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James Taylor’s 4th Dimension – Picking Up where I
left off Lil Fallay – Just for the ladies Manteca – Tremendo boogaloo Jiant - Burn Benny Johnson – Visions of Paradise Cameron Pierre – Pad Up (Get Ready) Nora Whittaker Band – Imaginary Friends Adriana Evans – El Camino Salakida Lamar Thomas – Mississippi’s Delta Son Angelique – Around the World in a groove Bar-Kays – House Party Incognito – Bees + things + Flowers – Narada
Jazz Harambe – Testify The Very Best of Sirius B - Bagunca Myoshi – The EP Lonnie Hill – Back on the Scene Rahjwanti – Soul Remember Phillip Alexander – Love you good Michael Ashanti – All of me Marcel Penn – From the School of Soul Elaine Stepter – The Woman I am Vesta – Distant Lover Trei – This is me
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James Taylor’s 4th Dimension – Picking Up where I left off www.jtq.co.uk http://www.kudosrecords.co.uk/index.php?page=detail&product=RS5346
“Hammond funk guru’s new outfit James Taylor’s 4th Dimension
releases its debut album PICKING UP WHERE WE LEFT OFF on Monday 14 May
2007 (Real Self Records; RS5346). Describing his new outfit, James
Taylor’s 4th Dimension, the Rochester-based Hammond guru – affectionately known
as ‘the Medway Monarch’ - says: ‘This project is something I’ve been promising
myself for a long while. It’s an opportunity to return to, and further explore,
the endless possibilities offered by the classic Hammond quartet format, but
this time with 20 years of recording, writing, and performing experience behind
us’. All 12 album tracks on PICKING UP WHERE WE LEFT OFF are written by
James, and the line-up is as follows: James Taylor - Hammond C3 organ; Nigel
Price – guitar; Andy McKinney – bass; Neil Robinson – drums.”
Review:- JT moving back (or forward!) to a
classic Hammond 4 piece, for me it is a bit of a throwback to a sixties kind of
appeal in general. The opener
Picking Up where I left off is
upbeat allowing all the instrumentalists to get into the groove. Boot up is
altogether funkier but somehow feels ‘light’ lacking a ‘kick ass’ factor that
many of the hammond led funl classics had.
Easy time is a great track and one of the
highlights, interplaying between a groovy organ and mellow guitar. Never in my
wildest dreams is the ‘ballad’. My favourite section of the album is, at the
point where many albums start to weaken, with a groove laden Dead Leg, and a
mellow funky French Quarter Strut.
A varied and enjoyable album, a throwback, yet
progressive
Lil Fallay – Just for the
ladies www.lilfallayboy.com
if your
looking for great louisiana dance and soul music this is the one you need. it's
been only 2 years since fallay drop a project so intense and up tempo that the
world just need to get on board. as a firefighter doing the day and a three
alarm starter at night in the dance club everything is working fallay's way.
stepping is the new crave and fallay is right on top of his game with this
stepping album. check it out and purchase it now.
Review:- Another offering from Lil Fallay and
as always there are always some top quality tracks on show, and deserving of
more attention than they actually seem to get. The top tracks for me this time are:-
I Wanna Make Love (2U), a mellow expressive
midtempo ballad, which show Fallays vocal off excellently,
Dream
Lover – the opening is slow introducing the guest guitarist, goes
into an opening rap, and then the track gets into its own groove, which is
midtempo, where the horns and the hook gently entwine over a strong vocal,
Cruel
– is a slow emotive ballad about lost love
For me those are the best tracks, the others
are a mixture of styles ranging from derivative dance mixes, bit of R’n’B, and
some more localised> Now some
of t hese will rank higher depending on personal taste. One
4 Da Ladies (V Mix) is very much an opener, catchy, not very
original lyrically or musically but one that gets you into the groove. They
Trying 2 Stop Da Party (Radio) is fairly commercial and old school
sounding, the strength being the vocals which actually win through most of the time regardless of the strength of
the song.
Chill
is a slow ballad but for me not as strong as the aforementioned one, but that
said a stronger lyric, more in the Southern Soul mould, than the preceding
tracks. The next two tracks are
dancehall related but for differing styles, Up-
N- Da Club the title pretty much tells you what you’re going to
accept. The Zydefunk
Slide is Fallays own dance.
Summer
Tyme Lady is a feel good summer breezey number, which comes close to
the top 3 tracks. Celebration
of Love is also a very strong ballad.
And to conclude a couple of remixes - One
4 Da Ladies (Radio) They
Trying 2 Stop Da Party (V Mix)
Another fine album from the hardworking Lil
Fallay.
Tracks: -One
4 Da Ladies (V Mix) They
Trying 2 Stop Da Party (Radio) Chill
I Wanna Make Love (2U) Dream Lover Cruel
Up- N- Da Club Zydefunk
Slide
Summer
Tyme Lady Ceebration of Love One
4 Da Ladies (Radio) They
Trying 2 Stop Da Party (V Mix) Just
For The Ladies (Out-tro
Manteca –
Tremendo boogaloo www.freestylerecords.co.uk
MANTECA
TREMENDO BOOGALOO FSR7002 Formed by ex-Candela
member back in 1990, Manteca is comprised of the most professional and skilled
musicians within the London Latin scene. Spreading their wings right across the
Latino spectrum and incorporating boogaloo, funk, cumbia and soul into their
sound, they are one of the new school groups bringing a fresh edge to the traditional.
'Tremendo Boogaloo' fires up the floor with a groove reminiscent of Mongo
Santamaria or Bobby Valentin: definitely one for the ladies. On the flip 'Pa
Lante' comes through with a more traditional latin sound to introduce a little
fiery sauce to the mix.'
Review:- Fantastic feelgood album containing
all things Latin, boogaloo, funk and soul. Whichever piece you choose will have you dancing and shaking
in the aisles, so just put the Cd on and groove. My personal faves are the
opener De Todo, with its hook and added bit of funk. Muchacha with its rougher
jazzier edginess. And the title
track Tremendo Boogaloo, because that is exactly what it is. Great Stuff.
Tracks:- De Todo ,,Fuego,Every Monday Muchacha Sin Tu Carino Tremendo Boogaloo Pa'lante Guajira Pepe
Jiant – Burn http://www.jiantsoul.com/
Jiant (pronounced "giant") is an
exciting new Soul artist currently making his mark in the music world.
Originally from New Jersey, this multitalented artist's musical journey began
with piano lessons as a child and evolved as an adult into playing the guitar,
keyboard, writing, producing, and singing. It was just a matter of time before
he found himself musically and started working on his CD while playing
regularly with his band. His music is an organic blend heavy on the Soul with
elements of funk, pop, and jazz. The influences of Soul music's legends are
evident in his work but Jiant's own artistic identity shines through in every
track. Jiant's music also seems to easily re-connect with the essence of the
genre without sounding dated. His unique sound is fresh and modern. His debut
CD titled "Burn" contains an impressive set of great Soul songs that have
an unforgettable vibe. The title track sizzles with a funky groove that makes
you want to "Burn" on the dance floor. "Back To You" is
also another dance floor groove that will have you moving. He also shows his
romantic side with ballads like "Everything You Are To Me" and
"Reunited". Jiant also addresses relevant issues of the day with
"Change" and appreciates all that life has to offer with the
"After All". This CD has something everyone will love!
Review – Kicking off with the title track Burn,
a very funky groove indeed with essences of old skool but retaining a
contemporary feel, a good opening. Back To
You however is better, sparse but retaining that funky element,
allowing stronger vocals to come through, and a feel good old fashioned hook,
my favourite cut I think.
