite you to the Carol Riddick experience. Her beautiful spirit, sensuous stage shows and passionate vocal delivery will hit your ears and alter your spirit in the most beautiful way.

Kick back, light a candle, get comfortable, and enjoy.”

Review: - Only a four track sampler at the moment containing You better not hurt me, A better me, I don’t wanna and Brown Eyed Girl. And they are four quality songs superbly delivered, all sultry slow and soulful, especially I don’t wanna a song that lingers in the head a long time after. Brown Eyed girl is the most upbeat I guess, bit funkier, bit jazzier, and very dramatic with string loops adding to the effect, with some glorious vocal bits. You better not hurt is a haunting neo soul heartfelt warning love song. From one of Philly’s finest, excellent stuff.

Ann Peebles – Brand New Classics

Info: - Track Records is very proud to announce the first new release by the legendary Memphis Soul artist in a decade -

ANN PEEBLES - BRAND NEW CLASSICS - CAT: No - TRA 1055 - Release Date (retail) - 12th June 2006 (IN THE TRACK STORE ON SALE NOW)

A diminutive singer with a powerful voice and an even stronger attitude, Ann Peebles was one of the artists who defined Willie Mitchell's legendary Memphis soul label Hi Records, along with Al Green and, later, O.V. Wright. Easily the best female singer in the Hi stable, Peebles ranked among the finest deep Southern soul singers of the decade, notching an instant classic with her 1973 hit "I Can't Stand the Rain." She co-wrote a generous share of her own material with husband Don Bryant, and while she cut plenty of love and heartbreak tunes, her persona was built on the grit and resilient strength she displayed on songs like "I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down" (a number one single for Paul Young in UK). Her best recordings hold up among the greatest of their era. Her songs have been covered by Humble Pie, Tina Turner, Bette Midler, Booker T & MG''s and Missy Elliot. Riding High on the critically acclaimed Rhino/Starbucks release I Believe To My Soul - this CD contains Ann's first new recordings in a decade and a beautifully intimate set of some of her classics. “Chase These Blues Away” is an epic song that will get inside any lover of Blues and Soul music. Ann also gives great renditions of three classic songs The Stones “Miss You” & Eric Clapton's “Tears In Heaven” & Foreigners “I Want To Know What Love Is”. She also duets with the late John Bonham's sister Deborah Bonham, on a new version of “I Can't Stand The Rain”.

Tracklisting
1. I’ll Get Along
2. (You Keep Me) Hanging On
3. I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down
4. I Want To Know What Love Is
5. Walk Away
6. MEDLEY - Steal Away / I Still Love You
7. The Handwriting is On the Wall
8. Love Vibration
9. I’m So Thankful
10 Feel Like Breaking up Somebody’s Home

bonus tracks:-
11. Chase These Blues Away
12. Miss You
13. Tears in Heaven
14. I Can't Stand The Rain
15. Spread (feat Don Bryant)

Total Running Time: 76:18

Websites: http://www.acousticsoultour.com

Review: - The first 10 tracks were recorded live in the studio in Memphis, they are powerful vocally and have a good live feel. The bluesier/southern soul slower numbers particularly illustrate the power of the vocal talent, on tracks like You keep me hanging on which I particularly like. I would imagine that the acoustic soul tour would sound exactly like this, so it will be a gig well worth checking out.

There are renditions of her well known tunes like, I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down, which is also strong. I Want To Know What Love Is is a version of the Foreigner hit. The MEDLEY of Steal Away and I Still Love You is so powerful and yet a delight. Love Vibration is lighter more subtle more like the old Hi material, sweet. Feel Like Breaking up Somebody’s Home is pure down home southern soul sounding like it comes straight out of a jam session in some downtown memphis bar.

Chase These Blues Away is 7 minutes of passionate Blues. Tears in Heaven is a nice version, has the feel of days gone by in Memphis, probably assisted by the musicians used, its got that sweet harmobicguitars and keys. Familiarity probably would ordinarily shy me away from I Can't Stand The Rain, but this version is quite different and quite funky. Closing with some Gospel on Spread featuring Don Bryant.

Great to hear such a fine vocalist again.

Spida Lee – Verbal Assassin www.rubiconbeat.com

BroadCite – Unplugged Vol Two – Internal reflections www.broadcite.com

Mocky – Navy Brown Blues www.mockyrecordings.com

Future Classic Attractions www.futureclassic.com.au

US3 – Schizophonic www.us3.com

A bunch of material from the same stable offering a diverse and interesting range of upfront Uk talent.

First off Spida Lee with a heavy beat laden UK hip hop outing, lyrically hitting parts that only Uk based listeners will initially understand, but that’s no bad thing. Wasn’t sure at first but its growing on me, with its heavy backbeat and menacing loop.

BroadCite’s tag line is Soulful House, boogie, neo soul,hip hop, broken beats and live percussion – fusing sound for the musically aware. Features a bunch of eclectic and global artists such as Osunslade, Statless, Studio Apartment, Cyberworks and Altered Native. This is an interesting and diverse collection covering all of those genres or subgenres.

Cyberworks – Aquatech is quite a nice instrumental, moody and atmospheric , with some good vibes. Studio Apartment – Brave Mind out of Japan, very percussive and good keys. Then it really gets going for me with a funky, bass driven boogie track, out of Sweden, Daniel Veres – Sane Red Evil . Then the first vocal track, excellent vocals but against a whole heap of stuff that is a little complicated for me - Altered Native ft Dina Deby – Drop.

