listen out for 2008...
• Incognito - Tales From The Beach / Omar Cunnigham - Time Served / Chestnut Brothers - Whole Lotta You In Me
Incognito are a great live band. In fact many of the recent releases by this evergreen U.K. Soul group are very much geared to the live performance, and thus have a 'recorded in one take' feel regarding proceedings. Jean Paul 'Bluey' Maunick has been one of the U.K.'s finest equal opportunity Soul performer employers over the last 30 years or so! LOL. All told, the man is a nice bloke, who certainly can write a toooon! In recent years he has worked alongside the tremendous Maysa Leak, utilising the woman's beautiful vocal abilities within his recordings. Maysa's tender delivery juxtaposes Bluey's 'everyone get out on the dancefloor' grooves, with this album being no exception. What you gets for your money is a 15 tracker of an album, no fillers, just Bluey doing what he knows best, and, in the process, pleasing many a punter out there. Recorded in several locations (including London, Italy, Germany and Indonesia) the bittersweet Maysa collaborations are perfectly illustrated by the second track, 'I've Been Waiting', with Maysa's almost whispered delivery countering Blueys slamming bassline (which reminded me very much of Herbie Hancock's 'Just Around The Corner' from a few years back....those were the days when I would go out dancing and the body more or less remained in one place....thesedays it has a mind of it's own! LOL). Bluey dips his musical toes, at times, into Stevie 'key change' territory, as is the case with the Tony Momrelle led 'When The Sun Comes Down'. Tony is another guy who owe's Bluey a beer, as I believe Tony will become a regular favourite on London's Soul scene over the next few years. 'I Remember A Time' is another gorgeous, Maysa fronted melody. She does have a very appealing voice. I do like this album a great deal. There are some lovely liner notes, which will guide the non U.K. listener to a greater understanding regarding whereabouts Blueys team are coming from musically. Very much a put on and leave on album, uptempo, song led, melodic and pretty much everything you would want out of a modern album in 2008.
Omar Cunningham's fourth album is probably the man's most consistant thus far. Omar occupies the same Soulful territory that the likes of Sir Charles Jones do Stateside. Not aiming for the commercial market, however, utilising todays musical rhythm's to embellish the traditional grass roots sound. Thank heavens for the likes of Omar. Not sure if this album is autobiographical regarding the album title? Far be it from me to tread on any toes as far as folks personal dealings. What I would say about this set is the whole album is, as with Incognito's U.K. niche, very much a Soulful state of the art in Omar's own musical backyard. Omar has a lovely Southern feel to his voice, which hits the spot for this old Soul boy. Certainly, he won't be short of new recruits to the 'Cunningham sound'. My bone to pick with Omar is, he stuck the killer tune on track 2 of this album. Wish folks didn't do that as I have to hit the repeat button on the player here, thus making the album around 2 hours in duration, by the time I have reached the last song! LOL Well that takes care of 'That's My Jam' (track 2), but what of the rest of the set? All told this album is very radio friendly. You just need to listen to 'This Old Music' to understand my ramblings. 'Ain't Nothing Changed' is a top drawer Soul Stepper. Check i-Tunes and play the tune. I am sure you'll want the song, if for no other reason, to reassure yourself that stuff of this quality is still being recorded thesedays. 'Could You Be', well, the late Johnnie Taylor would have loved to add this to his latest release, if the brother was still around thesedays. 15 tracks of the real deal. One of 2008's best real Soul albums.
And finally...well, the Chestnut Brothers are back, albeit via a 4 track E.P., so hopefully, an album won't be too long in following on. Back in 1990, the guys recorded under the name, Brotherly Love. One of the songs on the new 45 is a new take on their old recording 'Whole Lotta You In Me'. That originally arrived here on the flip of a 12" single called 'Hey Sweet Lady', and featured, at the that time the saxophone of the late Grover Washington Jnr. The guys followed up their single with a self titled album in 1993, which also contained 'Sweet Little Rita' and 'I Ain't Gon Never Stop', two stunning Soul tunes. 'Peace Suite' followed in 2006, highly sought after for the excellent 'Travellin On'. At CD Baby, both of these albums are still available, and both are a must have. In fact, if you don't like these albums a) what are you doing on this website?, and b) if you are into Soul music and still insist you don't like these albums, I'll do what Bill Cosby once did (in an attempt to get to the front of a very long queue) and spray shaving foam around my mouth, develop a limp, and walk up and down Surbiton High Street shouting 'you're all gonna die'! Those albums are 'essential' purchases. CD Baby promise a new album from the guys soon. I do hope so, however, in the meantime, check the guys website and do pick up a real nice remix of what has become a modern Soul classic over the last 20 or so years.
