The Urban Music Scene: Reviews

Kirk Whalum | The Gospel According To Jazz: Chapter III

Administration — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:53:00 GMT

Kirk Whalum | The Gospel According To Jazz: Chapter III

Kirk Whalum was surrounded by music in his household growing up whether singing in the church choir or learning the fine points of jazz from his two uncles who played professionally. And he never took that gift for granted to this day. He has used his extraordinary gift to play with urban music greats like Bob James, Nicole C. Mullin and Luther Vandross. One of his calling cards was a brief but soulful solo on Whitney’s signature hit, “I Will Always Love You.” Like fellow jazz players such as George Duke, Allen & Allen, Angela Christie and Jonathan Butler, gospel music plays an integral role in their faith. The 2001 disc, Hymns in the Garden, reworks classic worship hymns without the smooth jazz synthesizer trappings such as the Dixieland blues drenched “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” and a classy piano trio sound on “I Must Tell Jesus.” Whalum was also featured with gospel rapper Mr. Del on the foot-stomping “Chuuch.”

Then there is the trilogy entitled The Gospel According to Jazz. It is really no secret that throughout black history, gospel and jazz have been always been intertwined (i.e. Duke Ellington’s Sacred Music Series). This ambitious project raises the praise and worship service to astounding heights. Chapters I (made before Hymns) & II are shear jazz canvasses of Latin, bebop, hip-hop, R&B and contemporary gospel. Now eight years later, Chapter III has finally been fulfilled. Whalum’s indisputable love for communicating jazz with gospel is just one side to this multi-faceted musician.

Whalum grew up in one of music’s hotbeds. From blues to rock and all things in between, the city of Memphis was the birthplace of B. B. King, Elvis and Johnny Cash, and many influential artists. The city’s history was certainly attractive to aspiring musicians like Whalum. First starting on drums, he eventually switched to saxophone by junior high. He then concentrated on jazz while in high school. Thanks to a scholarship, Whalum traveled to a well-respected jazz mecca – Houston, the home of Texas Southern University. After graduating, he did not immediately pursue music. Strangely enough, it took a car accident for Whalum to reevaluate his future. In 2003, he began a long musical relationship with Bob James. Though he is not considered a jazz musician in the traditional sense, his respect for heroes like roots players Dexter Gordon and Miles Davis has pushed him to be one of the most recognizable modern day artists.

On Chapter III of The Gospel According to Jazz (recorded in 2007 at Reid Temple in Glenn Dale, Maryland), Whalum and company including several entrusted family members, draw us into a relationship with God with a unique perspective. There are several highlights worthy of mention. The fierce New Orleans rhythms of “Fit to Battle” brings Kirk’s uncle Hugh‘Peanuts’ Whalum and nephew Kenneth Whalum III to the horn line and a riveting drum line, courtesy of Sean McCurley. “Ananias & Sapphira,” named after characters in the book of Acts, is set-upin with an exquisite, unaccompanied acoustic bass solo by Reginald Vealwith a middle-eastern flair. Once the song picks up speed, trumpeter Aaron Broedus' dexterious trumpet and Kirk's explosive sax are supported by a snappy Latin foundation from percussionist Lenny Castro and McCurley. For those who remember “Because You Loved Me,” the pop smash by CelineDion, George Duke extends the piano table from gentle strokes to thunderous chords that stir hallelujahs throughout the Reid Temple building. “Make Me a Believer,” recorded and co-composed by Luther Vandross, possesses all the qualities of Vandross’ smooth tenor, thanks to Kirk’s brother Kevin Whalum. Yet the tweaked lyrics clearly emphasize believing in the Word of God. Kirk pulls still another R&B rabbit of the hat with “You Are Everything;” first with the stellar guitar work by Doc Powell. “AfricaJesus Africa” mixes a pseudo reggae beat along with a brief history lesson covered by Kirk’s cousin rapper, Caleb the Bridge. The funk soul classic “Running Away” is an interesting teaching moment about how running closer to Jesus. Kevin Whalum redefines this Frankie Beverly & Maze hit by sharing some crisp scat exchanges with the house band. But it is Hugh Whalum’s sincere reading of a remarkable pop standard “Smile,” doubled up with the gospel/R&B tinged God Has Smiled on Me; that tugged at my ears the most.

