TheUrbanMusicScene.com | "Music, Concert, DVD Reviews, & More!"
~~ R&B, Gospel, Jazz, The New Voices Of Today & Concerts ~~
Advertisement
Syndicate
Reviews
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 >>
The Angela Bofill Experience f/ Maysa | at Anthology in San Diego, Nov. 5th
“The Angela Bofill Experience f/ Maysa”
Anthology - San Diego
Saturday - November 5, 2011 - 1st Set
by A. Scott Galloway
(Photos: Eric Sarmiento)
Cuban/Puerto Rican singer/songwriter Angela Bofill’s debut album, Angie, arrived in 1978 on the then-new audiophile GRP Records label. She offered a first class blend of jazz, soul, pop and Latin strains that showed tremendous promise. The quality of her music and career took several twists and turns from that point to now with most agreeing that of her ten studio recordings, the first four Arista-distributed albums in the late `70s/early `80s (and an underrated CD she recorded in 1996 for Shanachie Records titled Love in Slow Motion) are her finest. There has never been another artist quite like Bofill in that she has earned staple classics in all four of the above genres but is most lovingly recalled as a pioneering queen of the Quiet Storm. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Keith Sweat | A Christmas of Love
Album Review: Keith Sweat | A Christmas of Love (2007)
By George Strand
(Published Dec. 10th, 2009)
The Holiday Season. Beckoned with warmth, seasonal temperature changes & gift wrapping paper scattered all over the tables & floors. Lets not forget about the many spices & candles, the outdoor home light fixtures & a traditional choice of the decorated Christmas Tree. Along with visiting family not seen in recent years & so forth. That's if you celebrate Christmas that way. Many do. Many don't. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Maysa | Motions of Love
Album Review: Maysa | Motions of Love
By Peggy Oliver
Mentored
by an urban music icon and raised by a U.K. jazz soul band, Maysa Leak
has breathed sweet life into many songs from the vaults of soul, R&B
and jazz catalogs and conveyed many personal tales of love found, lost
and found. And though there are still more achievements to conquer,
such as developing a stage play about jazz legend Sarah Vaughn, Maysa
has etched amazing musical memories, primarily with Stevie (Wonder) and
Incognito. For nearly twenty years, Maysa remains firm as a much
respected figure for the contemporary R&B and jazz community; since
the time a jazz label executive eminently declared the introduction of a
solo career. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Keith Sweat | Til The Morning
Album Review: Keith Sweat | Til The Morning
By Susan Mutharia
Keith Sweat is done 'riding solo' and is back with an album that his fans deserve. It was hard to forgive Sweat for a couple of songs in his last album (Riding Solo, 2010). However, after listening to his new album Til The Morning, I am ready to kiss and make up.
Keith Sweat is back to his roots and you are going to love this album. He first caught our attention with his debut and sophomore album, 'Make It Last Forever' and 'I’ll Give All My Love To You', respectively. His success has only grown over the years not only as a singer but also as a producer working with groups such as Kut Close, Silk and Dru Hill. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Johnny Gill | Still Winning
Album Review: Johnny Gill | Still Winning
by Brent Faulkner
After fifteen long years, R&B veteran Johnny Gill releases only his sixth solo release, Still Winning. Gill’s last high profile appearance of note was back in 2006 in Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion in which he performed “You For Me (The Wedding Song).” That song, though not a ‘hit’ per say, showed that Gill still had the ‘pipes’ that made him such a popular force in R&B. Still Winning, despite honing in on Gill’s incredible vocal talents, never quite does the R&B singer the justice it should. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
The Revelations feat. Tre Williams | Concrete Blues
Album Review: The Revelations feat. Tre Williams | Concrete Blues
By Peggy Oliver
Tre Williams was one of the most coveted voices in the millennium hip-hop nation collaborating with Wu-Tang Clan, Petey Pablo, and Nas, as well as the focal point for a mix tape on Nas’ Ill Will Records: Street Gospel: The Old Test of Men. Though Williams kept company in the hip-hop field for a few years, he eventually pursued an avenue to express his voice on a solo level. Fueled by his biggest inspirations Otis Redding, Johnnie Taylor and others, Williams has been preaching his own southern fried message since he formed The Revelations, with the assistance of producer Bob Perry. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Eric Clapton & Wynton Marsalis, Play the Blues: Live from Jazz At Lincoln Center
Album Review: Eric Clapton & Wynton Marsalis, Play the Blues: Live from Jazz At Lincoln Center
by Brent Faulkner
The expectation when two legendary musicians come together to record an album is that the musicianship is incredible. On Play the Blues: Live from Jazz At Lincoln Center, that expectation is met and even surpassed. Clapton’s vocal and guitar skills are unmatched while Marsalis’s Dixieland Jazz styled arrangements are nothing short of breathtaking - not to mention his virtuosic trumpet sound. While Clapton and Marsalis are the main attraction, the musicians assembled by Marsalis shine just as brightly as the headlining artists. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Shirley Murdock | Live: The Journey
Album Review: Shirley Murdock | Live: The Journey
By Peggy Oliver
There
are plenty of saints - to sinners - to saint’s stories within the
gospel music industry. It is quite commonplace for artists to maturate
their voices in the church before taking the gifts to the secular side
for such a season; before they recall the strong foundation they
received thru solid Christian teaching. Shirley Murdock was raised on
gospel in her hometown of Toledo, Ohio but her claim to fame was as part
of the R&B/futuristic funk outfit Roger Troutman & Zapp. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Joe | The Good, The Bad, The Sexy
Album Review: Joe | The Good, The Bad, The Sexy
By Stella Titus-Ayala
JOE...., um, um, UMM! “The Good, The Bad, The Sexy” album is another reason why JOE isn’t going nowhere anytime soon. The first track “Losing” reminds me of my own silly emotions of the relationship highs and lows but a strong message from the male perspective with yet another softer touch that even us women can feel. Made me feel like I was listening to a new school Lenny Williams. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Richard Elliot | In The Zone
Album Review: Richard Elliot | In The Zone
By Ian Cooke
Scotland born Richard Elliot celebrates his 25th anniversary as a recording solo artist with this latest offering co-produced with Jeff Lorber. It’s a Winner!! Drawing upon his influences: legends Grover Washington Jr., Bob James and David Sanborn, In The Zone is a 10 song horn oriented delight. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Tasha Taylor | Taylormade
Album Review: Tasha Taylor | Taylormade
by Marv D.
