The Sax Pack gives us a little bit of everything. Funk, R&B, Soul and Jazz.

These three saxmen effortlessly bridge the 70's with today's smooth jazz.  Featuring smooth jazz saxophonists Jeff Kashiwa, Kim Waters, and Steve Cole, This talented trio does an excellent job combining their talents.  In my opinion, The Sax Pack is the complete package! They share an unique ability to combine each one's distinct and individual sound into a seamless one.

...Follow me....

As I listen to this album, I really had to pay attention, as they played together and seamlessly hand the reigns back and forth to one another. Theres no doubt in my mind that these 3 men share the same creative chemistry and visions when it comes to composing and playing music.

I enjoyed the cover track from the 60's "Tequila", which features an excellent guitarist of smooth jazz guitarist, Jeff Golub. However, my favorite cut off this hot album has to be, "The World Is A Ghetto". An excellent version from 70's mega group War. As I listen to that track, it took me back to a time when i was riding in my uncles' 1970 Dodge Charger, listening to War on a 8 track stereo. A time when all I had to do was just sit back, listen and enjoy the beats and sounds.

This album allows me to do just that and thats why I really enjoyed this album. I'm sure if you sit back and take the time to really listen to this album, you too with be in agreement with me.. that The Sax Pack is worth picking up. I rate this album 4 out of 5 stars................

Christopher Davis
The Urban Music Scene

The Soul Prince of Urban Romance.....I Like That!

Calvin delivers a strong, soulful passage of good music. Intimate & seductive at times, but by all means, his unique approach to love stems straight from the title of his new release, "When Love Comes". And that theme marks the direction he tends to take the listener on. With smooth, slow geared love tracks, which amplifies his vocal touch, I was in for a real treat. A gem in the making. No doubt!

Track Listing:
~ Intro
~ Sexy Love
~ Holla At You
~ Fire In The Attic
~ Please You Baby
~ She's Hurtin'
~ Nobody Loves You
~ Give It To Me
~ Don't Go
~ Sang No More
~ Make Friends With Love
~ Daddy To My Kids
~ When Love Comes

He wrote & produced all of the tracks & was able to transfer that old school, R&B/soul template into each of his compositions. You can tell Calvin wanted to prove something & he didn't waste any time sharing his talents. I mean heavily influenced ya'll. His vocal range is in full display. Dig this...

From "Intro", an interlude to get the listener prepared for something special to come their way...to...2 tracks for the upbeat groove: "Sexy Love" & "Holla At You". As soon as "Fire In The Attic" began, the disc starts to develop into the storyline Mr. Richardson wants you to relate to. It's passionately reminded again in "Please You Baby", as well as several other ballads - "She's Hurtin'", "Nobody Loves You" & Make Friends With Love".

I pressed the repeat button for tracks "Don't Go" & "Daddy To My Kids" (song sample available on the news-releases page). You couldn't get more expressive & downright provocative in the way Calvin delivers his message in "Daddy To My Kids", which may end up becoming a standout for the album. The cornerstone indeed!

The lead single, "Sang No More" carries that same vintage flavor the disc presents. The final track, "When Love Comes", showcases his strength behind playing acoustic guitar, with the strumming of the strings accompanying his serenade. The song drifts into slow motion, then picks up & releases Calvin's strong rooted vocals.

Impressive & Heartfelt throughout, Calvin Richardson didn't mess around readers. His music transcends both the older & younger generation without compromising the art & taste for beautiful R&B music. His essence to classic soul is what many will come to appreciate & I, for one, love it!

Pick this one up.

(Advance review - Project to be released May 27th, 2008)

T
The Urban Music Scene

When you get a chance, please visit Calvin Richardson
For more information, song samples & purchase, please visit Amazon today!

LISTEN TO A SONG SAMPLE OF "SANG NO MORE'" FROM THE NEW WHEN LOVE COMES ALBUM!!

Download | Duration: 00:00:00

From the hit single, "Anointed Me", to his many appearances on the Bobby Jones Gospel Hour show on BET & stage performances, Jai Reed transfers his indirect passion for Gospel Music to listeners on standby. I found this project to be compelled with the word of God, filled with endearing R&B productions & acceptional, creative worship praise music.