Now that Chapter III of The Gospel According to Jazz is finally fulfilled, I highly recommend this Top Drawer DVD/CD. After experiencing the depth of the Whalum’s stellar family and a solid cast that also includes organist Jerry Peters and vocalist/keyboardist John Stoddart, Kirk should strike a chord for both gospel and jazz fans alike.

Peggy Oliver

The Urban Music Scene

L'Renee | Europe

Administration — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:14:00 GMT

Listen to "You" from The "Europe" album on our New Voices of Today Page by clicking here!!

L'Renee | Europe non-stop.non-pop
(pronounced el-ren-nay)

As Founder and CEO of L’Renee Musique Inc, you have to wonder where does she find the time to record five cd’s and produce an artist on her own label. Her fan base, mostly women, have grown to a staggering 100k plus and still growing. L’Renee, who is very active in the community, has been a spokesperson for several causes.

The beautiful sounds of Detroit’s L’Renee, who has stayed true to her roots of r&b on her new cd “Europe non-stop.non-pop” , has a resonating sound that will pull you into the music and soothe even the most hardcore r&b fan. L’Renee, has a wonderful range that is represented on every song where her vocals glide over the music, and is blended perfectly. The more I listened to this CD, the more I got drawn into it - like she was in the room singing live next to me. I was just mesmerized by her voice, her style, passion and warmth put on each song.

Especially after hearing 'You'...

Track Listing:

What’s the weather
Baby don’t give up
interlude
Reflections
You
interlude
It’s not over
I can love you better
Yes (I do)
interlude
Addiction (Material World)
You Don’t have to cry
interlude
Beautiful

Here’s a reflection of L’Renee singing “Reflections” - New Music Video!

You can purchase this cd at www.cdbaby.com , www.lrenee.net , www.amazon.com

Marv D

We ARE The Urban Music Scene

Blue House Lounge | Amsterdam

Administration — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:12:00 GMT

Listen to "Soul Flow" from The "Amsterdam" album on our New Voices of Today Page by clicking here!!

Blue House Lounge | Amsterdam

After a long night of dancing and you need to cool down a little bit, checkout the funky hypnotic grooves of “Amsterdam” by Blue House Lounge. A collection of grooves to keep your party going while you decide whereto go while you’re cruising the strip.

All songs were written by Carlo Thurau aka Kid Charlemagne of Hamburg,Germany. Kid Charlemagne has traveled the world soaking up inspiration of different styles of music.

All of the songs are mellow funky hypnotic songs that will pulse through your mind, body and soul. The pace picks up with “Soul Flow” a song that has that 70’s feel to it, and “Cupid” has that 70’s slow jam feel for that all night groove. The last two tracks “Between Euphrates and Tigris” and “Chinese Outro” sends us to the eastern and Asian side of world.

Track Listing

Nonchalance
Amsterdam
Sandy sea
Young vibes
Soul flow
Glider
Forgotten adventure
Underwater melody
Cupid
Between Euphrates and Tigris
Chinese outro

This type of cd you can play while you’re lounging around the house, or driving to the store or just to unwind to. You can pick up this cd at www.cdbaby.com

Marv D

The Urban Music Scene

Nu Dawn | Paradise Nu

Administration — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:09:00 GMT

Listen to "Sailing" from The "Paradise Nu" album on our New Voices of Today Page by clicking here!!

Nu Dawn | Paradise Nu

Known as the hypnotic songstress, Nu Dawn’s provocative style and hush lullabies will tingle your senses into a melodic atmosphere for you toescape to. Just drop this cd in the player and get your romance on. Nu Dawn started her sing career in near Chicago by the encouragement of her mother at an early age. Her thirst for the art transformed into Ballet, gymnastics jazz dancing, and singing in the church choir. Inspiration comes from influences like, Diana Ross, Sade, Billie Holliday and others.

The journey begins with the sweet sounds of the title track “Paradise Nu”, then moves on to “Sailing”, where she intertwined the chorus from the Christopher Cross hit “Sailing” into a very beautiful song. “Nite Calls” has a jazzy feel to it and a little bit up-tempo and Nu Dawn’ svoice just floats over the music. Other songs are “1^st love, N2 my place, If the wind had eyes, Don’t wanna stay, Luv u now, and the touching song Hold on tight”.