relevant links:
http://www.domerecords.co.uk/detail.asp?SKU=DOMECD93
http://cdbaby.com/cd/omarcunningham
http://www.chestnutbrothers.com/
• The Embers - The Show Must Go On / Nhojj - Soul Comfort
The Embers are a great group. I have been in touch with Charles Wallert (the group's Producer) for a few years now. Their previous CD ('Beach Music'), I featured at this site a couple of years ago. A year or so later, Charles e-mailed me a single, entitled 'Last Time I'm Saying Goodbye', which was attached to his note. I didn't listen to the song for a day or two, and afterwards kicked myself for a fortnight for not doing so! LOL. The Embers may, to some folks, represent a bygone age. That is on listening, of course, true as their set up is traditional in many ways. Group vocals, real instruments, real strings and each melody very 'song led'. Judging by the e-mail I get from you guys, you long for this sort of music as well. If you yearn for the days when your speakers were filled with MFSB, The Detroit Spinners (or Emeralds for that matter), then this group are for you. It almost embarrasses some folks admitting that they like music made in this traditional format, mainly, I feel, feeling that they are somewhat comprising their musical values and, basically showing a listening side of themselves that is 'too old', or perhaps 'middle of the road'. Well, all I can say is this certainly isn't too old for these ears (and I get to listen to and consume many varieties of product out there). Indeed the younger generation are nowadays looking (and being urged to look by their tutors) retrospectively towards the times when a songwriter and performer did their own thing, wrote their own music and weren't ashamed of doing so. Look at the likes of Amy Winehouse, Duffy or Adele. All very retrospective in their own ways, citing the likes of Etta James, Ann Peebles etc as their musical influences. Thank the man upstairs for that. The Embers album is a delight from the opening bars until closing time. Nice to see Jimmy George receiving some props as an unsung songwriting hero. 'You're The Reason' first appearred on an old Carl Anderson album from 20 or so years ago ('Pieces Of A Heart'). You get the 45 in all it's glory as part of a 12 piece set of musical jewellery. Quite magnificent all told and available from the excellent Soulchoonz people right now.....
....as is this very interesting artist called Nhojj. How does a bloke pronounce that name? Well, I have taken the 'Dodge' City route in this house! LOL Funny that the name is actually a variation of the name John, if spelt in reverse. Looks like a case for the X-Files team, Mulder and Scully! LOL. Looking at the sleevenotes, I believe the man is from New Jersey and has musical influences as diverse as Stevie, Donny Hathaway, Seal and Bill Withers. That would hint that the material may have some substance. That it certainly has. When Di-Lee (Soulchoonz) sent me a copy of the album last week, I got stuck on track two! The repeat button was on big time! This is a track called, simply, 'Music'. Some folks describe these songs as 'toons'. Well I am not going to argue. State of the art in 2008. Nhojj has a very appealing vocal styling and is a very competent songwriter, penning the whole show himself. The album, overall, has a semi-acoustic feel to it's Soulful proceedings, which is very pleasing on the ear and culminates in the glorious anthemic 'Peace and Blessings'. A barnstormer of a song from a very worthwile effort. A highly recommended offering for 2008.
• Liberty Silver - At Last / Lori Jenaire - Lori Jenaire / Various - Soul Unsigned Vol.1
What a funny old year 2008 is turning out to be. I figured back in January that the only good thing to happen this year would be the current resident in White House might be put out to pasture, and we may have a brother running the most influential country on the planet. Instead we have two things to be thankful for in 2008. The second being the relentless stream of quality music eminating from every Soulful global orifice out there! That told you, didn't it! LOL.