Track Listing:
~ Sanctuary
~ Anointed Me
~ There's A Joy In Serving God
~ He Will Take Care
~ He Touched Me
~ Job's Story
~ Have I Told You
~ How Much You Mean To Me
~ You Were There
~ Anointed Me "Poetry Mix"
~ Always Remember

A warm feeling of sitting in church & listening to an outstanding performance will come to your senses, the minute you catch the drift of "There's A Joy In Serving God"; An uplifting message of hope is found in "He Will Take Care", as to the title of this track served its exact purpose!; Special Guest Amiee Clute drops on by & shares the mic with Jai in "How Much You Mean To Me", a very nice, slow tempo'd devotion of appreciation to the Lord for all that he has done...

The compelling "Job's Story", takes off into a mid sway R&B flow & follows into a summary & despiction of the story told in the book of Job (Old Testiment) & how it relates to todays generation - a moment where Jai takes time out to witness & encourage. I played that track back a coupe of times.; "Have I Told You" was another wonder to watch for.

I also had to slow down a bit into this review & give credence to an outstanding rendition of Andre Crouch's "Always Remember". Touching & heartfelt, this song was a great way to finish a stellar project.

Jai has a good direction ahead of him. If he keeps this type of devotional structure underneath his wings, you can assure & expect to hear more fresh & spiritual music down the line.

One day at a time...

T
The Urban Music Scene.com

For more information, song samples & purchase, please visit Amazon today!

Here is a video to his hit single, "Anointed"!! Courtesy of YouTube!

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Azizah Lisa has opened for Nancy Wilson to Anthony Hamilton to Mint Condition and now she has released a five song cd. This new and refreshing cd comes from a variety of influences, but it reminded me of Amel Larriuex first project. Fresh and unrefined, which made it stand out.

Azizah stripped down version of Erykah Badu’s “Certainly” is a testament that neo-soul is here to stay. “I Enjoy Your Company” with it's relaxing vibe touches on men and women in relationships. The other songs to enjoy are “My Destiny", "You’re My Heaven" and "I Need You". 

 I really enjoyed this project and expect to hear more music from her in the future.

Marvin Dickey
The Urban Music Scene

One of the last standing R&B bands in this generation, sends their regards to the passion of music that best expresses who they are, what they are all about & then some. C'mon! The minute you hear lead singer, Stockley's voice, you should KNOW Mint Condition has entered the building!

"E-Life" stands alone as another chapter in the lives of this consistent, very talented bunch of good musicians, who take great pride & ownership of their material. They have came a lloooonngg way since the days when legendary Flyte Time producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, broke them out with master R&B ballad "Pretty Brown Eyes". From that point on, there seems to always be something special in the air whenever they crooned a ballad. Or even a dance jam. But for the most part, as good as you hear it from the studio will always come up better when you see them LIVE!!! And that speaks volumes to me folks!

Track Listing:
~ Baby Boy, Baby Girl (feat. Anthony Hamilton)
~ Somethin' (feat. Phonte from Little Brother)
~ Just Can't Believe
~ Goldigger
~ Gratitude
~ Nothing Left To Say
~ Right Here
~ E-Life
~ Why Do We Try (feat. Ali Shaheed Muhammad)
~ Back & Forth
~ Moan
~ Queen Of Come Here, Go Away
~ Wish I Can Love You (Pimp Juice)
~ Baby Boy, Baby Girl

Featuring special guests Anthony Hamilton, Phonte, & Ali Shaheed from Hip-Hop group The Tribe Called Quest.....the legacy continues!

Its On! And I'm not kiddin'. The lead single "Baby Boy, Baby Girl (feat. Anthony Hamilton) was the essential mark of quality R&B music. And the message was recieved from the content, as well as the value of the groove. Its', to say the least, expected; The slow ballads recieved immediate attention, just to see if they missed their mark: "Nothing Left To Say","Right Here", "Why Do We Try" & "Moan"...."Queen Of Come Here, Go Away" got noticed. But at times, I rewinded or pressed the back up button to track "Right Here".  Did they miss it? Nah...