Ladies, Get your candles out. Brothers, get the wine of choice - light the fire place and drop this in the player and let it go.

You can find Nu Dawn and her angelic voice at www.cdbaby.com

Marv D

The Urban Music Scene

Jana Mashonee | New Moon Born

Administration — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:17:00 GMT

Listen to songs from "New Moon Born", by Jana Mashonee, exclusively from Amazon on our R&B/Soul page by clicking here!

Jana Mashonee | New Moon Born

Coming from Miss Molly Records, accomplished Native American Singer Jana Mashonee offers music listeners a sense of pop music, blended sequentially with contemporary R&B ballads in "New Moon Born". The album boasts 17 tracks, much of which is written & co-produced by Jana & partnered with Stephen Galfas.

The self-described "Urban Indian" passionately lays a lot of her inner spirit down for "New Moon Born", her 4th deal to date. Many of the songs caters to a lot of ballads, upbeat energetic tunes. Pop rhythmic in total feel & texture, with a slight edgy overtone in R&B tapestry. Jana's range is undeniably precious, considering the arrangements conducted on various songs.

One of those arrangements & songs, which has been covered by many artists, is the soulful Sam Cooke classic "A Change Is Gonna Come", a duet with ~~vocalist~~ guitarist Derek Miller. From there, I could feel the deepness in range & a spiritual tranquility coming from Jana. This one deserves special attention. Tracks that stuck out, "Faded Love, "Angel" & "Lessons Learned" carried on the aspect of lullaby, gentle slow songs allowing for Jana's voice to explore each composition by detail & message.

"Carousel" was a highly appreciated measure of excellence. Take a sound check on that one if you have time to spare & hone in on Jana's overall delivery. From start to finish.

The general reflection of the entire disc is mere pop music & a tap of soft rock. Although at times a few tracks were slightly hip & a bit edgy on a few, what stands tall for me is the golden Native American Voice Jana Mashonee stood up for. I could feel the calmness in her vocal style, a sense of spiritual delivery. The album could be a bridge for both worlds of both Pop & R&B music. It all would have to depend on the ear of the listener. Nevertheless, its quite a different approach by all means. No matter what, she left quite a stir on me. A beautiful voice to be reckoned with & it should be acknowledged. Keep in mind, she has already won numerous awards from over the past 10 years or so. This one may end up falling on another award nomination list.

It gets 4 out of 5 stars.

George Strand
The Urban Music Scene

Alan Hewitt | Retroactive

Administration — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:12:00 GMT

Listen to song samples from "Retroactive" on our Jazz page by clicking here!!

Alan Hewitt – Retroactive

The casual music fan probably will not recognize Alan Hewitt by name. But it is possible they have heard his scores for television, movies and video games. Lots of fellow musicians, especially in the smooth jazz community, have appreciated his production skills, arrangements and keyboard wizardry. Ever since graduating from one of music’s prestigious institutions, Hewitt kept refining his songwriting chops in a variety of settings both behind and in front of the scenes. With his last three releases: Noche de Pasion, Metropolis and his latest work Retroactive, Hewitt is now considered one of smooth jazz’s more respected players. Through it all, he gives credit to music executive David Chackler, founder of Hewitt’s current label home nuGroove Records (home to ground breaking jazz sensations Down To The Bone), for being a major support system invarious phases of his career.

The Los Angeles-based Hewitt is a multi-gifted musician who began as a drummer and vocalist. While studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston, he added piano and keyboards to his arsenal. Once he graduated, Hewitt paid many dues inside the recording studio playing for artists representing almost every genre from his idols Earth Wind& Fire to Donny Osmond. But it was more than his instrumental prowess that brought Hewitt to further prominence. The more experience he gained in the studio, the more he grew in confidence with his compositional skills. Some of Hewitt’s incidental and soundtracks for TV and movies include Survivor-South America, Oprah, Bridget Jones and Gods & Generals. Hewitt also orchestrated the music for Utherworlds - a fantasy themed book centering on hope versus fear.

With all his extraordinary musicality to give, he found his solo voice in the contemporary jazz market; beginning with the 2004 release, the Latin-edged Noche de Pasion on 215 Records. Through a series of cruises, he naturally bonded with veteran jazzmen Boney James and Norman Brown. In 2008, Hewitt was involved in a cruise meshing popular smooth jazz musicians and hit-making soul stars – i.e. Motown greats, The Four Tops and funk band, Kool & The Gang.

