MODERN SOUL and R'n'B REVIEWS
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3 Tenors of Soul – All the way from James Taylor Quartet –
Don’t mess with Mr T Wahoo –
Don’t take it Personal – George Levins Edit Domu presents Pete
Simpson – Look a little further Carl Thomas – so much better
Ty Causey – expressions
Angela Lewis Brown
– Peaceful Rivers – I-Kay - Its Summertime
(Basecamp edit) Living Out Loud – Lately Down to the Bone – Supercharged Chris Jasper – Invincible Kendra Ross – New Voice Soul and the City Nicole Willis & Soul Investigators – If this
ain’t love remixes |
Introducing Butch Williams April Hill – April Hill Confection Renee Jones chill Factor Maya Azucena – Junkyard Jewel Angie Whitney Dionyza Michael Bolivar Michael Boliver ft Angie Whitney Parker Abanah Osei- lah Ronnie Mac & Co Tassel & Naturel O’Bryan – First
Jahah – Melting Pot Seven –Home - Rhonda
thomas Breathe New Life Joyce
Dalton & Super Friends – |
Regrettably
time and volume of material is only going to allow for some brief reviews,
I’ll try and fill it out when I get a minute. To be finished
Special thanks to www.soulchoonz.com
for quite a few of these, where many can be downloaded.
3 Tenors of Soul – All the way from
Sadly while this is an interesting
project and I so wanted it to be wonderful it very rarely reached those
heights. Its
Ok, and it is great to see these guys back with some kind of recognition. For
me Ted Mills comes across the best
The only track that really does it for me is Where
are all my friends, with the aforementioned Ted Mills but also featuring conemporary
artist Bilal.
01. Caravan Of
Love 02. Too Much Heaven 03. Grateful
04. All The Way From Philadelphia featuring Hall & Oates 05. A Love Of Your Own featuring The Average White Band 06. Fantasy
07. How Could I Let You Get Away 08. I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) 09. Where Are All
My Friends featuring Bilal 10. That's What Friends Are
For
James Taylor Quartet –
Don’t mess with Mr T http://www.jtq.co.uk/main.html
“James Taylor’s trademark howling Hammond Album highlights include After The Dance, the second hit from Marvin’s 1976 album I Want You, on which Omar, the father of nu-classic British soul, lends his immense vocal talents; Come See About Me, featuring Donna Gardier, one of the UK’s most soulful voices; and Smokey Robinson’s You Beat Me To The Punch, with the magnificent Hil St Soul, a regular on the US Billboard R&B charts, providing inspiring vocals. The regular JTQ line-up of James Taylor: Hammond Review – all good fun, all pretty instantly recogniseable, all superbly played, will appeal to 60’s Hammond Tracks - Machine Gun, Money, Got To Give
It Up, Jimmy Mack, Function At The Junction, Cleo's Mood, You Beat Me To The
Punch, You're All I Need To Get By, Come See About Me, After The Dance, and
Don't Mess With Mr T
Nicole Willis & Soul Investigators – If this ain’t
love remixes – Above the clouds recordings –
ww.abovethecloudsrecordings.com
Track that has garnered quite widespread
across the board attention over the last year or so, couple of Remixes here, Mr
Scruff and Elizabeth Shepherd Trio, trying to add some life and longevity to
it, and pretty much succeed in doing so.
Don’t suppose the purists will like them (then they probably
don’t like the track anyway!) but I think they are both pretty good.
The mixes retain the soulful natiure of
the track but add something a bit more today. Have been playing the Scruff
remix out but personal favourite has to be the jazzy Trio remix.
Wahoo –
Don’t take it Personal – George Levins Edit
Tucked away on the reverse of a frontside Basement Jaxx mix this
one has been kicking up a storm since it emerged a couple of months ago. One of
those sounds that crosses over and is big, indeed massive, in Soul Rooms, and
upfront Dance Venues alike. Also appeals
to retro soul fans and I have featured it on my Soul Train radio slot. Great track and likely to
be amongst the years finest.