Much of their music either quickly grows on you or sneeks up on you later. I do not know why, but it shows how deep this group penetrates the textures of soul music & how passionate they go about handling it. Whether or not the question may come up if these tracks have lasting power may not make any difference to the fanbase or new lovers of their music because Mint Condition carries a fine reputation of remixing  & re-releasing their music to make it sound better or you may come to find those same compositions get laced for the best on stage - at a concert down the street from your block. This is what makes Mint Condition. Have ya'll EVER seen these cats live? If not, then what are you waiting for?

Overall, The recommendation is right there on the kitchen counter. Please pick up the pass & cash it in! I dug this project & Thanks to Mint Condition for keeping it real by staying together as an multi-faceted R&B band/group. That testimony should stand the test of time & leave a legacy for the younger generation of R&B musicians, to possibly initiate & influence more R&B bands after them.  

I'll see ya'll Later.

T
The Urban Music Scene

For more information, song samples & purchase, please visit Amazon today!

Yeah, I know … I’m a little late with this review of one of the hottest releases of ‘08 by Concord Records multi-talented recording artist Marcus Miller. Why? Well, I just had kick back a bit, and savor the moment of this deliciously fruitful and funky vibe that Miller has masterfully put in our path for us to marinate in with his latest simply titled “Marcus.”

As you already know by now, the Grammy Winner’s latest “Marcus” was previously released in Europe titled “Free.” Why? Honestly, it’s mind boggling to me that on our beloved American soil “some” record executives are uneasy about releasing new music especially when the artist changes direction with his/her sound. Nonetheless, our time has arrived to envelope ourselves into the grace of sophisticated funk and the soulfulness by none other then Marcus Miller.

Obviously, it was pure genius on Miller’s behalf to call into the studio a stellar cast of musician’s to lend their voices to record a palette of refreshing remakes, and new gems on his most tangible records since his 1983 recording titled “Suddenly.” Now, some folks are having issue with “Marcus” and his desire to crossover or mingle with the folks on the other side. Huh, it’s beyond me because if you have followed his career you would know this cat loves to play the lethal combination of funk, jazz and r&b. It’s a no brainier, it’s in his DNA. This brother simply can’t help himself, as he serves up a formula of music that attracts a cult of new listeners into the mix long enough for them to enjoy quality music without being framed into the box they normally reside in. Way to go Marcus, you duh man!!

The title “Marcus,” is an unflawed description of this man’s music from A to Z. This project is a template of Miller’s redeemed passion to create the music that he dearly loves as his compositional style and voice is layered with mind numbing complexities that keeps music lovers coming back for more with each new recording. Please if you will, give it some thought, dig deep, do yourself a favor and pick up this gem by the funkiest musician on the planet Marcus Miller.

J Desmond
The Urban Music Scene

For more information, song samples & purchase, please visit Amazon today!

Wondering where the entire funk went? Well, I'll tell you what: It went to Daddy Cool, whose CD encompasses influences from Parliament-Funkadelic, Sly Stone, Cameo and James Brown.

This multi-instrumentalist, producer & engineer is keeping the funk alive! "Call Me Daddy" is a tribute to James Brown, especially after the hilarious track, "Merry X-mas Man" & its almost 11 minutes of funk. The reprise is a little jazzy instrumental.

Other funk songs/jams are "Blow My Rhythm", "Longer Way Around", "Full Moon Street", "Past Tense", & "Finally Say". You need to treat yourself to this project. Do not sleep on it! It's a very impressive debut CD. And trust me, when you put this in your car, you will take the 'longer way around' to your pointed destination!

Marvin Dickey
The Urban Music Scene

For more information, song samples & purchase, please visit CDbaby today!

LISTEN TO A SONG SAMPLE OF "THE LONGER WAY AROUND'" FROM THE NEW DADDY COOL PRODUCTIONS ALBUM!!