Hewitt’s appreciation of jazz and soul are evident throughout most of Retroactive. One example is the Isaac Hayes soundtrack staple, “Shaft.” Taking on a song of this caliber can be a risk. Yet Hewitt pulls this task off because he is extremely sensitive to the grooves from the original version. “Hot Fun In The Summertime” (an encore performance first heard on Metropolis), though not exactly aligned with Sly & The Family Stone’s smash hit, is sliced and diced to perfection. Every once in a while, Hewitt decides to change up the mood; case in point“Big Bang” complete with fuzz guitar fills, funky breaks and a killer horn section. Speaking of the funk and nothing but the funk, the acid-jazz flavored “In The Works” has all the trimmings including a delicious vibe solo that could make Roy Ayers take notice. The title track adds several smooth layers of funk frosting; from the electric piano hooks to the brief but dazzling guitar harmonics and the dancing organ from Hewitt.

Overall, Retroactive should bring more recognition for Hewitt’s giftings as a jazz player who can shift from rock to pop to funk with pure ease. In all sincerity, even though Hewitt can play and arrange anything his heart desires, he deserves to be a shining star in the contemporary jazz limelight.

Peggy Oliver

The Urban Music Scene

Seawind | Reunion

Administration — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:40:00 GMT

Back in the seventies Seawind was a major jazz force, releasing several albums. They had in the pocket grooves, a signature horn sound, and Pauline Wilson's vocals set to lyrics that complimented each song she sang. When Seawind broke up in the peak of their career, all was lost, but not for too long. Though they went their separate ways, Bob and Pauline released an album, Pauline released an album, but the horn section, turned into a in-demand session players. If you look on the back of any major album or Cd to date, you will see Jerry Hey, Kim Hutchcroft, Larry Williams and they have played on many albums by Earth, Wind & Fire, George Benson, and last but not least, Michael Jackson’s 'Thriller' album. This cd feels like they never broke up. The music is crisp, and soothing, while Pauline’s voice is clear and concise. What I like about this cd is that all the original members are back - with help from Al Jarreau, Gary Grant, Bill Reichenbach, Michito, Sanchez and Joe Turano.

Here is the Track Listing:

1 Kept by your power,

2 You’re my everything,

3Sunshadow,

4 Hold on to love,

5 Follow your road,

6 Free,

7 Wayne,

8 Heloves you,

9 Devils a liar,

10 Pearl,

11 Everybody needs love,

12Liquid spies.

Seawind has always had a gospel edge to their music and lyrics. Not because they started out as a gospel band, but that spirit has allowed them to continue making great music for us all to hear. You can find their project at www.amazon.com , www.seawindjazz.com,

Even though an actual cd was not released, we will never hear the talent that the artist might possess. But what you will hear is along the lines of Incognito and other groups in the same genre. Groups that bordered along the acid jazz lines. It’s a Club Jam and it’s very danceable. Enjoy!

Marv D

The Urban Music Scene

Ava Lemert | from my Soul

Administration — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:57:00 GMT

Listen to "You Know You Got It" from The "from my Soul" album on our New Voices of Today Page by clicking here!!

There's something unique about new vocalist/saxophonist Ava Lemert. Coming "from my Soul", Ava's debut CD, seemingly expresses a multi-talented background with not only gracing the brass, but also packing in the punch behind the vocals & resonating great musical appreciation for soul music. 'Saxxy' & definitely soulful, this project crossed & connected the bridges of R&B & jazz music effortlessly. A dynamic 9 tracks of funky, 'from the gut' soul mixes that should entice a listen with ease.

From a few short listens, I found Ava's sax skills to be comparable to counterparts Candy Dulfer, Pamela Williams & Sapphron Obois.

Track Listing:
~ You Know You Got It
~ I Wanna Funk It Up
~ Rhodelea
~ Won't Be Your Plaything
~ That 70's Girl
~ Nothing Looks the Same in the Light
~ Soft & Silky
~ You Got Somethin Coming To You
~ Kiss You

Straight up at cha', 'You Know You Got It' serves up a spicy, old school fashioned soul cut, placing much focus on the vocal passion of Ava Lemert. I digged the swaying, mellowed out composition. Then, 'I Wanna Funk It Up' drives home the main ingredient. The track represented a contemporary funky thematic touch to the entire disc. She wants to, lyrically put: 'funk it up'...'give it up'...'give it all she got'! OK Ava, well show us what you got.