Domu presents Pete
Simpson – Look a little further www.paparecords.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/domupresentspetesimpson
5. PLAY THIS SONG 10. COMING BACK AROUND 3.
WON'T GIVE UP 8. SECOND CHANCE 6.
IT WON'T MEAN A THINS 2. AIN'T NO FOOL 4. LOOK A
LITTLE FURTHER 9. WAY I SEE,THE 1. DON'T HIDE 7. I'M
LEFT DREAMING
Didn’t really know what to expect with this one but it
really caught me by storm, a very fine album from start to finish, great vocals
and excellent production with tracks that are upbeat yet kind of mellow,
soulful, moody and atmospheric. Certainly an album where there is definite
synergy between artist and producer which is not always the case. Won’t give it up has been around and
exists in many mixes but it is still atop track on the album version.. Track listing is
in different order thatn the Japanes version where this first appeared. Top tracks Ain’t
no fool and the Funky title track Look a Little further. Pretty
strong throughout.
Carl Thomas – so much better -www.soulchoonz.com One of my favourite artists of
recent years .
2 pieces is a great track sounding a bit John Legend but better. Another You is slightly more up beat but
sparse arrangement allowing the vocals to be prominent, with nice harmonies,
the soulful side of Contemporary R’n’B, excellent. As the title might suiggest a slow jam, Late night rendezvous, and a very good one too. Something
about you, Great
production and very, very worthy.
Ty Causey – expressions www.soulchoonz.com
http://www.soulchoonz.com/Featured_Artists/ty_causey.html
One that Soul people have long been looking forward to as his
previous material was very well received, and this does not disappoint. I got love, Pick up the pieces, So addicted,
Wishing you were here being the picks – it is difficult to pick
favourites as these are all so good but if pushed I would go for the mellow
Pick up the pieces with its bluesy guitar.
Excellent production throughout and pure quality
Angela Lewis Brown – Peaceful Rivers
– www.urbanessentials.co.uk
http://www.myspace.com/angelalewisbrown
Also one that Bigger is promoting, the single Serve Below Zero has
strong vocals over a fast paced funky backbeat, lots going on, chorus, horns
but it still retains a minimalistic feel, so it’s easy to take on board
all that is happening in there. Angela carving a niche for herself as one of the
All my life is a fantastic track, funky backbeat, vocals building,
amanating a sort of 90’s
Sweet Inspiration is aimed at the dancefloor and is in a House
direction, but the vocals remain strong and upfront, tinges of gospel in there
too. Maybe tonight also very dance orientated but in a jazzy vibe. Debt to pleasure runs Al my Life close as my
favourite track. Heavy Music is very funky and catchy.
I-Kay - Its Summertime
(Basecamp edit) www.i-kay.co.uk At last I have
something on my pwn patch that I can write home about and I have been plugging
this track for several months now, and have seen I-Kay perform locally a couple
of times now, and I hope to have some fresh material real soon. Young, fresh, good looking, good relaxed
stage presence, and most of all can sing. So there is some hope for some good
local Soul Music, and I beliee I-Kay may be just the one to carry it off.
Living Out Loud – Lately www.urbanessentials.co.uk
Out of DJ Bigger’s stable a track that ticks all the boxes. Uplifting, danceable, soulful. the remix
particularly hitting the dancefloor in the UK Soul Rooms big time. The original cut though exudes soul. Great Stiff.
Several tracks on promo of forthcoming album. All sound very strong so it looks like the
album will be well worth getting. You
make me smile is midtempo with very powerful vocals fronting an excellent
production. All that matters Radio Mix
is maybe a bit more R’n’B orientated, or at least it is on the
remix – that said the album is very much a champion of Soul Music. Illustrating
that it is still a force to be reckoned with, and where the foundatiosn are for
current day R’n’B.
So amazing is a sweet mellow ballad. I can’t stop is a track that has been
rightly garnering plays and is very much of today.