Download | Duration: 00:00:00

A tasty gem is about to open your ears the minute you press 'play' to an exciting release from young, talented bassist Esperanza Spalding. In her self-titled project, you'll find textures of latin flavored jazz compositions, startling combinations of tantalizing acoustic bass play & sultry jazzy sounds only representative of her blessed talent. I was absolutely taken off guard by her skill, precision & composure. And at a very young age, you wouldn't guess it when you hear Ms. Spaldings music!

Track Listing:
~ Ponta De Aeria
~ I Know You Know
~ Fall In
~ I Adore You
~ Cuerpo Y Alma (Body & Soul)
~ She Got You
~ Precious
~ Mela
~ Love In Time
~ Espera
~ If That's True
~ Samba Em Preludio

Straight from out of the gate, "Ponta De Aira" showcases her versatility to breathe life into a spanish musical gem, with instrumentation completing a classic song from the one & only Milton Nascimento. And yes, with the background grooveline of the piano & her harmonious flair combining to create a perfect balance, without a doubt, your going to be in for a treat. Go find a nice place to relax & chill for a moment. Ms. Spalding is taking over...

"I Know You Know" surprised me because it carried an undertone of Neo-Soul & sprinkled lightly with a soft touch of carribbean, congo tapered grooveline & hooks. Ms. Spalding dances vocally around the structured composition with confidence, enticing you to possibly nip that volume control up just a tad. Just a tad ya'll, that's all!; Then when the sun sets & the moon is brightly lit into the evening afterglow, another feature is introduced exquisitely with song, "Fall In". Esperanza displays a stage setting performance unlike anything heard live for a while. Yet with still having to accept the idea that this young lady is in her early-mid 20's, her range enlightens a reflection of a mature Nina Simone. A range with experience & discipline.

And she can scat! Get a moment & please pay close attention to "I Adore You". The jazz influenced members of her band handled her vocal delivery over the mic to the taste of a masterfully baked slice of apple pie! It tasted that good!!



Highlights also includes the ballad "Love In Time", The opening bassline to "Mela" escapes from the gate & sends you into a parralled, organic, pure-jazz session. The way jazz music can be appreciated for. The trumpet solo dazzles the track, along with an exceptional piano piece halfway into it. No need to go any further about the rest of this, otherwise, marvelous collectible of music....For good measure its time for this:

Ms. Spalding delivers a riveting display of special skill & talent unlike I have ever heard in this generation. Exceeding every expectation I had of this project from the reception of this CD. I'm glad to see Heads Up International providing her the chance for the world to finally receive a special, musically endowed, jazz centerpiece. Not only am I soliciting the album for purchase into your collection, I will also go out on the limb, to promote a chance of seeing Ms. Spalding live when she comes to your neighborhood, sometime soon I hope...

(Advance review - Project to be released May 20th, 2008)

Terrill J. Hanna
The Urban Music Scene

LISTEN TO A SONG SAMPLE OF "PONTA DE AIRA'" FROM THE NEW ESPERANZA SPALDING ALBUM!!
 

Download | Duration: 00:01:30

For more information, song samples & more, please visit www.headsup.com today!
Also, as a special feature. Ms. Spalding's performance is caught Live In Copenhagen! Enjoy!!

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She's an owner of her record label, and a few other things, but being from Ohio “The Land of Funk” you just can’t put out a wack cd. Well Ms. Dawn Woods didn’t! She brought it on this CD. With club bangers like, “Meet Me On The Dance Floor", "After The Storm", "Don’t Break My Heart", "I Feel Alive", "Could You Be The One”, & more, you will definitely get your head nodding.

The mid-tempo songs like "Downtown", "Simple Love", "Paradise", "Reflections Of My Life" & "All My Life" & "All My Days" gives a taste of her versatility of vocal prowess. Dawn also brings in the slow grooves in "Learning To Love Again", "If You Asked Me To", "Imagine" and the inspirational song "I Will Be Strong" roundss out this CD that has something for everyone.

Serving as Executive producer, Dawn co-wrote all of the songs and was recorded in Ohio and Atlanta (Maybe Houston on the next project...I hope!) Dawn has hit a niche that can't be denied.