The stunning debut from Tasha Taylor with her latest effort “Taylormade” is soulful and refreshing. Where in a world of auto tune and other fabricated sound products, sheer talent has emerged.
Tasha, who is the youngest daughter of legendary Icon Johnny Taylor, showcases the talent that runs throughout her entire family. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Mayer Hawthorne | How Do You Do
Album Review: Mayer Hawthorne | How Do You Do
by Brent Faulkner
Mayer Hawthorne is one artist in a slim field or R&B artists embracing the vibe and sensibilities of soul music’s glory days. The artist, who has dabbled in hip-hop as well, definitely does not look the part of the soul-revivalist that he is. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Lalah Hathaway | Where It All Begins
Album Review: Lalah Hathaway | Where It All Begins
By Peggy Oliver
Lalah
Hathaway is one of the most entrusted vocalists the music industry has
ever known. While many will always recognize Hathaway as the daughter of
one of soul music's classic stylists, Donny Hathaway, she has etched
her own voice by successfully capturing her father’s essence with her
warm alto. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Gordon Chambers | Sincere
Album Review: Gordon Chambers | Sincere
By Peggy Oliver
Sometimes there are hidden gems among those songwriting geniuses whose labor of love has crafted hits for urban music icons. Stars like Anita Baker, Whitney Houston and The Isley Brothers are more than acquainted with Gordon Chambers, whose heartfelt and on-point lyrics have graced the charts for many years. Just an ever so small taste of his songwriting credits include the Grammy winning “I Apologize,” by Ms. Baker, Whitney’s “My Love,” The Isley’s “Just Came Here to Chill” plus the smash hit “If You Love Me” by Brownstone. He credits his mature songwriting abilities from years of experience with producers like David Foster, Barry Eastmond (Billy Ocean, Mike Howard & Baker) and L.A. Reid -- who signed Chambers to his publishing company HITCO that housed many R&B elite songwriters. But this gentleman can blow as well; possessing a pure, effortless tenor voice that recalls smooth balladeers like Brian McKnight. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
Syleena Johnson | Chapter 5: Underrated
Album Review: Syleena Johnson | Chapter 5: Underrated
By Peggy Oliver
If
there were ever a singer/songwriter who could write a book on telling
it like it is, one Syleena Johnson has perfected this craft to the
nines. Performing in classical, gospel and jazz choirs throughout
college, Johnson was actually studying to be a psychology major. She
eventually ended up graduating with a major in Music. Yet she might as
well have utilized what she soaked in from her psychology classes. Never
accused of being shy when it comes to laying her feelings on the table,
Johnson is well qualified to sing about her frustration of abusive
relationships and surviving other bumpy roads of life. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>
GiGi Allen | I Need You (2 A.M. Music)
Album Review: GiGi Allen | I Need You (2 A.M. Music)
By Stella Titus-Ayala
As her 48-second intro dropped and set the mood, Ms. GiGi Allen magically changed my immediate surroundings from writing a review in a coffee house in Los Angeles to hanging late night in an R&B club somewhere in the heart of New York City. “Dangerous,” the tantalizing first cut from her debut album I Need You, made me want to move in all the right directions. "Lay Here" is a sensual collaboration with guest vocals by Brandon Johnson… a sexy duet worthy of praise. But before you even get into the feeling of one style of music, Ms. Allen hits you again with the fresh breathtaking hit "If This Is Wrong." This track is worthy of R&B radio play during “night grooves” shows on both the EAST and WEST coasts. The vocal arrangement and additional vocals were pluses to the already fully blossomed lead by the songstress. Trust me when I say: this artist knows what she is doing. To continue, please click "MORE"!<< MORE >>