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Reviews
Anita Wilson | Worship Soul
Anita Wilson
Worship Soul
(EMI Gospel)
By Peggy Oliver
On most live gospel recordings, it is customary for the church’s pastor or gospel music luminary to introduce the artist to the congregation. During the introduction for Worship Soul by Anita Wilson, her mentor Donald Lawrence pays this worship leader and singer/songwriter a significant compliment: “With a style all her own and a tone all her own.” To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Ryan Shaw | Real Love
Ryan Shaw
Real Love
(Dynotone)
Bu Susan Mutharia
When he started singing in the church choir at the age of 5, Ryan Shaw may not have understood the full potential of the seed he was sowing. The Decatur, Georgia native did not listen to secular music growing up so his influences were all deeply rooted in Gospel. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Bob Baldwin Presents "Betcha By Golly Wow - The Songs Of Thom Bell"
Bob Baldwin Speaks On “The Spark of Magic” of Thom Bell
by A. Scott Galloway
Once upon a time, a ubiquitous Bell tolled throughout the land. It was the sound of music at its creamy dreamiest, crooned hearts-on-sleeves by groups with mystical monikers like Stylistics, Delfonics and Spinners. T’was a time when real men feared not to sing of love and romance in phrases like “You Are Everything” and “You’re as Right as Rain.” Their inescapable signals were carried on the wind by the multitudes, massaging the magic in their own inimitable ways. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Esperanza Spalding | Radio Music Society
Esperanza Spalding
Radio Music Society
(Heads Up International)
by Brent Faulkner
Esperanza Spalding, then relatively unknown to the masses, accomplished a feat previously unaccomplished by any jazz artist in 2011; she won the Grammy award for Best New Artist. Spalding’s victory could be viewed shocking considering she defeated more visible popular artists including Justin Bieber and Drake. While the Grammy could be considered Spalding’s ‘crowning’ achievement, it logically accompanies a rich, captivating biography, highlighted in its entirety on her website (http://www.esperanzaspalding.com). To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Clarence Milton Bekker | Old Soul
Clarence Milton Bekker
Old Soul
(Playing for Change/Concord)
by Brent Faulkner
Clarence Milton Bekker (formerly known as CB Milton) is an R&B artist who has endured career highs and notable lows. A native of Suriname, CB grew up in Netherlands loving music from an early age. In the late 1980s, Milton became a member of The Swinging Soul Machine, a band that backed The Trammps. Milton left the band to focus on a solo career. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Incognito | Surreal
Incognito
Surreal
(Shanachie)
By Peggy Oliver
How does one band with a revolving door of contributors for over three different decades manage to obtain incredible longevity without missing a beat? What has kept Incognito - the multi-cultural, multi-personnel phenomenon that was highly responsible for sparking the eighties’ acid jazz movement - sounding so fresh, remaining so relevant and making it look so effortless? It all lies in the architect of Incognito, Jean-Paul Maunick a.k.a. “Bluey” - the group’s main songwriter and arranger - who refuses to change his musical stripes and feeds off of an indescribable energetic kick from his extended musical family. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Lalah Hathaway's Starry Starry Homecoming Night in L.A.
Lalah Hathaway/Eric Roberson
Club Nokia
April 6, 2012
Concert Review by A. Scott Galloway
On a Full Moon Friday in L.A., Lalah Hathaway adorned the night with stars…
Taking the stage in a lovely flowing wrap dress with a plunging neckline dripping in luscious aqua marine, Lalah opened her set with two recent mid-tempo groove tunes that set the mood as casual, comfy and feel-good with “If You Want To” and “Breathe.” This was followed by the ceremonial removal of her “two song shoes” and giving herself over to the more sensual groove of “Small of My Back,” communicating more clearly with subtly bewitching undulations in front of her microphone (like a real singer should) than any fill-in-the-blank pop tart putting themselves through 100 rep calisthenics at 180 BPMs. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
L.A.'s RnB Live Club; Serving up "A Night to Remember" Every Wednesday of the Week."
Amerie Headlines Night of Amazing Amateur Talents at RnB Live”
An Event Evaluation by A. Scott Galloway
There is something to be said for doing something a long time and getting it right. That is the powerful sense I felt last Wednesday night at Greg & Felipe’s weekly “RnB Live Hollywood” residency in North Hollywood at the space known as Romanov Restaurant Lounge (12229 Ventura Blvd.).