Marvin Dickey
The Urban Music Scene

For more information, song samples & purchase, please visit CDbaby today!

Hailing from Arkansas are 4 brothers destined to shed their light for God in forming "Image". Their sound easily projects soulful gospel with roots to traditional hymnal themes. The quartet's music is polished & well delivered. As it relates to various gospel groups around the globe, their music can be distinctive & that's what is going to be the highlight of their career, as well as this project.

Track Listing:
~ I Feel Good
~ Why Not
~ Sunny Day
~ Never Let Go
~ We're Gonna Make It
~ Redeemed
~ Fight On
~ Live & Love
~ Restoration Again
~ Starting Over Again
~ It Ain't Over

The opening track, "I Feel Good" is simply put. The lyrics expresses it with ease & directs the attention of the Holy Spirit encouraging & uplifting their expressions!; "Why Not" seeks to reach into the listener, by witnessing an opportunity to Trust God in everything..."Why Not?"; "Sunny Day" is something the quartet encourages to the sancutary about the light at the end of the tunnel. A better day is ahead after those trials & tribulations...

Some Contemporary R&B flavor is felt in tracks "Restoration" & "Starting Over Again", with room to expand those tracks into those communities/fanbase, respectively.

The essence of both worlds - the old school feel of traditional gospel - & new school Gospel is reached in this project & arrangements. Soon to be released on EMI Gospel, Image has a nice album. It certainly has its high moments & thoughtful, uplifting messages, as well as a steady paced, song sequencing, laid out track for track. I expect to see more from them!

Terrill J. Hanna
The Urban Music Scene

To purchase, hear song samples & more, please visit Amazon today!

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Its definitely working in the favor for Carlos Santana to see him more live on stage than listening to his studio projects & offerings. His mastery & recognition of jamming to every aspect of musical genre's shouldn't be challenged, especially receiving the dose of a special performance in this recent release from Eagle Rock Entertainment!

As he celebrates the sound of blues with 3 of his favorite musicians from that background: Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Bobby Parker & Buddy Guy, many blues enthusiasts will certainly appreciate & comprehend an affair this may have been at the Montreauz Jazz Festival back in July of 2004!!

Track Listing:
Carlos Santana with Clarence"Gatemouth" Brown
~ I've Got My Mojo Working
~ The Drifter
~ Grape Jelly
~ Okie Dokie Stomp

Carlos Santana with Bobby Parker
~ Chill Out
~ Mellow Down Easy
~ Watch Your Step

Carlos Santana with Buddy Guy
~ Stormy Monday
~ Jam Session #1
~ So Many Roads So Many Trains
~ Jam Session #2

Each duet & featured performances added flavor to the traditional value of original Blues. By orchestrating with reminisce to the 70's sound, expressing talents from every individual/musicians & featuring adventurous solos throughout. Watch when Bobby Parker 'gets down' in "Mellow Down Easy", while Carlos shows his influence & soulfulness in "Chill Out". To see Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown on stage, in rare form, groove the heck out of "I've Got My Mojo Working" was a draw & very special! And of course, the legendary Buddy Guy, next to Mr. Santana & the vibrant, bluesy vocal appeal of Ms. Barbara Morrison in "So Many Roads, So Many Trains", puts the icing on the cake!

Blues fans will fall in love with this! I thought the energy & excitement was written all over the wall. Live performances that are well executed, produced & arranged, along with the value of high quality digital sound, is appealing & make no mistake about it....This DVD package came with it!

Terrill J. Hanna
The Urban Music Scene

For more information, song samples & purchase, please visit Amazon today!

Pianist Gail Jhonson emerges from her musical career with another set of Smooth/Contemporary compositions. As sparkling as her smile is on the CD cover, is as presented in her music, I found this project to be graceful, at ease, warm & appealing! In "Pearls", Gail stretches the bar/the medium of jazz music with profound ease & eloquent flavor. She may possibly break through to the smooth jazz audience in need for more delightful, R&B driven, mind tingling songs, with memory to good sounding music. No matter how its appreciated...