Down to the Bone – Supercharged www.downtothebone.com
A faultless piece of jazz funk, superby produced, excellently
performed so if you like jazz funk in any of its derivatives this one will
appeal greatly. I know from experience
that it is appealing to all the old skool boys but this is brand
new…………….and in a way there’s the rub. What
does this album add to or for today, not sure really - perhaps it lied with collaborations
with the likes of Hil St Soul or the remies like Spinna’s one of Electric
Vibes (though not on the album)
1. Supercharged Listen
2. Funkin' Around Listen3. Parkside Shuffle Listen 4. Cosmic Fuzz Listen 5.
Smile To Shine Listen 6. Electric Vibes Listen 7. Greedy Fingers Listen 8.
Shake It Up Listen 9. Space Dust Listen 10. 11.
Make It FunkyListen
Chris Jasper – Invincible
http://www.goldcitymusic.com
Click picture to buy
“As an integral member of the Isley
Brothers and Isley/Jasper/Isley, and as a successful solo artist, Chris Jasper
has been at the forefront of progressive R&B music since the early
1970's. His professional career began in
1973, when the original Isley Brothers vocal trio expanded to include younger
brothers, Ernie and Marvin, and brother-in-law, Chris, to create the musical
component of the newly-created, self-contained group, the "Isley
Brothers".
The Isley Brothers made their vinyl
debut that same year with the groundbreaking "3&3" album, followed by a series of modern R&B
classics such as "Who's That Lady," "Fight the Power,"
"Live it Up," and "For the Love of You." Chris Jasper
was the key instrumentalist, arranger and songwriter on all of the Isley
Brothers material, including the gold and platinum albums
"Showdown"," "Go all the Way," and "The Heat is
On." In January 1992, Chris Jasper was inducted
into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his accomplishments over the 13 years
he was with the group, with 11 gold and 4 platinum albums to his credit.
In 1984, the Isley Brothers split up and
Chris, Marvin and Ernie formed Isley/Jasper/Isley. Chris, the lead vocalist on most of IJI's
recordings, was responsible for the majority of the writing and production for
the new group. The trio released three
high-quality albums on the CBS Associated label, including "Caravan of
Love", which featured the #1 out-of-the-box title hit, written and sung by
Chris and subsequently covered by English recording group, the Housemartins, who
made "Caravan" an international #1 pop hit. "Caravan Of Love" has also been used in the Dodge Caravan
commercials. Caravan of love ' was also
recorded by Marvin Sap (appears on the WoW 2000 gospel album).
In January 1988, IJI disbanded and Chris
Jasper went solo, forming his own independent record label, Gold City
Records. In the short time following,
Chris released two-high quality albums on the Gold City/CBS label, entirely
written, produced arranged and performed by Chris. His first solo project, entitled "SuperBad",
featured the #1 out-of-the-box hit.
Chris has also produced, performed and
written music for other artists, including Liz Hogue's debut album entitled
"Vicious & Fresh" for the Gold City/CBS label; and "Make It
Last" for Chaka Khan's "CK" album. Albums produced by Chris
Jasper and released and distributed independently by Gold City Records include
Praise The Eternal (Chris Jasper); Out Front (Out Front); Deep Inside (Chris
Jasper); Faithful & True (Chris Jasper); The Best of Chris Jasper..With Love (Chris Jasper); Amazing Love (Chris Jasper) and
Brotha 2 Brotha (Brothaz By Choice)
In recent years, major recording artists
have covered many of the songs primarily co-written by Chris Jasper, including Aaliyah
("At Your Best You're Love"); Whitney Houston ("For The Love Of
You"); and The Doobie Brothers
("Need A Little Taste Of Love"). In addition, his songs have been
used as the primary foundation for releases by both new and established Rap and
R&B artists, including Fantasia; Gwen Stefani; Notorious BIG; Slick Rick;
Da Brat; Black Sheep; Rob Base; Remy Salaam; Boss; Keith Murray Bone Thugs 'N'
Harmony; Will Smith; Queen Latifah); Ice Tea; Usher; Whitney Houston; 702 and
many more.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Tracks: - 1 Invincible 2 Keep Reaching Higher 3 I Know That You Love Me 4 Without
Love 5 Let God's Will Be Done 6 Thank You Lord 7 A New Life In Christ 8 He's The Judge 9 Do You Believe 10 Come On And Testify
Review -
Chris Jasper’s product merges his exceptional
past experience with personal commitment dedication and life story, soulfulness
and spirituality. His albums always
brings forth some exceptional tracks, not least this time the title track, that
is making serious noise in the UK, appealing to both traditional and modern
soul rooms. Personally
whilst I have played it ‘out’ the track which though more overt
lyrically has given me most reaction is ‘A new life in Christ’.