Well, whilst we wait for Barack to win the most votes...(and still lose out to Hillary, as the folks in Florida can't count as most of them are drunk, loud, British and staggering around Disney World! LOL), we are being treated to a real peach of an album from Liberty Silver. The track 'All In My Mind' a friend e-mailed me as an mp3 last weekend. I liked the song so much, I bought the set from CD Baby as one of their high quality downloads. 'All In My Mind' is a killer cut, of that there is no doubt (thanks for the tip, Tim). The set at CD Baby's site allows you to stream some of the tracks, although, as one visitor to the page stated 'the tracks that you can't stream are stronger in places'. Couldn't agree more comrade. In fact I would say that the whole album shows no weaknesses. 'You're The Only One For Me' is pure quality Soul. Very Expansion Records, if you guys know what I mean. This is the type of album Anita Baker ought to be resurrecting her career with. An album that demands the listeners attention. Liberty's vocal stylings are richly textured and tenderly delivered. Real timeless Soul music which I can heartily recommend throughout.
I seem to remember an album by Lori Jenaire from 1992. I think there was another set a couple of years back (with a similar cover), so this could be the woman's third outing? I am sure someone out there will correct me. This set is another real release of substance for 2008. Lori has an earthy delivery, which is very easy on the ear and can take an old standard (as she does with the Mama's and Papa's 'California Dreamin') and move it to a completely different level. This song must be part of the school curriculum as I hear the song at nearly every school I have to attend in my role as a parent. I know that Peter Young (Smooth FM) was drawn to the song 'Unexpected Storm' on his Saturday Show. The song the late Phyllis Hyman never recorded! In fact Lori sounds so much like the woman that it could almost be her! A killer of a tune. As with the Liberty Silver album, this is a very much complete set of songs. Nothing offensive and very commendable all told. Check Lori's website at: http://www.lorijenaire.com/
Soul Unsigned are a new label to me. A deejay called Phil Driver got in touch with me and told me about his show on Solar Radio, where he focuses on much of the newer material and performers out there in todays marketplace! He showcases talent from all the four corners of the globe, all waiting for a deal and owning a portfolio of music which they want to share with the rest of us. The music does need to be approached with that in mind in as much as the listener is getting a sneak preview of what is to follow, so don't expect a full on Quincy Jones production, however, do expect some of the best singer songwriters about to hit the scene. The bridge that Phil is building with this label is a very worthy cause and can be heard online via the link below. The first release on Phil's Soul Unsigned Records label is available now and can be picked up through outlets such as Gary Dennis's excellent Crazy Beat outlet. Check here as well: http://www.soulunsigned.com/ The first release features four new artists, that can all be heard at the website and on Phil's radio show. They are Harambé, Felix, Excellent Gentlemen and Groove's Back Productions Featuring Amari M. A very interesting new venture, which I will be watching closely over the coming months. Phils' Solar Radio show is here, go check it out!:
http://www.solarradio.com/presenters.php?pres_id=103
• Swing Out Sister - Beautiful Mess
A few days ago I was talking with a deejay friend of mine, both of us agreeing that it was a shame that there wasn't a new Swing Out Sister album. The track 'Let The Stars Shine' was a particular favourite from that, 'Where Our Love Grows', 2004 outing. Later last week, out of the blue, Corinne (from the group) e-mailed me and said they had a new album and wanted to send me a copy. Talk about co-incidence! LOL. This set sees the guys taking control of their musical destiny. No major label involvement as far as I can ascertain. Corinne and Andy are two really lovely people. Not just saying that as they turn out cracking albums and then have the nerve to send them my way (LOL), but having bumped into the guys a couple of times, their disposition is such that, you feel like you have hooked up with old friends.
I think the two are on tour in Japan presently, a country that has unashamedly embraced the duo, and for that I am most grateful to those punters from the 'Land of the Rising Honda'! The album is currently released out there, however, check Amazon for localised copies. The Japanese have excellent (and particular) tastes, which you also find in Europe, however in the U.K., this is seen in ever decreasing circles. My belief is, in the U.K. we like to be told what to like. Part of an overall lifestyle that looks very pleasant, but is without emotion, which is why you guys visit this site (I hope!). You look for something more that will move you and, perhaps, might make you want to dance? Well if you trust my opinion (even partially), you must have one of the best albums of 2008. This is simply that.