Everything You Are To Me is simple in
construction being predominantly acoustic guitar and vocals and reminiscent of
some acoustic soul coming through these days, heartfelt vocals. For Change
more skills as we move to a piano led track, again mellow with lyrical strength
coming through again, this time in a world view situation.
Lover's
Groove is moe upbeat again with more harmonies than illustrated
earlier. No Good For Me is another
different angle but personally find it a bit messy. Back on track with Reunited
a strong piano ballad and vocally probably the strongest on the album. Conversely Friends Or Lovers is weaker
on the vocal side.
We seem to alternate between the tracks I like
and those I don’t, Xciting is very much in with the ones I like,
nice vibe, sounding very simple in construction but quite a lot going on, with
the guitars and the harmonies and so on.
Closing with an optimistic look at life on After All
A very promising album with several top cuts,
my favouries being Back to you and the acoustic Everything to me.
Lamar Thomas – Mississippi’s Delta Son
Info:- Press Release
Date: February, 2007
“Mississippi’s Delta Son”
Lamar Thomas
43rd Grammy Nominated Songwriter
I dedicate my new studio album CD to the people of the “Delta” because of my
love of my home, Mississippi. When I was a child growing up between Clarksdale
(my birthplace) and Leland where I grew up from 1959 until I left for New York
in 1966, I hated the sound of the word Mississippi. But there is little or no
need to dig up old bones or open new wounds or summons hateful ghost of days
gone past. In many ways I am thankful for those growing pain days because it
taught me how not to hate and why not to hate.
Growing up in Mississippi, I received my “life’s” education and I graduated
with a BA degree in “how to survive” and how to get along and stay out of
harm’s way. I acquired a PhD in tolerance, understanding and perseverance by
moving to New York when I was just fifteen years old and surviving there. What
I needed to learn to survive in the city while trying to learn the music
business was mostly about finding my own self-fullillness, building my
self-esteem, getting myself motivation, being determined, and setting things in
motion to make sure that I learned how to take care of kids and a family.
Staying away from drug dealers, gangs, violence and crime was easy to stay
clear of after I learned those values. Although I grew up right smack dab in
the middles of pimps, drug dealers, hooker and thieves, I was immune to all of
it because I knew who I was and where I wanted to go.
It was my late mother Rebecca who educated me about people, the world and what
I would see as I passed through it. From her I received a great understanding
of just what an imagination can do for someone who grows up learning very
little and being told that you are capable of not learning much less. Because I
grew up in Mississippi, and saw everything negative about the world and about
people, during my formative years, a strange thing happen to me, during this
dark period of my life, “I learned everything that no one wanted to teach
little black boys from Mississippi” and because of my mother, I tried to learn
everything else that there was to learn. My greatest awakening about the world
as a young man came when I discovered the world of poetry. This world began
with the reading of poetry by Walt Whitman and Carl Sandburg at school in
Leland at Lincoln Attendance Center. I did not learn about the likes of
Shakespeare, Langston Hughes, Dunbar or Keats until I attended Andrew Jackson
High School in Queens New York beginning in 1966.
Once I began to read, recite and interpret the works of great poets such as
Whitman and Sandburg, my mind began to travel to far away places and I began to
see a world that I never knew existed. Once that happen, I would lay in my bed
at night in Leland and listen to the Randy Radio show which came out of
Nashville, Tennessee. It was a national station that played all black music. As
I lay in my bed listening to the music of Sam Cooke, Bobby Bland, Little
Milton, Muddy Waters, ‘Howlin’ Wolf and B.B. King, I realized that I could
travel even farther using my imagination.
The words of the poets, songwriters and the music of composers such as Duke
Ellington intrigued me and made me frightening curious and eager to see and
feel the things that these people spoke about in their poems, in their songs
and in their musical orchestrations. And although I grew up in the bowels of
the south and lived under a constant dark cloud of doubt, suspicion, deceit,
hate and despair, my life, my future and my fate, was directed and guided by
music. The printed word by the poet, the written lyrics of the songwriter and
the musical arrangements of arrangers and composer saved my life and gave me
focus and purpose. And so I owe Mississippi, me.
“Mississippi’s Delta Son”
(The Songwriter’s Series)
Lamar Thomas
This album is a serious matter for me because I wanted the lyrical compositions
contained in it, to last and to mean something for my four children. It has
taken me, four “real” years to make it come out the way that I wanted it to. I
want the stories that I have written here, to be a guide and to make people
understand that it is ok to hurt, that it is ok to love and to cry, for life
contains so much that you must get through while you are looking for the good
times. There are songs on this album that will touch anybody. Songs like,
“Trying not to break down” is about any and everyone that we meet. It says to
me that no matter what we go through, we must maintain dignity, composure and
integrity. We must not breakdown and fall apart.
The album contains what I feel is a powerful and inspirational peace called,
“The Rise and fall of Love.” We all go through ups and downs in love and in
life. We all get angry and say never again will we suffer that kind of
heartbreak. But, love is powerful and can rise from the fire and from the
ashes. Eternal hope is what the song is about. After you have listened to this
CD through completion, I think that you will understand the things about life
that I believe in. I believe in life and love in all of it’s’ forms and all of
the emotions that these two things bring out in each and in all of us. This CD
is a tribute to all of those people who came before me who used their
imagination to write down lyrics that reached people and that touched their
feelings and their emotions.
Coming up in the age that I came up in and living under that constant dark
cloud of doubt, suspicion, deceit, hate and despair, demonstrated to me, that
we all must work together to make it better for those who stumble. We must not
render our young people “invisible” by not reaching and teaching them about the
real world. We should not simply throw them to the wolves that live, hunt and
devour unassuming and misinformed young people in the real world.
Review:- The familiar tones of Lamar Thomas on
on album that he has clearly but a lot of time, heartfelt views and opinions
into, not to mention a strong production.
Lamar’s voice is warm and mellow, not harsh and strong, allowing the
lyrics and messages to be felt..
None more so that on the opening track Trying not to break down which is
how we all felt at the time, but when it was home as well? Excellent production
on this with some fie instrumentalisation.
The man comes around, contains some fine
guitar work and horn lines . You
do magic picks up the pace a little, a catchy vibe. Love don’t break hearts is
a favourite track, strong lyric
and deep in concept, moody sax.
Its too heavy, is moody and strong, sounding very personal with Judy
lendiong a hand as well.
I smile is a folky blues, again with a moving
sax, delivered in a heartfelt passionate way, simple yet strong. One Love has a
much harder vocal, not so much of that whispering tone, except for the chorus.
The rise and fall of love , one of the, if not the strongest track, it builds
from a slow beginning and picks right up into a powerful anthemic gospel like
epic. She don’t come, another favourite, is altogether more upbeat and funky.
Another top cut for me is Livin for you an optimistic love ballad (for Judy I
guess!, before concluding on a spoken Blues tip Mississippi Delta Blues.
All in all a very interesting , personal and
listenable album, quite conceptual so it’s the type of album that you can just
play through to fit the mood, merging lots of influences through Blues and
beyond to now.
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It's Too Heavy |
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Just a Fool in Love |
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The Rise and Fall of Love |
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Somebody Tell Me Why |
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No Dreams Today |
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Mississippi Delat Blues |
Angelique – Around the World in a groove
On the heels of her very successful
independently released debut “Angélique”, Around the World in a Groove is the
sophmore effort for multi-lingual (French, Spanish, English) neo soul
singer-songwriter Angélique.