Vocally and lyrically the album is
strong throughout with Keep Reaching Higer being a preferred cut. Whilst the
production is good sometimes it is a bit same or mechanical and could do with a
bit of punch with maybe some live instruments or something. Nonetheless very listenable and whilst
lyrically very spiritual will appeal to both secular and non secular audiences.
Kendra Ross – New Voice To come
Soul and the City http://www.expansionrecords.com/details.asp?SKU=EXCDP45
Full detail and review from the link
quoted above
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Price: £12.99
Quantity:
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1: Best Kept Secret - TL Cross |
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Profile
Expansion Records (in conjunction with Dan Dodds/Soul Jones of
underground-soul.com) present a showcase of extraordinary independent soul from
‘Best Kept Secret’ – TL Cross (4:13)
First up, you may remember Queens based artist TL Cross from his days as Levar
‘Lil’ Tone’ Wilson lead singer for Motown/Polydor 90’s
teen group Ladae. Well now he’s all grown up and part of production trio
Da Gutta Fam (including Brian ‘BeeZo’ Palmer & Sergio
‘PLX’ Moore), who along with this track have produced amongst
others Musiq (‘Whereareugoin’), Montell Jordan (‘Get It On
Tonite’) & Dave Young. When TL packs out venues in NY like
SOB’s, The Canal Room or Joe’s Pub this is the song they go wild
for. Contemporary soul at its finest, I’m crap at keeping secrets.
www.tlcross.com
‘Make You Mine’ – Heavy (3:55)
We have to stay in
www.heavymusic.net
‘Getting Happy’ – The Family Stand (3:47)
You remember their classic … “Ghetto Heaven … she needs a
little Ghettooo Heaven”. No longer on a break, The Family Stand have
re-united and returned with the original line up of Peter Lord, V. Jeffrey
Smith and Sandra St. Victor. Even without hearing the rest of the songs on
offer it took me only seconds to decide upon ‘Getting Happy’ for
this compilation. I love the Slop that appears all over ‘Super Sol Nova
Vol.1’ but nothing can beat a rush-induced feel good soul monsta. Check
out the strings, vocal interplay, warm keys and you’ll hear just how good
it is…
www.thefamilystand.net
‘Family Affair’ – Black I Feat. Omar (3:46)
Black I consist of Eric Brown (lead/backing vox, drums and keys) and Michael
Griot (5 string electric/upright bass’s, keys, guitars and backing vox).
Represented by guitarist Teddy Crockett who also guides Heavy and Nick Rolfe,
Black I are an eclectic live soul band strongly influenced by drum and bass.
This cover, a fresh take on Sly & the Family Stone’s classic
‘Family Affair’, appeared on their diverse 2006 debut set
‘For Pleasure’. British soul super hero Omar who regularly performs
to sold out venues in NY (supported by Black I), shares the lead and is all
over this track with his superb distinctive vocals.
www.blackimusic.com
‘The Morning After’ – Mike Hammond (4:11)
“How about breakfast in bed, French toast a few scrambled eggs, orange or
apple juice, coffee, tea… me?” It’s a line I’ve tried
on a few occasions and more often than not end up making Coco Pops. But this
sublime Saturday morning ballad is beautifully sung in falsetto by Mike Hammond
appearing on his self titled debut album. As a vocalist, Mike has appeared on stage
or opened for Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Gladys Knight, Patti Labelle &
Billy Joel. He’s also recorded with DJ Rogers Jr., Incognito and 50 Cent.