Released from The NuGroove record label, Gail has a slew of special artists in store for ya'll! It features Pieces Of A Dream's James Lloyd, One of the Brothers from smooth jazz group - The Braxton Brothers -, Nelson Braxton, Producer Paul Brown, Saxman Marion Meadows & Guitarist Norman Brown!

Track Listing:
~ Pacific Breeze feat. Nelson Braxton
~ My Soldier produced by James Lloyd
~ Silky Side feat. Paul Brown
~ Moments of Love
~ Runnin' Around
~ Feel Good Groove
~ Miles Away
~ Whisper Yours
~ Let's Do This
~ Sisters produced by James Lloyd
~ Pearls feat. Marion Meadows
~ Solch feat. Norman Brown

The offset of "Pacific Breeze" enhances just that feeling of being by the ocean shores, possibly catching the immediate vibe you receive in listening to this track! Support on the bass & guitar is provided by Nelson Braxton; "My Soldier", produced by James Lloyd keeps the song sequence in motion...the jazzy, drifting sounds compliments Gails' passionate flow on the keys; The simplicity of an easy composition shows another side of Ms. Jhonson's songwriting ability in "Silky Slide" with assistance from Paul Brown. Very smooth, groove-oriented & mid tempo'd for the sunsetting chill.

"Moments Of Love" slows down the moment & sends you into a seductive, romantic afterthought. The beat has a hip touch, but the flow has a memorable melody backing it.; "Runnin' Around" is an endless groove that becomes transparent behind the playing of Gail & her players!; Then when you are totally feeling the album, the slight approach of "Feel Good Groove" reminds you of something special to come your way by listening to this project in its entirety! Its tempting & her music lures you in...

Track "Whisper Yours", again, takes a very simple tune & showcases Ms. Jhonson's talent on the piano. Melody driven & catchy. I'm diggin' it! The album picks up, perfectly for the close of her album, in "Sisters". Another hot one from the production mind of Mr. Lloyd.

A recommendation is in store for this one Folks! There is no doubt about it. Her new music is appealing, passionate, desirable & easily receptive. I gather she has been blessed, indeed, with the ability to stay focused & to be able to channel out her creative ideals on the piano. Her fanbase will definitely appreciate the offering & possibly bring in more lovers of this genre as the time goes by.

Right on Gail! Keep it up!!

Terrill J. Hanna
The Urban Music Scene 

For more information on Gail Jhonson, please visit www.TheNuGroove.com or www.GailJhonson.com
Also, please check this Interview & Performance of Ms. Jhonson, courtesy of YouTube!!

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Along the likes of Norman Brown, Nick Colionne & various smooth groove guitar players, this cat interjects the contemporary/smooth jazz scene with a forthcoming release of "No Time To Waste".

Released last year from NuGroove Records, Dee Brown's Guitar parallels the groove without wasting his time, nor anyone else's. Its vivid & contrasted to the contemporary jazz landscape. A great mix of R&B senses, vocal arrangements, top quality productions & occassional riffs, Mr. Brown simply lays out some fine material. Guitar lovers will hopefully appreciate the offering... 

Track Listing:
~ Blue Street
~ No Time To Waste (Intro)
~ No Time To Waste
~ Confessions
~ Sunday Jazz
~ Dee Brown's Place
~ Together As One
~ Before I Began
~ Reunited
~ El Spanyo
~ Wings Of Love
~ Call Me Up
~ Beautiful Melodic

(Dedicated in loving memory to his son, Jonas Edwards Brown)

The plucks on the strings blends into play of track "No Time To Waste", with background vocals handled by Reginald B. Williams; The midtempo flow is generated in "Confessions", hot for the makings of radio airplay; Cruise down the block & acknowledge guest vocalist Audra Bryant as she provides the backdrop to "Sunday Jazz"; Or pull up & stop on by "Dee Brown's Place" & catch a 'live performance'...

The slight mistic opening to "Together As One" displays a crytal, ambiant interlude that later provides the intro to "Before I Began", a cooled-out, chilled-out, musical gem awaiting a slight pour of wine for your glass on standby. 