Although there are 12 tracks on offer here, two are remixes of two songs that passed the finish line a few minutes earlier. 10 songs comprise this wonderful latest set of gems from, probably, the U.K.'s most Soulful export over the last 20 years or so. At their outset in the late Eighties, the melodies were crafted for the top 20. Pop songs with a hint of Soul. Nowadays the groups music has matured to a point that there is so much of the real deal involved within each composition, that, as with Dusty in the Sixties, there won't be anyone disputing the credentials of this ensemble. Listing favourites is a futile exercise as, with repeated listens, the front runner changes position at random. At this point of writing 'All I Say, All I Do', is on repeat, however, any of the other melodies could easily emerge as a favorite at some stage down the line. If you don't buy any other CD, on my recommendation, this year, do make sure this the exception. An absolute barnstormer of an album, which ought to make the country sit up, take notice and, hopefully, question why there isn't more up to this musical standard out there right now. Wonderful and absolutely essential.
Corinne sent me some further album information: 'Beautiful Mess was produced by Andy, a first since the Vivo album we released a few years back. Amongst the tracks on that album was 'Expect A Miracle', co- penned by Andy and Gina Foster.
Gina co-wrote three of the tunes on this album with myself and Andy: 'Butterfly', 'Something Everyday' and 'My State of Mind'.
Her vocals feature throughout.The rest were written by Andy and myself.'http://www.swingoutsister.com/
• Trina Broussard - Inside My Love / Angela Johnson - A Woman's Touch Vol. 1 / Erykah Badu - New Amerykah Pt. 1 / Vladimir Cetkar - We Will Never End
Trina Broussard's album has been some nine years in music's waiting room. In that time, there have been copies floating around, changing hands for tidy sums, with folks wondering whether the set would ever see the light of day. To bring home to the slightly older music collector, the amount of time that has passed since the initial tracks were laid down, well, the time period is the same duration that seperated the Beatles 'Please, Please Me' and 'Abbey Road' albums. Time sure does pass more quickly as we grow older, however, that time period did open my eyes...and now my ears! Firstly, we have to thank the Expansion folks for persevering with the pursuit of this lovely album, and it's final official release. Now we can all hear the set as it was meant to sound in all it's glory. Trina is a fine singer, much neglected and highly desirable in the music marketplace as it stands thesedays. Trina is not only a fine vocalist, she is also a competent songwriter, working alongside many of Soul Music's household names, including Rahsaan Patterson,and Trey Lorenz. There are melodies here, additionally, penned by Alicia Keys and Minnie Riperton with Leon Ware. The set even contains one of the best Christmas songs I have heard in ages, in the form of 'It's Not Really Christmas'. 'Sailing' had made a couple of Jazz orientated compilations in the recent past, as has the excellent 'Why Do I Feel So Sad'. Ralph Tee at Expansion e-mailed me and said simply 'Have just sent you the lovely Trina Broussard project'. Amen to those sentiments Ralph. This album really should be filed under 'classic'.
Angela Johnson has been part of the Dome Records family for a few years now. She is a competent singer and songwriter, whose melodies are consistent in quality and delivery. Angela is joined by the likes of Frank McComb, Marlon Saunders, Eric Roberson, Rahsaan Patterson and the excellent songstress Maysa Leak for this latest set of Soul's finest. Angela's vocal style seems to lay down several patterns and weave them together texturally. This would, you might think, over complicate matters, however, in a quirky way, things function in the opposite direction. This is illustrated perfectly in the album opener 'Dream Flight'. Indeed 'Here I Stand' follows in a similar vein. The Maysa duet 'More Than You Know' is a gorgeous ballad (one of the years best so far), with the Frank McComb collaboration on 'Play' moving up a fear gears very nicely. A slightly more reggae influence is drawn upon for the infectious 'Get Away', a duet with the excellent Gordon Chambers, and the fine Julie Dexter contributes vocally on the harmonic 'How Sweet Life Is'. One of Dome Records finest releases. Well worth tracking down and adding to your musical arsenal.