Accompanied by stellar background singers and musicians, Angélique’s Around the
World in a Groove is a musically diverse, infectiously rhythmic groove album
that will strike a chord with countless audiences.
"When You Gave Your Word" is a funky, hip hop groove with driving
bass and clavinet riffs that address “blah blah television playas” who lie, beg
and cheat. It features Alabama rapper TJ showcasing his “dirrty south” skills
with singer-actor Michael Kostroff (The Producers, The Wire) on backing vocals.
Perfect for Urban Adult Contemporary Markets, "Cornbread, Beans &
Rice" is a laid back, summer in the park track with Angélique reminiscing
about a lazy Saturday with her “boo”
English/Spanish Soca flavored “What is Hip?” questions whether smoking “ganja”
and video looks are required to be acceptable or hip.
A long time fan favorite in Angélique’s live show, “Loved and Left Again” is
R&B at its best; searing vocals, lush harmonies and a smoking rhythm
section.
Clavinet driven “What Would You Do” (If You Had My Family) drops a heavy dose
of true-to-life reality on the effects of verbal abuse and neglect to an
innocent child. “Bird of Beauty” is a Zouk inspired version of the
English/Portuguese Stevie Wonder classic.
First single “Sherockafella" with a decidedly multi-formatted
oriental slant, explains how a confident girl with “hips like butter and thighs
like cream” can have a man panting like a dawg!
“You Said” is a Latin-tinged mellow groove that probes the hopes and
disappointments of loving man just not that into you. Performed in French and
English, reggae groove “I’ll Remember is the aftermath of the soul-wrenching
joys and sad nostalgia of a lost love.
Written by Belgian chanteuse Maurane, “Fais Soleil” is performed
entirely in French, with a happy Latin Jazz twist. Destined to be a classic,
“True Colors has the right elements of a timeless ballad: emotionally riveting
and deeply personal, the haunting lyrics and sweet harmonies echo the
heartbreak in her voice.
“Here To Stay” finishes the set with a rock-flavored dance declaration that
Angélique is HERE TO STAY!!!
Review:- A varied and interesting set with
loads of influences and styles all pulling together. The opener is When You Gave Your Word is contemporary and funky, a lyric
telling it like it is. Cornbread, Beans & Rice is mellow, feel good and just the
vibe for a lazy sunny summer afternoon.
What Is Hip? Is light and falavoured heavily by
the Caribbean.
An interesting and varied opening but Loved & Left Again is where it really gets serious with a
strong ballad delivered with strength and passion and is equally at home in a
contemporary or old school setting, great harmonies, great break on the
keys. What Would You Do (If You Had My Family) is clavinet funky
with a strong meaningful lyric. Bird of Beauty, again with Caribbean/ Latin flavas, version
of Stevie Wonder song.
Sherockafella again a change of Style and not without a touch
of humour…………..or truth. You Said a light and breezy, catchy, tune but still a
seriousness in the lyric – this tracks builts into quite a climax. I'll Remember , reggae vibe, with a vocal not unlike a lovers
rock of days gone by, nice track. Fais Soleil performed entirely in French and written by
Maurane, funky, punchy,
True Colors is also one of my favourites, a piano led classic
soul ballad, wistful yet strong. Here To Stay closes on yet another tip, this time quite
rocky.
An excellently produced an varied album, which
pretty much has something for everyone.
Diverse but not lacking in quality.
1 When You Gave Your Word 2 Cornbread, Beans & Rice 3 What Is Hip? 4 Loved & Left Again 5 What Would You Do (If You Had My Family) 6 Bird of Beauty 7 Sherockafella 8 You Said 9 I'll Remember 10 Fais Soleil 11 True Colors 12 Here To Stay
Bar-Kays – House Party http://www.jearightnowrecords.com/
Review: - This is fundamentally with a couple of additions a reissue
of a 2003 albums, an album kind of bridging the gap between old skool BarKays,
with a new current day slant. To this end the like of Jazze Pha are utilised.
Kicking off with a couple of upbeat dance hall orientated R’n’B tracks,
Sho-Nuff 
Listen and What Goes-N-Da-Club Stays In Da-Club
Listen , the
latter being my preference though lyrically rather contrived.
Superstar Listen Listen however is where it starts for me with a
mellow dramatic ballad with Larry Dodson excelling on vocals. Glad You're My Lady Listen Listen , the pace
is picked up to a funky midtemo, goodtime feel, catchy hook, and Sly like
vocals.
Hey Y'all Listen Listen is well and truly back in old skool
funk, join in get down lyrics and anthemic groove. Let's Git Bizzy Listen Listen is a bedroom slow jam as the title might
suggest. Give Me My Heart
Back Listen Listen is pretty standard Pfunk soundalike, as
we jump between funk and ballad, Hollar If You Like That Listen Listen being an OK ballad. My Everything Listen Listen on the other hand is a much better
ballad, more expressive and less contrived on the lyric front,.
Filled with a Steppers remix of Glad You're My
Lady Listen Listen - why ruin good tracks with this
steppers nonsense! Read some other
reviews on these pages to see how I hate this kind of thing, so this is by no
means the only example.
We Can't Stay Together Listen Listen is a welcome and wondefful reissue of
the Shirley Brown and Larry Dodson duet.
Barkays Listen Listen isa funky reminder of who you’ve been
listening to!
Several tracks make this a worthwhile
purchase, My everything being my pick, Glad you’re my lady (orig cut), and the
Shirley Brown duet to name but three.
1. Sho-Nuff Listen 2. What
Goes-N-Da-Club Stays In Da-Club Listen 3.
Superstar Listen Listen 4. Glad
You're My Lady Listen Listen 5. Hey
Y'all Listen Listen 6. Let's
Git Bizzy Listen Listen 7. Give Me
My Heart Back Listen Listen 8. Hollar
If You Like That Listen Listen 9. My
Everything Listen Listen 10. Glad
You're My Lady Listen Listen 11. We
Can't Stay Together Listen Listen 12. Barkays
Listen Listen
Benny Johnson – Visions of Paradise http://www.soulbrother.co.uk/benny_johnson_visions_of_paradise.html
First time reissue on any format anywhere in the world for this
heavily in demand Soul album from 1973. Originally released on the cult NY
label Today, this album has all the hallmarks of the great Memphis –Hi Sound,
despite being recorded in Maryland , it features the Julius Brockington United
Chair Band.
The album includes the massive Two-step/modern soul ‘I Just Got to
Know’ , and ‘Visions Of Paradise’ but the album is great throughout and will be
a must have for 70’s soul fans. The very hard to find and in demand original
vinyl fetches £200 on auctions.
This is yet another classic and in demand album in our highly
successful series, which has included other great soul 70’s albums like Leroy
Hutson, Lou Courtney, Tom Brock, JR Bailey, Lou Ragland and Lee McDonald amongst others.
Review – Wow , Soul Brother certainly hit the spot with their in
demand reissues, mentioned about.
This once again is exceptional, and is 70’s soul at its best, and most
of all is solid throughout.
Visions is in demand, has all the right ingredients for the Uk Modern
Soul/ Crossover Scene Absolutely
Positively Baby is slower blusier and a more expressive vocal in the style of
say Bobby Bland.
Baby I Love You is a bit of a mix of the first two, back uptempo
but with a strong vocal, and complete with a catchy hook and vibe. Stop Me is funkier and another tune I
have heard ‘played out’ at discerning venues. Give It Up takes it right down to
as slow a pace as you could get, strong, emotive and powerful. But my favourite
‘slowie’ is unquestionably Won't You Stay, fabulous deep soul with great
backups to.