"El Spanyo" had a simplistic latin melody & Mr. Brown stuck with it throughout the entire track. The composition ended up becoming one of my fav's on the playlist. So the "*" was stuck right alongside the track #! The same goes for "Wings Of Love"....Check it!

The entire CD carries the smooth, elegant warmth of jazz featuring Mr. Brown's delightful guitar skills. Needless to say, it would be a great CD to play for any occasion, depending on the mood & hour. G. Mitchell shares the credit for being behind the scenes in the production/songwriting room with Dee &
Mr. Brown's studio band providing an effortless blend of beautiful sessions.

The project is recommended for those jazz smooth groovin's fans out there. And also for those looking for something new for the collection...

Terrill J. Hanna
The Urban Music Scene

For more information, song samples & purchase, please visit NuGroove today!

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Straight from the offset of this deluxe edition, the crowd in Paris was silently & equisitely introduced to a setting of vibrant R&B & stage presence in Neo-Soul songstress Jill Scott. And from that point on...IT WAS ON!

8 Minutes & 19 seconds of "The Way" goes after an anthem, the moodswing for what fans of Ms. Scott will come to expect for the rest of that evening; "Whatever"..."Whatever"....."Whatever...Baby". (Check the special improv towards the end. Uh, huh....some latin sound textures!!) The track that connects right before & into "The Fact Is (I Need You)", is gonna set ya'll up! Switching the pace from a mid-tempo soul charade to a candle burning, slowful thought of expressions.

"Golden" is the reminder of why Jill Scott is so appreciated. She orchestrates rhythm with so much groove, her vocals becomes an instant niche. The minute her voice echoes & touches the stadium, club hall, spectrum, or stage, you KNOW Ms. Scott is the HOUSE! Stand clear....

Track Listing:
~ The Way
~ Whatever
~ That Fact Is (I Need You)
~ Golden
~ My Petition
~ Rasool
~ Bedda At Home
~ He Loves Me (Lyzel In E Flat)

Bonus DVD Material
Live From The House Of Blues
Los Angeles, Ca. 2007
~ Crown Royal
~ Hate On Me
~ My Love
~ All I

Documentary
~ Featuring Jill's fans on the streets in Paris

Bonus Audio CD
~ Live In Paris

The additional features presented from Hidden Beach gives total value to an appealing DVD/CD set. The purchase should be within arms reach of affordablility, especially when DVD's are commonly bought by itself. You will not be disappointed by this collection. That's for real! The "House Of Blues" set will straighten all of that out! Filmed in Los Angeles, 2007, the 4 tracks that follows will complete & seal the deal.

2 concert performances from 2 locations on 1 DVD.....In 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound at that.

As a bonus, there's an audio CD of the 'Live In Paris' concert, for all of ya'll eager to drift & bang those jams right into your car set.

I enjoyed the performance & I hope you will too. Keep bringin' it Jill! And oh, you are lookin' good on the big screen too!

T
The Urban Music Scene

For more information, song samples & purchase, please visit Amazon today! Or visit www.hiddenbeach.com

PS: Speaking of "My Love", performed the night @ 'The House Of Blues', remember this video?
Enjoy Ladies & Gents.....!

So serious....so harmoniously gifted....AHMIR!

"Ahmir" has it goin' on! R&B may recieve a 'shot in the arm' with the presence of 4 gentleman from Boston, who aimed to please the romance dept. Not since the days of 'Boys to Men', the consistency of Jagged Edge, has any group come close to strong, textured melodies & beautifully penned seranades like this!!

Track Listing:
~ Let's Get This
~ Angel
~ Welcome To My Party
~ Right To Left
~ Donkey
~ The Wedding Song
~ Sure I'd Like
~ Foreplay (Interlude)
~ Who Ya Gonna Call
~ Show Me
~ Cloud 9
~ Indian Giver
~ Don't Quit
~ She's Over Me
~ No Place Like Home
~ True Love
~ Outro
~ Untitled

"The Gift" drops right into that Urban R&B groove & follows right into some tasteful slow jams in "The Wedding Song", "Who Ya Gonna Call", "She's Over Me", & "True Love". "Cloud 9" (especially this!) grabbed my attention span so strong, my immediate purchase of their MP3's off amazon became reality!! The rythmn & grooves presented & showcased was admirable to say the least! You are talking about 20 tracks of total flavor! (2 not included on current CD) And I do mean a well produced project at that!