Kevin V. Louis is playing the muted trumpet. There are not enough ballads on
contemporary soul comps these days.
www.myspace.com/mikehammondmusic
‘Outside The Box’ – Ra Re Valverde (3:56)
Last year was broken down for me as before Ra-Re and after Ra-Re (BRR and ARR).
Surfing Myspace I really wasn’t prepared for a song to floor me like
‘Outside the Box’ did. The beat was up first, then bass and bass
keys. Followed by a melancholy guitar riff, backing vox and Ra-Re’s lead
taking over “Normality don’t exist for me, mostly I live on the
other side. Fine with me...” The lyrics celebrate the independence to
make music without restriction and that for me sums up the spirit of the
artists featured on this compilation. Ra-Re is an extremely talented songwriter
having collaborated with Rahsaan Patterson (she’s also a featured
vocalist on ‘After Hours’) and 9 songs from Trina Broussard’s
killer 2004 album ‘Same Girl’. Another student from La Guardia High
School, look out for her debut album ‘A Beautiful Mess’ in 2007.
www.myspace.com/rarefootagemusic
‘Look at Me Now’ – Morrison Slick (4:17)
In need of the most explanation. In 2002 I stumbled across an amazing Doo Wop
influenced modern soul song called ‘Didn’t I Say You’re
Mine’ by a group called Morrison Slick. Lost in amongst a lacklustre
collection of new music presented by Steve Harvey (the comedian) titled
‘Sign of Things to Come’. There were no sleeve notes so it took me
a full 3 years to track the group down. It turned out that Morrison Slick, a
4-man New York vocal harmony group, were a revised line up of Ladae (with TL
Cross & Brian Palmer sharing lead vocals) and have a complete album in the
vaults at Flyte Tyme Records called ‘Kiss Da Sky’, Executive
Produced by Jam & Lewis. If anybody has heard the promo’s
‘Happy Endin’ feat. Faith &
‘Superstar’ 1st played on the digital airwaves by The Sourmash
Collective; you can appreciate the potential this album has. With so many
greats to choose from, we’ve gone for ‘Look at Me Now’, a killer
produced by The Avila Bros. This is a worldwide exclusive track.
www.myspace.com/daguttafam
‘Outta Time (Extended Club Mikz)’ – DJ Spinna feat. The Free
Radikalz (6:06)
Making his name at Rawkus in the late 90’s, DJ Spinna has produced and
remixed artists such as Angela Johnson, Mary J Blige, Michael Jackson, Lynden
David Hall & Shirley Bassey. This is an extended version of a track taken
from his latest album ‘Intergalactic Soul’. The Free Radikalz are a
side project featuring DJ Spinna, Selan and show stealing vocalist Delouie
Avant who used to be with the group Goodfellaz (he sang lead on their hit
‘Sugar Honey Ice Tea’). This 12” only - extended version is a
belter, fatback future funk with the group partying like they’re running
outta time.
www.paparecords.co.uk/artists.htm
‘Boyfriend’ – Martha Redbone (5:21)
By now everyone should know Martha. Her 2nd CD ‘Skintalk’ was a
brilliant mix of soul, funk and pop with a native American twist that
rightfully received numerous plaudits and was regularly “album of the
month” when reviewed by the music press. Delving a little further back to
her debut set ‘Home of the Brave’ to include a song that is still
relatively unknown in the
www.martharedbone.com
‘Lady’ – Russell Taylor (3:26)
Russell was part of the NYC contingent that made the trip down to the ATL Soul
Summit. Hailing from
www.myspace.com/russelltaylor
‘You Can’t Be Late’ – Jeremy James (3:31)
Another cat who made the
www.jeremyjamesmusic.net
‘Heaven’ – Gil Small feat. Laurone McClendon (4:58)
It’s purely by accident that following Jeremy James we get into
‘Heaven’. Gil Small is a Producer based in Amityville, The Bronx.