Erykah Badu's new album raised an eyebrow here as I put the CD in the player and I thought the company had sent me a copy of RAMP's debut 1977 album! That is because track 1 is the song 'Amerykhan Promise', which featured on the aforementioned set and is faithfully reproduced here as a starter for Erykah's latest musical platter. Funny thing with this set is the 45, entitled 'Honey', doesn't make an appearance on the copy I have here. Erykah loves rocking the boat, leaving the listener never sure exactly what is coming around the next groove! The opener is a fine song. It always was and this simply enhances the beauty of the original. One word I definitely would not use regarding this set is 'instant'. This album requires several rotations before it begins to sneak up your trouser leg! LOL. Do persevere as this is probably Erykah's most interesting offering thus far. 'Master Teacher' is very wacky and I loved the track 'Me'. Great psychedelic shuffler of a song. Erykah's vocals are not as prominent as on other sets. The album sets a mood which runs throughout proceedings. Highly recommended.
From the major label performer, to the artist, from this batch of new releases, who comes from the 'place least likely'. O.K., now if I were to say to you, I am going to play you a track by a man from Macedonia called Vladimir Cetkar, you would probably expect some ethnic folk singer, performing a song passed down by generations, which is going to make you reach for the skip button on your stereo and avoided like the proverbial plague! LOL Well all I can say is 'hold your horses'! This set is about as good a fusion album as you'll hear all year! Vladimir has relocated from his Macedonian roots and has been attending the Berklee College of Music in Boston. This set is, actually, a second offering from the man, whose inspiration, he tells us, comes from the likes of George Benson, 70's dance music and Mauro Malavasi (Change etc.). This second set from the man, to this listener, has a 'U.K. 1981' vibe running throughout. Check CD Baby and stream a track or two. I think you'll agree. No enormous mainframes of computer technology here, purely fusion played exactly how it used to be delivered some quarter of a century ago. The music is, as he describes it himself, 'easy on the ear', drifting in and out of Roy Ayers seventies territory at times and steering well clear of the 'elevator' at all times. Well worth investigating.
• Dianne Reeves - When You Know / Carmen Lundy - Come Home / Sir Wick - An Interpretation Of A Universal Language
Dianne Reeves and Carmen Lundy are like musical comfort blankets to those folks out there who look for consistancy in an artist. In many ways, if you are under the age of twenty, female, and are looking for vocalists to educate you in the vocal performing arts, you could do a great deal worse than go beg, buy or borrow and album or two by these women. Many major mistakes made by emerging 'wannabee's' involve trying to make an impression through vocal gymnastics with volume. Something to be avoided for two reasons. One is that the listener may not be able to understand exactly what is trying to be articulated. The second is it usually ends up with Simon Cowell telling you how much you digust him, whilst all around are booing the bloke. In many ways he is not incorrect in his interpretation, but, come on Simon, there are ways of letting a girl down more easily! LOL.
My confession with Dianne's set is the cover! It isn't the one that will eventually accompany the finished product. Blue Note have held that close to their publishers chest, so in the best style of a well known kids show, 'here's one I made a little earlier'! Got to have something to look at, haven't we? That aside, musically, this is as consistent an album as I have heard from Dianne (and the woman has been pretty prolific over the years). This is a 10 track gem of an album, many songs of which comprise of cover versions. Dianne has an almost innocent honesty in her style of vocalising which does make the listening experience a very personal one. Her take on the Temptation's chestnut 'Just My Imagination' is a good illustration of that point. Delivered simply, clearly, allowing the melody to take centre stage, which, after all, a song such as this richly deserves. The same can be said for her take on Minnie's evergreen 'Loving You' (which did have me wondering how she would achieve the vocal heights of Minnie's original high notes). Dianne keeps you on tenderhooks on that one, leaving the listener thinking, 'well she's given up on that one then', only for Dianne to do the business right at the end of proceedings! All told, if you like Dianne Reeves, this will not disappoint. If you have never heard of her before, put down the Rhianna album and listen to a real singer! (love to hear Dianne trying to cover 'Umbrella'! LOL Perhaps not!).