To be perfectly honest, I came just to catch up with singing star Amerie. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise | After This
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise
After This
(Light/E-One)
By Peggy Oliver
When I first stepped foot in church during the early sixties, my attention focused on the precious, riveting harmonies of the choir. It did not matter if the choir embodied a hymn, spiritual or the Psalms, this part of the weekly church service was my absolute favorite moment. As I started taking my relationship with Christ more seriously, choir ministries took on a slightly different meaning, equivocating more than just some pretty voices that have sheer technical skill. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Carmen Lundy | Changes
Carmen Lundy
Changes
(Afrasia)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
Singer/Songwriter Carmen Lundy’s twelfth album, Changes, is the kind of jazz vocal album that does more than entertain. It enhances your very existence. This is music that soothes your being, uplifts your spirit and quiets your mind – music you can use. It has a very strong Afrocentric foundation and an overflowing of warm musical sunshine to light your way. Ms. Lundy composed 8 of the 9 numbers herself, making for an album truly classifiable as “one from the heart.” To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Greg Adams | East Bay Soul 2.0
Greg Adams
East Bay Soul 2.0
(Greg Adams Music)
By George Strand
While much of today's' contemporary/smooth jazz music is dominated by the other sorts of the brass and wind instruments (sax, flute, trombone {shorty}, etc.), we as aficionados in appreciation of the art should never squeeze out the space still made available for the grace of the trumpet - a very powerful horn in the brass family. Perhaps a good dose of the sound of the trumpet and Flugelhorn from Greg Adams, founding/long-time member of hit R&B band Tower ofPower might do the trick. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Andrea Helms | Moving Forward
Andrea Helms
Moving Forward (EP)
(Music World Music)
Review by Peggy Oliver
When it comes to all those TV talent competitions where the winner is judged by America, being a runner-up, third placed or even lower does not constitute a death sentence in one’s career future. Most persons are aware by now that countless “American Idol” non-winners have carved prolific, if not at least steady, recording and concert platforms (i.e. Jennifer Hudson, Elliott Yamin). Representing the show “Sunday Best” - the gospel alternative to “Idol” - praise and worship leader Andrea Helms (the runner-up for Season Four to jazz/gospel stylist Amber Bullock) recently signed with Music World Music. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Ruben Studdard | Letters from Birmingham
Ruben Studdard
Letters from Birmingham
(Shanachie)
By Peggy Oliver
Who might have thought that Martin Luther King, Jr.’s passionate open “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” would have generated a title for an R&B-fueled concept album? While Ruben Studdard was planning his next recording project, a thought dawned on him during a trip to Atlanta as he observed a display of King, Jr. It just happened to be that Studdard was more than well acquainted with the celebrated civil rights leader’s reflections of racial segregation while being held in a jail cell, considering the former “American Idol” winner is Birmingham born and raised. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Paul Brown | The Funky Joint
Paul Brown
The Funky Joint
(Woodward Avenue)
Review by George Strand
Year in - Year out, Contemporary Jazz Guitarist/Producer Paul Brown continues to beat the pavement, regardless of how many sour apples taint the overall smooth jazz market. Regardless to the lack of radio station vibes towards the genre and regardless of the massive drop in record sales. The gentleman of the smooth jazz flow breaks out his passion for the groove with the release of "The Funky Joint". To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Robert Glasper Experiment | Black Radio
Robert Glasper Experiment | Black Radio
By Peggy Oliver
What
makes jazz musicians so appreciated are their extraordinary musical
moves and how they incorporate their vigorous passions in other genres
into their own distinct musical personality. Robert Glasper was
influenced by a jazz/blues singer in his mother, Kim Yvette Glasper. But
Glasper certainly was destined to become more than the standard jazz
stylist. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Rhythm Will Be Queen at The 34th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival
by A. Scott Galloway
Music EditorThe Urban Music Scene
It was a beautiful sunny afternoon – crystal clear following a night of heavy winds – as host Bill Cosby and producer Darlene Chan announced this year’s exciting lineup of The 34th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival. The festival returns to Father’s Day weekend – Saturday June 16 (3pm-11pm) and Sunday June 17 (3pm-10:30pm) at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. As always, the cultural and musical diversity of the collective likens it more as The Playboy World Music Extravaganza.
For this writer, the group I am most anticipating is Spectrum Road – a jazz-rock power quartet assembled to pay homage to the late, great drummer Tony Williams and his pioneering band The Tony Williams Lifetime. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Najee | The Smooth Side Of Soul
Album Review: Najee | The Smooth Side of Soul
By Peggy Oliver
Multi-award
winner Najee is one of contemporary jazz’s long-standing ambassadors
and continues to challenge himself with respect towards his fan base
that has further translated to his overall industry longevity. As a
lifelong fan of R&B and jazz music, Jerome Najee Rasheed decided to
follow his musical childhood inspirations while developing his woodwind
skills. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Ellee Ven | Her Wildcat Lovin’ Majesty
Album Review: Ellee Ven | Her Wildcat Lovin’ Majesty
By Stella Titus-Ayala
The Beautiful Ellee Ven, hailing from Lexington, KY, is a current Pop/Indie independent artist from the label Hot Sauce Records. Her new CD, "Her Wildcat Lovin' Majesty" was released last year in May 2011.