He’s worked with Cassandra Wilson, Asaph Womack, Rodney Kendrick &
Traciana Graves during his career and is now working on a Quincy Jones style
producer record called ‘Gil Small: The Maestro at Work’. The
project will showcase new and upcoming artists, one of which is featured
vocalist Laurone McClendon, also based in NY. He’s in a Christian group
with his siblings called The McClendon Family who are signed to Rough Cut/Jive
Records. Surprisingly given the title and his background, ‘Heaven’
is a secular soul/R&B tune which showcases Laurone’s outstanding
vocals.
www.myspace.com/groovecityproductions
‘Movin’ On’ – Nick Rolfe (5:31)
A belter of a choon that includes all my favourite funky pet sounds, full brass
arrangement, live drums, wah wah, Hammond B3, female backing vox, an uplifting
bridge and a sing-along chorus … “ba ba baa da, ba ba baa
da”. Rolfe is a successful pianist who has toured extensively, nationally
and internationally as either band leader or sideman. This track is taken from
his 3rd vocal album ‘The Mind of An Evolutionary’ which also
features Teddy Crockett, Black I and Russell Gunn.
www.nickrolfe.com
‘Someday We’ll All Be Free’ – Jewell Zaire .feat TL
(4:04)
Written and performed originally by Donny Hathaway in 1973. On the sleeve notes
to ‘Extensions of a Man’, Donny states that he felt this song was
of “standard” quality, meaning that he thought it would become a
standard. Even if he did say so himself I can hear
exactly what he means on this version by two young artists. The song is
stripped down to keyboards, skins and voices. Produced by Da Gutta Fam
they’ve unearthed a real Jewell (do you like what I did there?), one that
really shines vocally, starting low but breaking out only when the soul
dictates.
www.myspace.com/jewellzaire
‘When I’m With You (DJ Spinna Remix)’ – Traciana Graves
(7:53)
Like Russell Taylor & Jeremy James, Harlem born Traciana Graves also
featured during the acoustic sessions at the Soul Summit in Atlanta. Largely
raised in
www.tracianagraves.com
‘Marvin’ – Peter Hadar (4:18)
Peter has written and produced tracks for Carl Thomas, Eric Roberson, Chante
Moore & Joe. Last year he finally got the chance to step out with his own
unique sound on his debut release ‘Memories of the Heart’. This
haunting yet understated track is a socially conscious plea inspired by Marvin
Gaye. Independent music and the artists creating it are free to make the kind
of lyrical statement that isn’t always encouraged by the major labels,
something which has been sadly overlooked since early 70’s Soul and the
growing popularity of Hip Hop. We could do with more soul artists tackling
these kinds of issues. Relationships, love & sex are not the only emotive
subjects that a soulful voice can express. Speaking of love, you can take in
another great Peter Hadar number ‘First Sight’ on ‘Soul
Togetherness 2006’ (I had to plug that).
www.peterhadar.com
‘Grand Larceny’ – Lavell (3:31)
Bringing this CD to a close is the last and final exclusive from Da Gutta Fam.
Lavell Evans is an R&B/Soul singer straight from the streets of Harlem with
a range and melodic tone, not too dissimilar from Donell Jones. In this song
young Lavell is the victim of a stolen heart in the dramatic ‘Grand
larceny’ which builds with each verse using Wonder style synths.
Currently in the studio singing backgrounds for Jaheim, I wouldn’t be
surprised if Jaheim has to return the favour in a couple of year’s time.
So a potential superstar or a future independent soul hero, either way a good
note to end a compilation showcasing the sound of the five boroughs. Liberated Soul from the streets of
www.myspace.com/vellvegas
My review – Great album from my good friend Dan with some
hard edged Soul out of
Introducing Butch Williams StarGazer Records
Thanks to Dave Thorley for this one, as there is a track that is
just right for the Northern SoulMarket in the UK, and hopefully those guys will
pick up on it and give Butch some attention that he deserves, the trackKeep on
loving Me the way that you do, and it is getting some radio exposure at least
in the UK (from me included!)