Female rapper voice out of New Orleans takes the stage next on her Gorilla Hustlin. Project Move continues in a hip hop vein on Butterfly Theory, probably the best cut if I had to choose, jazzy, vibin, intelligent hip hop – nice. Stateless – falling into is also appealing a mellow midtempo, groovy thing with Ernesto on vocals, in a bit of a Sly Stone vein, but not quite soulful enough for me. Brown – Broken a jazzy, break beating freestylin instrumental concoction. David Murray – Qwotet (Osunslade remix) afrobeat influenced, tribal house and very good. Quentin Harris – Travelling (Dub version) – the dub version hear is quite good but search out the vocal version.

Souled – Touch, broken beats, house, I don’t know, not one for me this one. Method Unique – Read between the lines, moody largely instrumental, sparce vocals. Concluding with Black Science Orchestra – Head Space Lullaby, funky spacey live BSO, laden with harmonica.

A very interesting and varied set, not traditional soul I guess but plenty on there to be interesting and different.

Tracks: - Cyberworks – Aquatech, Studio Apartment – Brave Mind, Daniel Veres – Sane Red Evil, Altered Native ft Dina Deby – Drop, Voice – Gorilla Hustlin, Project Move- Butterfly Theory, Statless – falling into, Brown – Broken, David Murray – Qwotet (Osunslade remix) – Quentin Harris – Travelling (Dub version), Souled – Touch, Method Unique – Read between the lines, Black Science Orchestra – Head Space Lullaby

Mocky – Mocky is certainly an in demand and busy individual with a number of interesting projects. This album is kind of round the edges of relevance to this site and I’m not sure that I’m feeling it, why, because its lacking in Soul I guess. As I said it tinkers around the edges with occasional good beats, and a bit of hip hop, bit dancey, bit jazzy but never quite gets there for me. Appearances by Jamie Lidell, Taylor Savvy and Feist. The track, In the meanyime with Jamie Liddel is probably the best, certainly the funkiest.

Future Classic Attractions – Sophisticated Dancefloor Sounds from Australia, mixed by Nathan McLay

“SOPHISTICATED DANCEFLOOR SOUNDS FROM AUSTRALIA Having developed a reputation for quality through club nights featuring artists such as QUANTIC, ALICE RUSSELL, RAINER TRÜBY, RECLOOSE, DUBLEX INC and KYOTO JAZZ MASSIVE, FUTURE CLASSIC unveil a compilation previewing the immense quality of talent emerging from Australia\'s own shores. \'Future Classic Attractions\' features twelve exclusive tracks that meander tastefully from the living room to the dancefloor. Label boss NATHAN MCLAY introduces us to a stable of artists quickly making an international name for themselves through worldwide twelveinch vinyl releases on Future Classic and its cluboriented offshoot Risky Disko. The preview is one of diversity and substance. There\'s epic future jazz from KIDZEN (back from working in the UK with 4HERO and BUGZ IN THE ATTIC), soulful broken beats courtesy of EDDIT (as charted by MAD MATS of Sweden\'s RAW FUSION imprint) and an exclusive track from MEEM to wet us with the taste of funk.On a deep house tip JAMIE LLOYD hints at why he is being compared to METRO AREA, while DEEPCHILD turns out his best remix to date in a sublime collaboration with GAUCHE. MAKO (fresh from remixing UK duo SWAG) is followed by a standout electro floorfiller by the STICK FIGURES (having received props from DAMIAN LAZARUS) and another by TREK before things are gradually wound back with a brilliant broken beat rework of AMPHIBIAN by MARLOW and the nudisco sleeze of TOUCH SENSITIVE to leave us wanting more and anticipating what\'s next from this label Visually this is also a landmark Australian product. With original photography all housed in a matt celloglaze slipcase with gold foil stamping \'Future Classic Attractions\' guarantees titles such as \'Hotel Costes\' a shelf showdown”

All a bit samey actually, some quite nice electro beats but not really going anywhere and sadly lacking a quality soulful vocalist IMHO.

US3 – Schizophonic www.us3.com

Schizophonic        
©2006                

for only £9.99 (FREE worldwide delivery)

Review:-

Some terrific rhythms and beats and horns, and I particularly like the afro feel to Kick This, which I would select as my favourite track. However overall I find the raps a bit weak. The first two tracks start in upbeat good time mood, and then it mellows down a bit for Review - Was It Love? with double bass and great trumpets. Change of rapper but it still doesn’t take for me. Rapwise Huff & Puff is better on a track that is stripped right down.

What's Going On In The World Today? Is much moodier, a more sinister feel to it, particularly the keys with both rappers taking turns. Change of tempo into a Latin vibe on Much 2 Much. Old skool rap and funky groove, bit corny but allright, mildly amusing on Girls U Like.

Don't Even Ask is slower, heavy double bass and some lovely piano, and I do like this one, melow rap, almost spoken word. Get Busy is well frantic. K.I.S.S.Y.O.U. is a rap kind of out of the Tone Loc mould. Closes on another funky percussive track Round The Globe.

Well all in all there’s much I like, the variety, the instrumentation, the productions but there’s still something that doesn’t quite grab me.

Track Listing
1. That's How We Do It ;2. Kick This ;3. Was It Love? ;;4. Huff & Puff ; 5. What's Going On In The World Today? ;6. Much 2 Much ; 7. Girls U Like
8. If Only ; 9. Don't Even Ask ; 10. Jobsworth ; 11. Get Busy ; 12. K.I.S.S.Y.O.U. ; 13. 1-2-3-4U ; 14. Round The Globe