It's Yours Baby continues with a mix of Bobby Bland and Stax
horns. The album concludes with another in demand two Stepper I Just Got To
Know.
Tracks:- 1. Visions Of Paradise 2. Absolutely Positively Baby 3.
Baby I Love You 4. Stop Me 5. Give It Up 6. Second To None 7. Won't You Stay 8.
It's Yours Baby 9. Please Come Back 10. I Just Got To Know
Incognito – Bees + things + Flowers – Narada Jazz
Inspired
by the acoustic and soulful yet laidback funk of Bill Withers, the haunting
string arrangements of David Axelrod, and the close harmonies of Crosby,
Stills, Nash and Young, Bees+Things+Flowers was recorded
with the “unplugged” concept in mind. Every instrument is acoustic except the
Fender Rhodes Electric piano and Fender Electric Bass. The new album is a
mixture of the old (Deep Waters, Still a Friend of Mine), the borrowed
(Everybody Loves the Sunshine & Tin Man) and the new (Crave).
Review: - Now with a US release on Narada
Jazz, but notwithstanding the passing of time this one still hasn’t really
grown on me too much so I will defer to my review following th einitial UK
release. http://www.lifeandsoulpromotions.net/part27.html
Cameron Pierre – Pad Up (Get Ready) http://www.cameronpierre.co.uk/
Born in
London, Cameron was raised on the Caribbean island of Dominica. Like most of
his peers, Cameron's early musical influences were Bob Marley, Burning Spear,
Jimmy Cliff, and a host of artists from that era of popular Jamaican music, oh,
and Stevie Wonder. At sixteen he taught himself to play the guitar, and it was
within the reggae genre that he first established himself, working with
Jamaican artists including Clint Eastwood & General Saint, Barrington,
Levy, Dennis Brown and numerous others. Then came the slow discovery of George
Benson and Charlie Christian, and through them, Wes Montgomery, Miles Davis and
Charlie Parker. His own musical taste direction veered towards jazz, and his
taste and talent brought him to London where he became a regular on the
Calypso, reggae, and jazz circuit.
Touring the
world playing with Courtney Pine’s award winning band, Cameron’s guitar style
has dazzled many a jazz fan. Come 2006 and Cameron feels that the time is right
to record his first straight ahead jazz record. The project needed the right
players and to obtain that special sound he enlisted the efforts of Swedish
Organist Anders Olinder (known for his work with Pee Wee Ellis) a big fish on
the Bristol jazz scene, and another newcomer to the British scene American
Drummer Rod Youngs.
Many of the compositions took root in Dominica, his homeland, so there
are places on the album where his Caribbean roots will shine through. The well
chosen covers display Cameron’s sense of the past and the now.
Pad Up (get ready)
is
Pierre’s debut release on Courtney Pine’s
Destin-E Record label and this is a great Jazz guitar productions, it is light
and accessible yet complex in style.
Whether on a full on jazz tip or something less heavy there is an
easiness about the whole thing, and it’s always say that the best exponents of
music or spor make it look so easy.
'Pad Up (get ready)' is guitarist Cameron
Pierre's fifth album release, and is produced by Courtney Pine himself. Another strength of the album is how
the excellent organist Anders Olinderscompiments procedures. Also joined by
American drummer/percussionist Rod Youngs, and Courtney Pine on baritone sax.
1. Right Arm Over 2. Mo' Better Blues 3. John Leslie 4. Pad Up 5.
Yeah Mon! 6. Backfoot Drive 7. Ayo Nubia (solo) 8. Karifuna 9. In Your Own
Sweet Way 10. The Bartender and the Thief 11. Ayo Nubia (Part 2)
Harambe – Testify
- http://www.myspace.com/harambe
Info:- The highly anticipated follow-up to
2003's 'Roots' by UK soul sensations, Harambé.
This album sees founder member, bassist and producer Karl Clews joined by new
cohorts Milt Mavrakakis on keys, Tony Pereyra on guitar, Andre St Clair Dyer on
vocals and Timur Djahit on drums, and the new blood brings a fresh vitality to
the performances - witness the bubbling urgency of Mavrakakis' hammond and
clavinet, the injection of grit and fire courtesy of Pereyra's rock
sensibilities, and the smooth sensuality of St Clair Dyer's layered vocals, all
underpinned by Clews and Djahit's agile and infectious rhythm section.
And the songwriting has stepped up a gear on this album, too. This time round,
the rhythms are as syncopated, the melodies as seductive and memorable as ever,
but Clews' lyrics are more focussed and vitriolic, and tracks such as 'Demons'
and 'Testify' see him taking on political targets. In spirit, this is an album
that pays eloquent homage to the classic political soul albums of the 70s by
artists such as Marvin Gaye, Sly Stone and Curtis Mayfield, whilst displaying a
modern sensibility in its use of modern production flourishes and tips of the
hat to drum and bass.
This is nu classic soul. This is Harambe.
Review – Moving forward from the last album, a
funky yet smooth opener in In The Bone – setting the scene for a fine funky
soul album. Demons kicks on with a complex production and
some thought provoking lyrics. After The Rain is one of the top cuts in the way
that it builds to a great almost gospel ending.
Speed Of Light runs well at the speed of light ,
a very fast paced funk offereing and not for the first time am I reminded of
some of the old Brit Funk of the 80’s.
Much better for me is the slower latent funk groove of River Of Your Indecision, simpler in feel but
still containing some nice loops and samples, probably my favourite track’ just
cuts a groove behind which the complexities are allowed to move rather than
over power.
Eye To Eye more throbbing bass in a level 42
meets funkadelic kind of way. For Once In My Life, maybe my second favourite,
a mellow ballad with some excellent keys.
Miss You again is a ballad and once again
cements my preference for the slower jams.
All This Wasted Beauty is different with almost
drum and bass sensibilities on he drum track and strong social commentary. Swim Any Sea has a persistent harmonic hook that
hangs in there holding the track in your attention. Testify opens like something out of
Blaxploitation but ends in a fast progressive upbeat slab of socio- political
Funk. Closing with a thought for
all Peacenluv
Great that albums like this are coming out of
the Uk, professionally put together and forging a place in the
marketplace. Particularly like the
lyrical content and message that prevails.
The Very Best of Sirius B –
Bagunca www.kudosrecords.co.uk
FSRCD017 SIRIUS B: Bagunca- Essential Brazillian Jazz
Dance (Freestyle Records)
Sirius B are one of the UK's most respected
Brazilian jazz acts. Formed by Joe And Azhar in the spring of 1998 as a
consequence of jazzers and sambistas joining forces with a common love of
Brazilian musi, a year later they were touring the continent with Trip do
Brasil and had released their 1st album Sem Fronteiras on 33 Records. They have
since played in France, Switzerland, Spain, Costa Rica, Ireland, Norway and
Brazil, one of the biggest live highlights was their appearance at the 2003
Montreux Jazz Festival. They continue to be a huge hit on the festival circuit.
So far they have released 4 highly acclaimed albums which have consequently
brought them worldwide recognition. Posto Nove was voted 1 of Jazz FM's top 10
records of 2001 and tracks from Ouro Batido recieved the special Future World
Funk remix treatment.
Here the band deliver a definitive selection of their finest output - featuring
the massive singles "Sirius" "High and Dry",
"Watermelon Man" and bonus track "Samba Selvegem (Sunaga T
Experience mix)". Huge with everyone from Gilles Peterson to Jazzanova,
Snowboy to Truby Trio - it's harder to find a jazz dance band hitting it harder
today. Feel the heat!