Aside from that there are some other good features on the album
which contains a mix of some barnstorming Blues, some deep soul, and even some
showy middle of the road. So Butch is very versatile but very much at home in a
Soutrhern Soul or Blues mode.
April Hill – April Hill To come
Released by Soulchoonz on a
7” single due to public reaction in the
Confection – http://www.soulchoonz.com/Featured_Artists/Confection.html
Renee Jones chill Factor www.soulchoonz.com
Maya Azucena – Junkyard Jewel – www.mayaazucena.com http://www.purposerecords.com/
Click pic to purchase
“Junkyard Jewel is - People's
Music. Truly a blast of fresh air!
...Her incredible voice
is out there in 3D and we are all better off for hearing it in its
purity.” - Brian Michel Bacchus A&RProducer, Blue Note Records,(signed Norah Jones), Producer / Terry Callier
Soulfeast Records
“It is an ambitious, acoustic
album that should solidify her position as a soul superstar in the
making” – SoulTracks.com (World’s #1 soul music web site)
“Maya has a very beautiful, soul
voice, and she's very convincing with what she is singing about" - Stephen
Marley
“When singer/songwriter Maya
Azucena released her solid, soulfully funky, debut CD, aptly titled Maya Who?!,
it was meant to playfully address how many responded to hearing her exotic
surname for the first time. However, after hearing her music or seeing her
perform that question was quickly spun to echo those keenly wanting to know,
who this strikingly talented new artist on the scene was. They were no doubt
quick to discover what has been described as her “passion, sass and been
there authenticity” and “a voice that’s diva strong and
compelling.” “I sing what I mean and what I feel from the bottom of
my heart,” says Maya with an undeniable tone of sincerity and it
undoubtedly comes through in all she does as it has earned her streams of love,
admiration, respect and opportunity. CDBaby.com, the well-regarded online music
store where Maya’s internationally acclaimed and popular CD remains in
the Urban/R&B Top Sellers list, was encouraged to say “This
soul/R&B/hip hop album is a fantastic launching point for a young woman
with a bright and long career ahead of her.”
“Junkyard Jewel is album that I can
identify with for many reasons, says Maya, one of them being that it is my
second-born and I was able to convey my experiences from the first album,
traveling around the world and to where I am now”, expresses Maya. The album is fueled by the guitar work of Ver
Halen and a solid band consisting of percussionist Ivan Katz, bassist Jason
DiMatteo, violinist Tarrah Reynolds and cellist David Gotay. Maya’s expressive voice shines in the
midtempo “Set You Free”, “Runaway Blues” and
“Like No Other”.
“Ballads such as “Wash Over” and the title cut
“Junkyard Jewel,” put Maya’s soulful voice above the
rest. Her rendition of Leonard
Cohen’s “Hallelujah” has been a fan favorite at shows and
now, finally recorded, is notable, inspiring and hair-raising.
The attractive
Maya Azucena has shared stages or been
on bills with legendary artists, vets and newcomers from the worlds of R&B,
Soul, Hip Hop, Jazz, Rock and more. Artists such as Roberta Flack, Bilal,
Martin Luther, Jaguar Wright, Joss Stone, Leon Ware, Richard Bona, Lupe Fiasco,
Big Daddy Kane, the Isley Brothers, Gladys Knight, Anthony Hamilton, Platinum
Pied Pipers, and John Legend. In addition to crisscrossing the US with riveting
performances she's toured cities in Canada, Italy, England as well as
Stockholm, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Croatia where Croatian superstar, Gibonni
enlisted Maya’s vocal talents for a track on his latest CD named,
“Andejo U Tebi” (''Angel In You''). As a result their collaboration
garnered 2 Croatian Grammy awards and a stellar performance at the televised
ceremony.