2 tracks I stumbled across that I didn't see on their album - "Come In Out Of The Rain", & "The Right Night" were the bomb!! Well excuted slow cuts....well done! (visit Amazon's MP3 download dept for immediate access)

"Outro" shared into the making of the album, with the lead singer explaining their times of getting this masterpiece of a project out into the stores - finally having their album available to the public.

I do not only recommend the purchase, but respectfully ask you to hone in on the song samples yourself. Please visit amazon and check it out. I believe you will not be disappointed. Especially if you are looking for some specially romantic R&B music to drift your way! Also, check out the video to "The Wedding Song" on our R&B page!!

These guys got skills....

T
The Urban Music Scene

For more information, song samples & purchase, please visit Amazon today!

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Within the last year or two, the name Gemini Soul kept resurfacing in my travels around the Internet. Moreover, as usual my appetite for fresh music kept redirecting my path like a boomerang back to this group. At this point, it was inevitable as I was drawn to the title of their new recording called “The Nefertiti Experience.” 

Now, let’s be transparent. As we know listening to various samples they don’t always do the trick or for that matter tell the truth. Are should they? Nonetheless, to my surprise just recently “Nefertiti” arrived my mailbox. As always, much like a kid in the toy store with new music in hand I couldn’t wait to take this jewel for the first spin. As I pushed the play button on the disc player the music instantly took flight I found myself engrossed in “Sun Goddess” the opening track.

As leader and multifaceted virtuous Andre Marcel Ajamu Akinuele and his band accurately executes with grace a host of impressive chops and interplay by this quartet contains lots of bonifed soulful music and filled with passion called “Cyber Jazz.”

Word is out, at least for those of us that didn’t know the West Coast jazz scene is blazing with an abundant of unsung heroes. Based out of  San Fransisco, Gemini Soul steps out by unleashing a serious attitude with lots of raw and augmented grooves that’s pleasing even to the most discriminating music lover. With each note, beat, and sonic groove Gemini Soul serves up a delectable dish of slowly brewed jams like the infectious “River Nile.” It’s shaken, tweaked, and well stirred as keyboardist Jon O’ Bergh works the Rhodes as he takes you on a satisfying groovescape. 

In the album liner notes, Andre pays homage to his musical inspirations Grammy Award winner Herbie Hancock and funk bassist extraordinaire MeShell Ndegeocello and Marcus Miller. Andre’s compositional style is comprised of adventurous funk tones wrapped with interesting harmonics, flexible shapes and unadulterated melodic phrasings that exceeds most in this genre.

Yes, the music of Gemini Soul’s is reason to celebrate it's contagious funk-fueled seventies fusion vibe isn’t your typical dose of contemporary jazz however, it’s a refreshing palette of tasty music with plenty of substance. Get this, there are dozen enjoyable tracks in store for you on “The Nefertiti Experience.” Fortunately, it’s projects like this demonstrates to indie artist there’s hope in the future for recording music they love as it appears Gemini Soul has struck gold with this gem takes you on an enterprising journey into “Cyber Jazz.”

J. Desmond
The Urban Music Scene

For more information, song samples & purchase, please visit Amazon today!

Here's some more info, courtesy of You Tube, on Gemini Soul!

E.L. Mahon was born in Fargo, Arkansas; he is classically trained on oboe and credited with being the first black and one of the youngest members of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra at the age of 13. He performed in and was bandleader of top 40/r&b bands from the mid 1970's to late 1991. Although his bands performed the club {chittlin} circuit, college & university frat & sorority gigs, they also performed on military bases including Hawaii, Guam, Japan, Puerto Rico, Korea, The Philippines and Panama, and has opened for such notables as Roy Ayers, Chaka Khan, Frankie Beverly & Maze and Bobby Blue Bland.