Review – A wonderful joyous compilation of
the best of Sirius B. Pretty essential
for me as someone who only knows their material peripherally, am ashamed to
say, and this gives me the chance to catch up. My friend however, Justin the
souljunkie, I know has been raving about them for a very long time.
So despite coming out of England this is
Brazilian, and there can be no higher praise than that, foer whatever you
personally associate with that it is here, pulsating Spanish rhythms, samba,
jazz dance, whatever. One of the best
gigs I’ve attended over the last few years, was with my good friend
Skoota who was on drums that night, was Yerba Buena, and this kind of reminds
me of that.
Hard to pick any favourites because this is
full on from start to finish and includes a remix of Samba Selvagem. Top stuff indeed.
Tracks:- 1. Samba Selvagem 2. High N Dry 3.
Marlborough Nights 4. Batacuda Consolacao 5. Something New 6. Gatinha 7.
Clarear 8. Bagunca 9. Watermelon Man 10. Um Grande Carnaval 11. Star Jamming
12. Samba Selvagem
Nora Whittaker Band – Imaginary Friends www.norawhittaker.com
Info :- Funky and fresh, the Philadelphia-based Nora Whittaker
Band fuses soul, blues, pop, and r&b to create their own blend of
“blue-eyed soul”. Led by Nora's brassy vocals and solid keyboards, complimented
by Ben Cleal's resonant bass and Dan Quill's innovative drums, The band's
material ranges from thoughtful, wailing ballads to cosmic, driving tunes.
Since 2002, Nora and the band have performed throughout the
country – including NYC, Boston, Chicago, Austin and LA. Venues include edgy
hotspots like The Bitter End (NYC), The Grape Street (PA), The Tin Angel (PA),
and EP Koberl at Blue (CA). Nora has also frequented “all-ages” listening rooms
like Steel City Coffeehouse (PA), The Point (PA), and Club Passim (MA), as well
as outdoor venues like Avila Beach Fish & Farmer’s Market (CA) and
Peddler’s Village (PA). Nora’s music infiltrates college radio stations, AAA
stations like 88.5 WXPN in Philadelphia, 93.7 STW in Delaware, 88.1 in
Bethlehem, PA’s “The Blend”, and NPR’s “Car Talk”.
At an outdoor festival, Drummer Dan Quill and Bassist Ben Cleal
were playing with their band, “Jones Crusher”, and saw Nora perform solo
earlier in the evening. On a whim, they approached Nora and suggested a jam
session. Nora, Dan and Ben played together for the first time during Fall 2003
and, as a result of their chemistry, decided to form The Nora Whittaker band.
NORA WHITTAKER (vocals, keys, songwriting)
Nora has shared the stage with such talents as: Amos Lee (Blue Note Records),
Mutlu, and McGowan (on-tour with Ben Lee 2003-2004). Her vocals are featured on
the 2005 Burndown Allstars album and will be featured on Kuf KnotZ’s (www.myspace.com/kufie)
upcoming solo album. Nora recently sang backup on the Coke Zero commercial
featuring G-Love of G-Love and Special Sauce.
Nora’s writing endeavors also include plays and children’s rock
musicals which have been performed publicly since 1997. One of her plays, “The
Library…,” was written and workshopped at Muhlenberg College and has been
performed internationally.
DAN QUILL (drums)
Dan was weaned on the classic rock records of his older brother and sister. He
began playing drums in the 7th grade with the “Thrash Victims”, the best punk
band his basement had ever seen. He played through high school in several
arrangements. While spending 10 years in Boulder, Colorado enjoying the music
scene, Dan met his mentor, Joe Morton. After moving to the East coast Dan met
Ben where together they played in 3 rock fusion bands. While living in Bucks
County, Pennsylvania, Dan reconnected with Nora with whom he grew up. Dan
continues to enjoy creating music with Nora and Ben as well as producing music
in his home studio.
BEN CLEAL (bass)
Ben started playing bass when he was 14 because some of his friends needed a
bass player for their band. He ended up selling most of his record collection
and baseball cards so that he could buy a bass. After a few months of
attempting to learn the instrument on his own, he talked his parents into
getting him bass lessons.
Over the next few years Ben stuck with the bass and turned it into
more than just a hobby – studying music in college with his mentor, bass
teacher Ron Velosky. After college, Ben met his rhythm section counterpart, Dan
Quill. They played in three bands together before they met up with Nora.
KATE BRENNAN (back up vocals)
A vocalist, theatre professional, and writer, Philadelphia-native Kate Brennan
hails from UVA where she is pursuing an MFA in Acting. She has worked
throughout the Philadelphia music scene and beyond as a private voice
instructor, wedding cantor, jazz singer, and rock band headliner.
She also maintains strong involvement in the theatre world,
working as an actor, musical director, and University Theatre professor. In
addition to the arts world, Kate has worked as a freelance writer and publicist
and is pleased to work with the band in various capacities.
Review:- Relaxing, jazzy. Bluesy, live feel
album, in a style that I may not ordinarily have looked at I have to say. However there is a good deal here that
I like, some of the more folkier material I don’t care for so much but generaly
speaking this is worthwhile taking a look at.
River
Wide kicks us of with a bluesy, raunchy guitar driven fast paced
opening. Everything
is Going Right, again emphasising a tight knit unit, but not really
my cup of tea. Little
Moses is more like it for me , deeper, harder and very much more
bluesy, from a heavy guitar and a powerful vocal.
Buddy
Coal Mine also a blues is deep, dark and moody and maybe the best
cut in my opinion, builds from a dirge slow opening, strong emotive vocals,
into a drum and vocal ending – very nice.
Monster is very much more catchy and poppy I guess. I Know
has a slow piano opening, a pleasant ballad that builds into a nice crescendo.
How Can
You Sing the Blues? Another Blues, more of a Boogie Boogie, fast
paced and fun. The closing track
is a very strong and heartfelt moving ballad,
Adriana
Evans – El Camino
ADRIANA EVANS
‘El Camino’
Out March 12th on Expansion Records
Adriana Evans also known as Adriana Madera, is not just a beautiful
face. She is truly a one of a kind artist, the likes of which have not been
seen since Natalie Cole and Chaka Khan. She is the daughter of jazz
recording artist Mary Stallings, who
sang with Count Basie, Dizzie Gillespie and Cal Tjader. Adriana was raised in the
Haight Ashbury and Mission District of San Francisco. Exposed early in life to
the sounds of jazz and blues by her mother and also the explosive sounds of
Afro Cuban music from her father's culture she was destined to be a musical
sponge. Her love for soul, rock and hip hop added more to her rich musical
tapestry.
When she was a freshman in college she befriended the aspiring rapper Dred Scott. This chance encounter led
her to collaboration on his 1994 A&M
records release "Breaking Combs".
Just one year later she and Dred wrote and recorded her debut self titled album
on Capitol records. A political
shake up at Capitol landed Adriana and the record on RCA/Loud Records. The album was thought to be somewhat
revolutionary. It was the first so called "Neo Soul record" at the time. The use of live instrumentation
combined with the classic sound of Adriana's vocals took a lot of people off
guard. When you think about the musical landscape in 1995, you understand that
this album was extremely groundbreaking. It was completely devoid of the
synthetic mechanical sounds and stacked vocal stylings of music from that era.
Yet this is typical for Adriana, who always finds herself ahead of the curve.