We get a chance to see some of those skills behind the sax appear in 'Rhodelea' - a rather slow stormin', instrumental R&B influence flowing preciously & hip against an intoxicating beat. Ava's lead vocals take center stage once again for 'Won't Be Your Plaything' & 'Nothing Looks The Same in the Light', while 'That 70's Girl' slightly cracks the Wah Wah guitar from the background & allow for a tight, sax harmony to drift another funky mid-tempo gem. The chemistry repeats itself in 'Soft & Silky' - appropriately titled. Nuff Said.

Ms. Lemert penchant for singing finalizes the disc with the remaining tracks, 'You Got Somethin Coming To You' & Kiss You'.

My final thoughts about 'from my Soul' was kind of split in opinion. Although I can appreciate & acknowledge Ava's soulful, delicate voice on the majority of compositions, I REALLY got into her soothing, moody sax wails on the other songs. In other words, I wished there were more of those 'jazz only' tracks instead of the more vocal arrangements. No doubt, Ms. Lemerts' background shined brightly for both sides of the coin (vocals & Sax). However, I felt the instrumentals was the bigger representation of the disc. No matter what, I offer the 'go get it' pass to those who dig a great value of traditional soul sounds with a slight appeal to the progressive vein of current Urban Jazz/R&B music. Ava has something to offer folks & I believe she is a "New Voice of Today" to look out for for years to come.

Terrill Hanna
The Urban Music Scene

Lynn Riley | Too Cool

Administration — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:26:00 GMT

Listen to "Pamela" from The "Too Cool" album on our New Voices of Today Page by clicking here!!

Just a taste of contemporary jazz, I believe, is a statement Philadelphia native Lynn Riley wanted to leave on the minds and palates of music listeners through the album, "Too Cool". Gently swayed with an aura of island fresh, breezy musical overtones along with a personal dedication to one of jazz's trademark players in Grover Washington. Ms. Riley shares an inspiration to culture & influence from her extensive travels throughout various places around the planet & transcended those measures into a 10 track collection of upbeat, romantic & peaceful compositions.

Recorded at Ru-ba-Groove Studios in Philadelphia, Ms. Riley connected her musical vision for "Too Cool" with programmer Rubin Edwards, Guitarists Alex Bouno & Russ Ferrara, Percussionist Donna Bostock, Conga player Sam Kalter & vocalist Staci Dickerson.

Track Listing:
~ Too Cool
~ Missing You
~ Grover's Groove
~ Island Breeze
~ Sedona
~ Crayfish Creole
~ Tierra del Sol
~ Oasis
~ Tag You're It
~ Pamela

Again, with enthusiasm & commitment, Lynn's high quality playing through the sax entailed discovery, as well as innovation. Leading off the CD, track 'too cool' soulfully pops the groove with a swift background vocal & a catchy melody. 'Missing You' moves into the earlobe with a background feel for the richness of island vibin' music, allowing Lynn to escape the song on the alto with a smooth harmony & a peaceful delivery between the backup musicians. The late Mr. Grover Washington Jr, I'm sure, would have appreciated the hip, funk-tinged flavor of 'Grover's Groove', while what I made reference too a few sentences back about Island Music resurfaces again for 'Island Breeze'. Though this track allows for Ms. Riley to expand her chops & skill into the flute instrument.

A cool, mellow, mid-tempo energy surges in 'Sedona'. Strengthen with a hot snap of the beat & a fitting melody to match. 'Crawfish Creole' was tastefully done to suit, exploring the outer regions of Louisiana right on thru to Florida, while Spanish rhythmic 'Tierra del Sol' brushes the side of Latin Jazz music with enough spice & ingredients to have you listen in with a tasteful delight. The remaining 3 tracks are indeed smooth, romantic & beautiful. All completed in great detail & finished to perfection.