For starters, the first track on the album SIGNALS, by far, is the best song Ellee Ven delivered. This 'Indie-80’s meets Brittney Spears' style song is somewhat a throw back from the 80's HEY DAYS of freestyle/dance music legend DEBBI DEB. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Kirk Whalum | Romance Language
Album Review: Kirk Whalum – Romance Language
By Peggy Oliver
(Advance Review - Scheduled for Release Feb. 14th, 2012)
(Advance Review - Scheduled for Release Feb. 14th, 2012)
One
of jazz’s unlikely pairs, depending on who you might speak with,
stirred some magic in the early sixties. John Coltrane was undeniably a
groundbreaking modern saxophone player who leaned more towards the
avant-gardism school of thinking. After choosing crooner Johnny
Hartman for an Impulse! recording project of romantic ballads came to
fruition in 1963, Coltrane immediately connected with Hartman’s melodic
and sensitive phrasing, which was the self-titled project’s driving
force. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Boyz II Men | Twenty
Album Review: Boyz II Men | Twenty
by Brent Faulkner
Veteran male R&B group Boyz II Men celebrate twenty years in the game with their most recent studio album appropriately titled Twenty. Twenty is a double-disc effort, comprised of twenty three tracks; the first disc is new material while the second disc is re-recordings of the groups biggest hits. Overall, the two-disc set is more than what fans might ask for, particularly the re-recorded disc, but showcases that the pre-eminent, best selling R&B group are still in top-notch form twenty years later. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Amy Winehouse | Lioness: Hidden Treasures
Album Review: Amy Winehouse | Lioness: Hidden Treasures
by Brent Faulkner
When British soul singer Amy Winehouse passed away in July 2011 at age 27, the world lost a talented musician way too soon. While many predicted Winehouse’s battle with demons would be her ultimate and perhaps untimely demise, the world was saddened that such a distinct, passionate, and soulful voice was gone so soon. Prior to her untimely death, Winehouse had been working slowly on a third effort, much of which was unfinished. 2011 compilation Lioness: Hidden Treasures includes a mix of old, new, and unreleased recordings. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Mary J. Blige | My Life II...The Journey Continues (Act I)
Album Review: Mary J. Blige | My Life II...The Journey Continues (Act I)
by Brent Faulkner
Any artist, regardless of genre, would be hard pressed to follow-up one of their most pivotal releases with a worthwhile sequel. On My Life II... The Journey Continues (Act I), that is what R&B standout Mary J. Blige attempts to do. The result is a pleasant effort, but an effort that never eclipses the original My Life, nor does it eclipse Blige’s modern masterpiece, The Breakthrough. Despite this and some humdrum, less distinct moments, there is enough solid material to make My Life II an enjoyable, though not necessarily the most important or vital effort in Blige’s rich discography. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Carl Thomas | Conquer
Album Review: Carl Thomas | Conquer
By Stella Titus-Ayala
Carl Thomas and his long awaited and anticipated New Album “CONQUER” hits you with smooth contemporary R&B tracks like “THE NIGHT IS YOURS” and many more to come. This track just goes to show you that in his absence he was going deeper within his talent and musical vault before resurfacing with hot new sounds for the project. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
New Foundation | Goin’ Places
Album Review: New Foundation | Goin’ Places
By Ian Cooke
New Foundation's "Goin’ Places" is a debut project by long time friends Curtis Harmon and Bennie Sims who worked together as drummer and bassist respectively, for legendary contemporary jazz group, Pieces Of A Dream. Between the two of them, they have played with such artists as George Benson, Al Jarreau, Aretha Franklin, Count Basie, Lou Rawls and too many others to list. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Hart Ramsey | My Next Heartbeat
Album Review: Hart Ramsey | My Next Heartbeat
by Brent Faulkner
Producer, jazz pianist, and pastor Hart Ramsey returns with his sophomore smooth jazz effort, My Next Heartbeat. On Heartbeat, Hart Ramsey assembles a cast of talented musicians to support him. Having had the opportunity of reflecting on Ramsey’s debut effort, my enthusiasm to reflect upon his sophomore effort was high. My Next Heartbeat is another solid album comparable at times to Ramsey’s debut, even if it is a shade less enthralling. Throughout the thirteen solid cuts, Ramsey’s musicianship and creativity shines brightly, even through less standout cuts. If nothing else is notable about My Next Heartbeat, Ramsey’s passion and musicianship are certainly present through its seventy minute duration. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>