After the release of her first album she became disenchanted with the
politics of music. She travelled the world finding an unlimited source of
creative inspiration. She spent much of her time in Latin America feeling at home in the relaxed musically enriched
environment. Brazil became a home
away from home for her spiritually and musically. Upon her return to the US she
began assembling her second record "Nomadic".
This was a project that she and longtime collaborator "Dred Scott"
really enjoyed. It is an eclectic reflection of her musical journey. "Nomadic" incorporates the sounds
of Latin, rock, soul, jazz, blues and hip
hop. It reflects the variety of manifestations of black music in the
Americas. She states, "Africans came to North America, South America and
the Carribean via the slave trade and through some sort of alchemy turned pain
into beauty. They gave the world their music!" "Nomadic" honors their remarkable contributions.
Her new CD, "El Camino"
blends the familiar sounds of her first recording with the growth of her second
CD. The musical emphasis of this work is based more on the soul tradition yet
it still has eclectic elements that reflect Adriana's unique perspective. The
title "El Camino" means
the road or path in Spanish. This CD is about Adriana's overall journey,
starting from the beginning of her career to the present. El Camino is a path that brings Adriana back to the source and
beyond. It is released on 12th March 2007.
Review – Great stuff,
a very strong album, pretty much the whole way through, and is already and
deservedly getting massive attention on UK’s finest upfront soul radio shows,
and getting consistent rave reviews across the board.
The set is a
continuation of product, the type of product that firmly puts,Adriana where she
wants to be, with a melange of the soulful and the latin, and it works. From the opening bars of the dance
track Hey Now you are aware that this is going to be
something special. All For Love is simply a delight with sweet upfront vocals
and laid back horns. Calling Me is also a superb track, haunting dreamy
harmonies against a consistent beat.
Well the more you get into this album the more it gets right into
you Underneath The Stars was a track I overlooked on the first few listens, now
its one of my favourites. Before You is mellow with old skool harmonies, very
easy feel, variation on a theme and very soothing. Blue Bird is much jazzier. Never Knew is another warm and groovy tracky, easy and
relaxing with the vocals slipping over and caressing you and leaving a warm
glow.
World On Fire is more mellowness and warmth. Same As I Ever
Was though is funkier and bluesier
and kicks in just at the point that the album needs it, adding another
dimension. Undercover stays upbeat
and funky, strong beaty undercurrent to this, very string cut. Concludes with the title track, El
Camino which is just an outro really.
Myoshi – The EP http://www.myoshi.com/
Growing up in a musical family, Myoshi has been in love with music for as long as she can remember. Like many African American children, she started singing in the church choir at a very young age. Ballet and gymnastics classes combined with piano lessons helped nurture her natural talent. In school, she was always active in the choir and theatre arts. She got her first professional singing job while still in high school. She auditioned for and landed a featured role singing and dancing in a show at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia where she worked opposite Taye Diggs. In addition to working there for two seasons, she became lead singer for a show band based in Virginia.
Myoshi went on to audition for Seattle based Greg Thompson Productions and was chosen to star in a brand new show going into the Hilton International Hotel in Tokyo. In addition to singing and dancing, she was asked to perform a tribute to Whitney Houston. Always up for a challenge, she focused her talents on the pop icon with much success. The show ran for four months and Myoshi left Japan with a job offer to star in a show in Atlantic City.
Myoshi, a
classically trained singer, has performed alongside some of Broadway's hottest
stars. Over the years, she has performed in shows throughout the United States
and abroad. From Lake Tahoe to New Zealand and numerous places in between,
Myoshi has traveled the globe doing what she loves to do - SING!
Myoshi currently lives in New York City and performs at various functions in
the New York metropolitan area. She has had the pleasure of singing at a
star-studded event for the King of Morocco at his palace in Marrakech, Morocco.
There she got to dance with Sean Connery! She has also performed for Robert
DeNiro and his wife at a party at their home.
She has now added television host to her resume. Myoshi just wrapped up two seasons as the host of The BET J List on the BETJ network. It was a weekly countdown of the Top 10 Neo Soul and R&B hits featuring artist and celebrity interviews. There was an additional Top 10 list focusing on pop culture and lifestyle in New York City and the world.
She can also
be seen on television in various commercials and in a featured role on an
episode of the Court TV show, Parco P.I. She recently taped a milk promo for
the Oxygen Network. It will air at the end of February.
review – A five track sampler of Myoshi’s material and the first
thing that hits you is that this is proper music, with a proper abnd and the
tracks have a very live feel to them.
Personally I think this is good to see rather than the ‘front
room’syndrome that a lot of indie product has. Smile aptly sets the scene, with tempo changes and instrumental
sections, the horns being especially nice. I imaginethat this would also be a
good ‘opener’ live.
Angel for me
though is a better track, probably my pick of the album, again with beautiful
horns, better structure to the song allowing Myoshi’s vocals, and the
storyline, to take centrestage.
Livin' for Me
is faster and funkier, again that live feel exudes, intro kind of reminds me of
the brecker brothers. Hello is
jazzier but also has a showy feel to it, a great jazzy instrumental interlude
towards the end, Closing with How
Does It Feel which kicks off with a guitar intro, giving it a rock vibe, a
track that I don’t particularly like but have to say that the vocals are the
strongest on it.
Difficult to pigeon hole this one, maybe
that’s a good thing, certainly soulful, but neither particularly old school nor
neo, quite showy in places, but a good professional jazzy soulful performance
and I am sure a joy to see live. A good sampler from a god forthcoming album
one hopes.
Lonnie Hill – Back on the Scene www.hillshideawaymusic.com
Info - Lonnie Hill, the
multi-talented Songwriter, Producer, Vocalist and Musician, blazed a powerful
road into the music world that even today shows no signs of ending.
Lonnie Hill born in Tyler TX, proceeded his move into the Gospel world. After
advancing in this escapade, he met and performed with a multitude of famous
artists such as the renowned Gospel Keynotes. He also shared the stage with
other well-known artists such as James Cleveland, the famous Staple Singers,
The Mighty Clouds of Joy and the multi-talented Stevie Wonder. Lonnie's talents
never seemed to end, especially in the music industry were he has also
performed with the fabulous Mr. Edward Hawkins and the talented Isaac Hayes.
Later in his music career, Lonnie decided that he wanted to explore more than
the Gospel industry.
As he made the transition from Gospel to Rhythm and Blues, Lonnie released his
first album entitled "You got Me Running" with his hit singles
"Galveston Bay" and "Could It Be Love". His singles were at
the top of the charts for 6 weeks in England.
In the Millennium, Hill's Hideaway Music and Sparkle Productions present to
you... Lonnie Hill's newest CD "No Games" with the hit single
"Step On Out". Lonnie feels that it is time once again to fill your
hearts with his soulful sounds.
Review - Lonnie, probably best remembered for
Galveston Bay, has both a very distinctive voice and recogniseable guitar
playing, so it is great to see him ‘Back on the scene, on this album.
After the intro My Jazz, a groovy , guitar
solo track sets the scene. Stormy is the first point we get to hear those
dulcet tones and a very good mellow ballad (not the same Stormy as the standard
by the Supremes and others that some will know), with punchy guitar lines and
depth given by the backing vocals, bit of an old skool feel, staxy Southern
Soul, and in fact there’s much of that kind of vibe throughout.
Lets straighten it out is harder and blusier
on the guitar, and indeed on the vocals. My preferences are for the mellower,
smoother options and I got your back falls into this category and is a
memorable track, with a great chorus and horn line which hangs long in the
memory.