I felt the expansion of Ms Riley's overall appeal & direction of 'Too Cool' - where it embodied a vision of travel & a vision of feel-good, well composed jazz music for all to hear. There were moments to which it felt like as if I was sitting alongside Lynn in a Greyhound Bus passing through some of the most beautiful areas/states or flying over some of the wonderful islands & beaches on earth. To share those most inner thoughts & transfer her emotional inspiration into this debut project was quite interesting & compelling. A nice way to introduce her music to jazz enthusiasts. I proudly submit these solid selection of compositions into our growing treasures of New Voices on T.U.M.S... I hope to see more 'discoveries' from Ms. Riley down the road...

Terrill Hanna
The Urban Music Scene

Vickie Winans | How I Got Over

Administration — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:05:00 GMT

Listen to song samples from "How I Got Over" by Vickie Winans, exclusively from Amazon, on our Gospel Page by clicking here!!

Vickie Winans - How I Got Over

The beauty of a gospel artist is that their voice can plant seeds for Jesus through their music and ministries. But alongside their fame and responsibilities come the challenges; sometimes more than even one could possibly fathom. If one could list what trails Vickie Winans has faced, she could write a book. Surviving two divorces, losing her mother and several frustrations with the music industry, and so much more, there is plenty of reason for Vickie to testify how she got over those big humps. The consummate professional since entering the music business, she started a record company a few years back, created and starred in a fitness video and released a comedy project. To state that she is a go-getter for God might be the best way in describing this multi-awarded singer who first discovered her gift in a slightly unconventional way – in the bathtub. Vicki’s professional career took off during her marriage to Pastor Marvin Winans, a member of the eighties’ gospel/soul vocal group The Winans with brothers Carvin, Michael and Ronald. Yet once she released her debut for Light Records, Vickie never really needed to lean on other family members coattails to prove her formidable talent. And oh - how her faith was tested several times over and again.

The 1985 release, Be Encouraged, was a remarkable start for Vickie that generated plenty of gospel radio play. But it was the power balled, “We Shall Behold Him” composed by Dottie Rambo, where her fans first took notice. Unfortunately, sales for Vickie’s sophomore disc, the 1989 disc Total Victory, went way south; a similar fate for her label home Light Records which was going through financial ruin. The difficulties continued as she signed with a secular label where she could hopefully crossover to sing her vibrant brand of gospel. The record executives had other plans. From 1991, The Lady(co-produced by R. Kelly and Marvin & Mario Winans) her one and only disc for the MCA record family, was met with mostly negative feedback. But just like the familiar song claims, she picked herself up and started over again. In other words she always found a way to ‘get over.’ In 1997 & 1999 respectively, the recorded concert series Live in Detroit Vol. I & II brought Vickie back in the limelight. On Vol. I, her rendition of Rev. James Cleveland’s “Long As I Got King Jesus” brought the church house down. As a rare feat for a vocalist, she flexed her comedy skills on Share the Laughter. Yet her record label fell upon hard times and she found herself in another recording hiatus. Then in the millennium, she joined Verity for three discs, including Bringing It All Together which had somethin’ somethin’ for the traditional worshipper (“Shake Yourself Loose”) and Vickie’s personal ‘remix’ on the children’s favorite, “Happy & You Know It.”

Being the persevering spirit she it, Vickie broke from Verity in 2006 to finally form her company, Destiny Joy Records. The second release from DJ, How I Got Over, is another testimonial record as usual and has many shining moments. The title track focuses on what Vickie does best; bridging the traditional with the now, courtesy of a snappy ‘21^st century’ scat by her nephew, Tim Bowman, Jr. One might consider dusting off their old-school roller skates (not blades) as “Swoop” & “Dance Till the Walls Come Down” throws down that‘rock, roll, skate’ feeling. There is contemporary praise dance with “Heyy,” a perfectly suited pairing with Tye Tribbett. From the Live in Detroit archives, “No Not A One” exercises Vickie’s preaching and teaching moments. But the ultimate gem on How I Got Over is “My Peace”, a bittersweet tribute to her beloved mother, Mattie Bowman, who passed in 2006.

Through the years, I have considered Vickie as one of the most versatile female vocalists alongside Patti, Aretha and Chaka. That said, How I Got Over successfully extends Vickie’s musical and ministry legacy and certainly qualifies as her lifelong mission statement.

Peggy Oliver

The Urban Music Scene