Maya is also featured on Grammy-winning
producer/songwriter and son of the legendary Bob Marley, Stephen Marley’s
track, “Let Her Dance”, from his latest Universal/Tuff Gong release
Mind Control. Maya currently has the #3 spot on BILLBOARD’S Hot Dance
chart with the single, “Make It Happen” on Kult Records. And there is still a long list of
collaborations with notable producers such as Devo Springsteen, Rich Medina, DJ
Bob Sinclair and Jonathan Peters, among others.
In addition to her voice grabbing your attention through national NAIR
commercials in "The Less You Wear" campaign and others for Icy Hot,
Macy’s INC, Mike's Hard Lemonade and Longhorn Steakhouse, Maya is an
activist in her own right. She has sung
on
All that Maya Azucena has done thus far
is indeed impressive. Not merely by the amount of things there are, but because
of the realization of something taking place that means far more to her. That
something is growth. On the back cover of her debut CD she then wrote, “I
am a work in progress.” This was both a refreshing and revealing
statement. For one, she was being incredibly modest for even then she displayed
great ability, poise and professionalism that immediately hoisted her among the
premiere artists to watch on the soul scene. But is was also a declaration from
the start that she is a sincere, creative artist first, driven by the desire to
move an audience emotionally and physically – challenging herself each
time to explore ways to do it differently- do it better.
ARE YOU READY TO EXPLORE THE
“JEWEL” THAT IS HIDDEN INSIDE?”
Tracks:- 1 Down, Down 2 Junkyard Jewel 3 Warriors 4 Runaway Blues 5 Set You Free 6 Hallelujah 7 Like No Other 8 Still Searchin 9 Wash Over 10 G-hetto 11 Break the Spell
Review – The ever powerful and
hardworking Maya comes out with a different take on her first release through
Purpose Records. Having seen Maya
perform acoustically this was a natural progression to make, with new material
and a new take on some old ones.
It works to great effect but some tracks
are better than others. For example
while lyrically Warriors is strong it doesn’t come across as good as say
Junkyard Jewel. But what acoustic music
does, espcially live, is allow the artist to portray themselves and allow you
the listener to understand and get inside the artist. This album allows you and indeed invites you
to do just that.
Maya can pretty much do anything, and
this will widen her fanbase even further.
Angie Whitney To come
Dionyza To come
Michael Bolivar To come
Michael Boliver ft Angie Whitney To come
Parker To come
Abanah Osei- lah To come
Ronnie Mac & Co www.soulchoonz.com
http://www.soulchoonz.com/Featured_Artists/Ronnie_McNeir.html
http://cdbaby.com/cd/ronniemcneir/from/lifandsoul
Highly anticipated
and as you would expect classy album from the great Ronnie McNeir, the album
exudes quality from the off,
What Goes Around Comes Back Around the opening track grabs you
instantly with a sensual quality vocal and adult groove. And who says that an
old skool groove has no place in todays music. Look At All The
People is much jazzier both in musicianship and vocal nuances. I Love You kind
of fuses all the best
qualities of the opening two tracks into one into something that is overwhelming.
I'm In The Mood funks it up with some fine sax. Summertime Medley
II again is moody sunny and smooth. I
Need You Around is as smooth as you like. Funkin' In Las Vegas
adds another dimension, with a low down dirty funky groove.
Down In The Neighborhood is an
old song but still completely if not more relevant as Ronnie revisits social
commentary. Tracks like Traitors and A
Shame People Have To Live This Way also show a deep
social concern
Sure to be one of
the top albums of 2007
1 What Goes Around
Comes Back Around 2 Look At All The People 3 I Love You 4 I'm In The Mood 5 Summertime Medley II 6 Ain't It Good To Know You've Got A
Friend 7 Song For My Brothers 8 Don't Need Nobody
9 I Need You
Around 10 Funkin' In
Tassel & Naturel To come
O’Bryan – First www.soulchoonz.com
http://www.soulchoonz.com/Featured_Artists/O_Bryan.html
Jahah – Melting Pot available from soulchoonz, and dealt with
alsewhere on the site - http://www.lifeandsoulpromotions.net/part32.html
Seven –Home - www.soulchoonz.com