So in Love is a version of the Leroy Hutson track which is strong vocally
but the production is a bit- how shall I say – independent! Love is so good, another great song,
given the Lonnie treatment, and very well. Nothing but love is funkier, sounds a bit film
soundtrack. It ain’t what you do
is old skool kind of blues funk, reminding me a bit of Johnny Guitar, sounds a
bit dated now.
Another change in variety, the title tells you
where and what to! – Kiss you up and Down. The rewok of Galveston Bay also works pretty well. Closing track is a great Blues My Dream.
Several tracks of true quality making this a
very worthwhile album to have.
Rahjwanti – Soul Remember http://www.rahjwanti.com/ http://www.myspace.com/rahjwantimusic
An album from maybe a year or so ago, judging by
the sleeve notes, written and produced by Rahjwanti himself with a couple of
asists here and there. And a very
nice album it is as well, very profesionally produced and doesn’t have that
‘cheap’ indie sound that you see quite often. Mellow soulful grooves generally drawing on old school
classics like Donny but also very today.
Contains several tracks worthy of
mention. Life the opener is a
catchy slab of neo soul, nice produnction, some punchy horn samples as it
develops. SoSoul Good is mory
upbeat, more old skool, sort of track the Uk would like, very catchy.
Fire has a haunting kind of groove and is
assisted with a rap from Nola.
Stick around is more upbeat , funkier but still retaining that
individual sound. Hints of a
Stronger vocal, a deeper baritone on this bedroom slow jam, but it only
features as a backdrop chorus to this track which features Peaches.
Anything is a bit messy, harder backbeat and
the vocals aren’t so strong.
A very enjoyable album containing a number of
very good tracks particularly at the front end. Infectious to is not a track
that I particularly rate, though it has a nice jazzir vibe, with the best but it does contain a
different vocal style, that was hinted on earlier. So this love is a fine midempo offering and maybe the best
track on view..
Phillip Alexander – Love you good
Nurtured by the sweet soul stirrings of the
church; blue lights in the basement. Phillip Alexander blends these impulses
and attitudes to render songs that move—music that inspires, and motivation
that takes hold. Phillip Alexander has brought together the strands of his creative
life, and composed a group of seasoned and emerging musicians and musical
styles to create a soul music project that is funky, jazzed out, sometimes
smooth, and erotically charged to arouse sighs, chills and sweat.
Hot?. . .not merely “hot.” Original, Sexy, and Gifted . . . “hot,” certainly,
but that’s just a start.
The story is familiar-- black boy from the Midwest growing up in the church
discovers he can sing, and soon after is in every choir, talent show and
competition in sight. The son of an accomplished studio drummer and Amnesty
band co-founder; Phillip had music in his genes. Soul, funk, r& b, Deep
House, with Jazz references provided the score for his upbringing in Indiana
and New York. This boy can really sing.
Phillip Alexander has the genuine, unaffected emotional resonance of Donny
Hathaway, and the manly sex appeal of Teddy Pendergrass, as well as
contemporary style of artist like Prince, Stevie Wonder, without pretending to
become a facsimile of those soul singers.— all of whom, like Phillip use every
part of their bodies and souls to convey their stories of love, life,
disappointment and joy. This man is an innovator. Phillip Alexander honors the
inventiveness of jazz icons like Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald, and the
Duke.
Other cats are working so hard at ‘keeping it real’ and ‘keeping it gully’ that
they have lost the art of storytelling, soul soothing and seduction. Refreshing
as cold water on a hot day in the city, and as erotically dangerous as a
handsome man in a dark bar far from home . . . .he is the real thing. Phillip
Alexander has come to share the ”spot “ with new artists like Ledisi, Jill,
Jaguar, Dwele, Peven Everett, Donnie and veteran-newcomer Sandra St. Victor
have recently blown up with their intensity, originality and musical
virtuosity.
Educated in art and design at New York’s world renowned FIT; Phiillip Alexander
used the opportunity of being in the music and theatre capital to do more than
win international competitions and create his own design firm while in college.
Phillip played the roles of Claridge Conrad White (Ci Ci) in Dreamgirls, and
Redemption Angel in No Way Out- off-Broadway productions. As a session artist,
his wide tenor range with enormous color and power has graced the projects of a
variety of artists, from emergent to superstar: Eternal Sun; Michael Jackson
(“They don’t really care about us”), and is a featured vocalist on the: new
project by Eternal Sun —lending his distinctive style to get dancers moving in
tracks like “Body movin,” “It’s like magic,” and the hit that says it all for
this soon to be released album—“Time to celebrate,”
Phillip shares with us his own feelings about his art: “My way of keeping it
real is being uncompromising about my artistic integrity in whatever I do, and
communicating messages that motivate and encourage. I am being healed as I heal
through my music; and blessed as I share my blessings. “So many have come
before that feed and lifted me”—“and still more are coming up now”. “It’s a
beautiful thing to be right here right now”. “Thankful and faithful and ready!”
Review – This is one smooth album, laden with
jazzy, neo soul and beyond nuances.
The title track is an Epic complex jazzy piece which merits continual
plays, a top track indeed, professionally structured and goes down all sorts of
directions both vocally and instrumentally.
The opener Mak'in My Move is fastpaced,
persistent beat yet melodic, the vocals soft but rangey. To Awake is kinda similar vocally
but the track is more layered and I prefer it. When you reach Happy the feel
changes to a funkier grittier gospelly sound though I find it a bit messy.
You Live and You Learn for me is much better,
fast paced, sung in the higher orders and funky backbeat, not a full on dance
track but you could maybe see a remixer getting hold of this. Shake It is more
in that direction anyway, bassy, upbeat yet sparce enough not to drown the
track. It's Like Magic is also in
a moderate housey vein
Put It On Down is a nice track, sexy and a
kind of mellow moody funk. The album
moves towards a mellow ending and for me Don't Call Me is the pick of the final
few cuts, before the funky closing bonus cut.
An album moving in several directions and
includes some very fine tracks, especially the title track. Good album
Tracks- 1 Mak'in My Move 2 To Awake 3 Hey Can
I Talk to You 4 Love You Good 5
Happy 6 You Live and You Learn 7 Shake It 8 It's Like Magic 9 Put It On
Down 10 Birth to a Man 11 Neverdreamed
12 Wait'in For Your Love 13 Don't Call Me
Michael Ashanti – All of me www.michaelashanti.com
Debut album from Michael Ashanti is another
strong indie album coming out of New York. Excellently produced and pulling
from a lot of influences whether from soul jazz funk dancehall reggaeton,
whatever it all fuses together rather well
Cry a driving old skool funk track kind of in
a Sly Stone mould. Let Me Go is
better for me, still funky yet sparserand catchy chorus and some nice string
FX.
Stranger (Yoo never know) is largely acoustic
but it excels on the vocals as Michael takes it through the ranges, not a
gospel track but it builds in a gospel kind of way. With you I’m born again draws on a classic epic soul ballad,
but then kicks into pure Reggaeton, and it kinda works. Hold On continues with Caribbean flavas
and bursts into full on gospel house.
Crossing the line is a very nice track, lots
of depth, great keys and background but essentially the vocal layering. Allof Me, the title track, is sort of in Classic Soul ballad
territory. The sun will shine
again - In the wake of 9/11 is strong, powerful, heartfelt, emotive but most of
all optimistic because well yes it will., this song builds And builds complete
with chorus . A fathers anthemis a very personal track about fatherhood. Closing with an extended mix of Hold
On.
So lots of varying influences and structures
but a very commendable and recommended album.
Salakida www.salakida.com
From 2005 but still sounding strong this album
of Blippie Funk – Black Hippie Funk, from the Atlanta based Californian.
Salakida has shared the stage with the likes ofDwayne Wiggins, Jaguar Wright,
Kenny Latimore, Allen Anthony, Tre Hardsen, Anthony David, PJ Morton, Joi and
others.
All the songs, whilst being a mixture of
influences, have a strength that bonds them together. There is a love theme running throughout and the feel and
depth of the feelings are emotionally driven. Whether the track is acoustic,
folk, soul, fuk or hip hop driven the soulfulness of the vocals is common to
all.
Don’t make me wait, the opening track , is
very strong, both in beat and in haunting pleading vocals. Beautiful also has a
similar quality vocally leaning on the ‘beautiful’ hook. Strugglin is a great track, structured
in a neo soul way, but with an underlying funkiness, nice production to with
string effects.
Getting wit’ you I am less keen on, this one
coming from a different direction one I’m not particularly familiar with . Everybody Lies delivers a strong plea
to her partner for forgiveness, very strong vocally.
From the opening funky percussion beats of
Good Woman you know that this track is gonna deliver and it does. Like heaven another track coming from a
folk or soft rock direction but this one I much prefer, softer more harmonic
vocals, the track builds and builds into a catchy anthem, and was indeed used
as the first single from the album.
Sick Days is another great track, again an underlying
funkiness, simple idea lyrically but built into a great song. Far from diminishing as the album heads
towards the end, Salakida is still delivering strongly, Diamond in the rough,
is a very strong, passionately
driven song. So as we draw
to a close we are left knowing that she is ‘In love’ and that ‘I’ll be waiting’ but we are left wondeing whether
it is for the Diamond in the Rough, the one who was lied to, or one of the
other subjects!
A well structuresd, well produced and
delivered album, but most of all it’s the vocals that I love. Lets hope the next one isn’t too far
away.
Marcel Penn – From the School of Soul www.marcelpenn.com www.soulfonic.com
Marcel’s influences come out of the old skool,
the likes of Rick James, Gap Band and Prince, and this is a refreshing hybid of
80’s funk and todays rhthms. The
first cut to sit up an realy notice is Show me, a laid back funk, catchy hook,
horns and a Stevie cum Prince vocal.
Contact Initiation is simply constructed
stipped right back to a laid back supper club jazz ballad, which allows
Marcel’s vocal to take centre stage, very nice mood music. Tinges of Blaxploitation musically and
lyrically on People revolution.
Fast Track is a track I really like mainly for the mood, the groove that
it emanates.
Oh So heavy is harder with a full band line
up, sort of a funkadelic feel but not sure if he pulls it off. Hey is a live track, back to the jazz
club, vocals extended, and a very nice live track. Dig what I’m saying is another favourite, quite
stripped back but a moody sensitive layered vocal perormance.
Acoustic Guitar and Sax accompaniament on
Pleasures Garden sung in the lower ranges. To the light
There’s not a track that jumps out and grabs
you but that said it is a consistent, varied and commendable album. Certainly one worth exploring for those
moods, as the vocals nd construction is excellent.
Trei – This is me – Inline Entertainment Corp
Trei is working on her second release right
now, so a good time to reflect back on the first album from 2005, which is
quality. A soulful belnd of
R&B, neo soul and jazz, which is positive and refreshing. This is smooth soul at its very best,
and the vocal performance cannot be faulted.
Invitation is both mellow and strong and
rarely do you find a song of such quality these days. Hooked is funkier, punchier showing variety. Love is lifting me is however the top
cut for me bordering on midtempo, a very nice groove, optimistic uplifting
lyrics. Super on the Natural has
an underlying gospel feel but is quita a funky number with piano and horns
adding depth.
Do you know a mellow dreamy floating peaceful
song. Two more great tracks Peace
and Rain, the fomer more upbeat and the latter more eary but quite a strong
backbeat behind it.
A great album, so much looking forward to the
next one
Vesta – Distant Lover www.shanachie.com
Another album of covers out of Shanachie,
covering a range of old school styles. Vocally they are excellent, would have
preferred more depth on some of the arrangements , but the vocals do win
through especially on the ballads
Whip Appeal is the first track that really
grabs me, with a vocal warmth that is so strong, and a style and performance
you don’t often see these days are songs are structured and sung
differently. That is not to
criticise either old or new but tracks like this shouls appeal to both and
cross that divide. Similarly
Distant Lover exudes pure class.
If you want me to stay is more upbeat and is
OK not sure if it really works but it does add variety to the album and the
jazzy keys are really nice. With
you I’m born again is just a song that I don’t particularly care for, but that
s just me, but it just puts me off before it even gets going!
The jazzy moody interpretation of Knocks me
off my feet adds a different dimension to that song. No Ordinary Love I also
like, and on this one I particularly like the arrangement. Use Me, Free and Ooh Baby Baby are
covered and the album closes with a feel good Could it be I’m falling in love
Elaine Stepter – The Woman I am www.elainestepter.com
Info:- Elaine's development as a communicator of song began in her
hometown of Los Angeles. Growing up in this entertainment capital brought her
early exposure to music and performing. She formed a vocal trio called
"Sweet Taste of Perfection" in junior high school. This was the
training ground for learning tonal quality and harmonic expression. Next, while
attending the Eubanks Conservatory of Music to study piano and voice, she
evidenced an exceptional talent for composing. Elaine soon released her first
single "Promises."
She not only continued to sing but became an editor and columnist
for Black Radio Exclusive Magazine. She found tremendous satisfaction there but
realized that she needed to concentrate fully on her music if she was to truly
develop as a vocalist. She wanted to be "on the scene," not behind
it. She continued to develop as a singer, songwriter and producer until finally
she released her second single "I'll Always Be A Part Of You."
"The Sweetness Of Your Love," was a hit from her first album and was
followed by "Good Love" from the movie "Meteor Man" motion
picture soundtrack. Elaine has also worked with other artists that include
Coolio, West Side Connection and Jennifer Holiday. "Soulfully
Inspired" marks her second album. Listening to "Elaine is like sitting
in front of a fireplace being embraced by its warmth as you art enthralled by
the conversation of an intimate lover."
Review – a quality
album that has rightly been picked up by the Uk sol scene. Pretty much every track has something
going for it, so this is a consistent and solid album, with warm and soulful
vocals throughout. Leaning in old skool soul and quality jazz rather than a neo
soul feel. The title and opening
track The woman in me is sublime, easy groove, latent strings, comfortable but
strong vocals, jazzy piano and a hook to sing all day long. Come see about me is a favourite, still
mello but slightly funkier, with vocals more to the front beautifully layered
with the softer chorus, a wonderful track.
Dim the lights brings it right down, a smooth
and sultry ballad. What am I to do
is pure jazz club, brought down even further and the vocals, showing great
versatlity, are deeper and warmer.
Be good to me is back in a soulful groove with a mellow ballad.
Our love is a more complex production and a
track that is not particularly one of my favourites. Selfish one is very upbeat, the old Jackie Ross if I am not
mistaken, given the seventies dancer treatment. Love overnight is another slow and sexy ballad, once again
incorporating some fine sax work.
Promises is another top track building from a
slow but strong beginning into a quality soul ballad. Closing on Quality Time and that’s exactly what this album
gives you.
Difficult to fault, solid production, good
songs a,d excellent vocals,, and great to see a soul album like this getting
just attention.