Carmen Lundy is another singer that doesn't have to 'bellow' at the audience in order that she can attract the listeners attention. Her singing style is tender and very unique. You will know what I mean if you have any of her previous outings. Differently to Dianne, Carmen concentrates mainly on original material (with only her take on 'Nature Boy' veering from her own personal songbook), which may not place the individual tracks in the 'standard' category, however, these tracks have an almost 'storyteller' quality running throughout. A musical patchwork. Part of a fuller tapestry. Nice to have two albums that the listener can place in the player and leave be, whilst working, writing, cooking...whatever. 'Lost In San Raphael' eases the listener into Carmen's latest journey nicely, 'Come Home', 'Heart Of Gold' and 'Afrasia' are all delightful. Proabably the most radio friendly is the uptempo 'Lil Lu', which ought to please the jazz dancers out there. All told, a highly recommended and consistent set from a woman of real artistic substance.
Sir Wick is not an individual, but an ensemble brainchild of one Chad 'Sir Wick' Hughes, who instigated this combo back in 1999. They are certainly, a new group to this old listener, who caught the track 'Thank You Lord' one Saturday night on Peter Young's Smooth FM Soul Show here in London a couple of weeks ago. Had me scrambling the Net, eventually finding a copy at CD Baby online. I figured the album may be a one tracker, but what the hell, that song sounded so great it would be worth the outlay solely for that gem. Since that day I know Soul Brother in London have imported copies, so U.K. based folks can track down the album a little more easily, and I can thoroughly recommend you do just that. This is certainly not a one track album. In fact, if you stream the songs online before you pick up a copy, I can guarantee you'll want a copy as well. This is such an uplifting set, the sort we do not see that often thesedays. The opener, 'Seal My Heart', certainly illustrates that case in point. Recommended tracks? Well, certainly the two I have already mentioned. To that starting line-up you can add 'I Can't Wait', 'Uncomplicated', 'What Am I To Say', 'You Are My Everything', 'Wick's Groove', to a very strong and consistent teamsheet. None of that lot left on the bench! The rest aren't half bad either. Go buy a copy, cheer yourself up and help the man make another set of this quality. Mighty fine indeed!
• Reel People - Seven Ways To Wonder / Mary J Blige - Growing Pains
Reel People have released one album, according to one usually reliable online source, however Amazon have some 5 other releases on sale, and that doesn't include this gem! LOL. The duo of Mike Patto and Oli Lazarus really have found a niche in the U.K. Soul Music marketplace, with a portfolio of work that is quite remarkable, and this new set further embellishes that fine Curriculum Vitae.
Enlisting the likes of the excellent Omar, Joy Rose (the very underrated) Tony Momrelle, Tasha D'Mour, Dianna Fearon, Darien, Mike Patto and the last, but not least, Vanessa Freeman, the guys have showcased just about the best emerging U.K. based talent around in 2008. Omar, sure, you'll remember him from the 'Nothing Like This' days of nearly 20 years ago. Stevie heard his song 'Music' and took a shine to the guy's vocal prowess. My claim to fame is that I have, I believe, Omar's first 12" single here. A song called 'Mr. Postman'. If your New Year still hasn't kicked in and you are waiting for the first main 'must have' of 2008, well you would do well to give the guys new set a listen. Very uplifting music, which will 'do it' for just about any Soul music fan out there, whether you are U.K. or U.S. based. 'Outta Love' features Omar and is already creating waves on the better London radio stations, and quite rightly too. One of Omar's finest. I think probably, the best way to describe this set is, this would probably be blasting out of every pirate radio station, in the capital during the mid Eighties. 'Amazing' is such an infectious track, 'It Will Be' is a lovely, Stevie-esque song, which does make the listener 'wonder' whether the album is a tribute to the man subliminally. Not sure of a release date here, however, do check Soul Brother and Amazon for copies of this album. You certainly will not regret it! Highly recommended.
Mary J Blige is an artist I really like. Odd that as she is considered a pioneer of much of the radio fodder we are spoon fed down the cable channels on the Black Music Networks, much of which is based around beats without melody, with the listener only remembering the song if it had a crazy title about, say, 'umbrella's' as the subject matter! LOL Say no more. Mary is in a different league. She is humble about herself, her abilities, and even her looks, in interviews I have seen. As far as her latter personal criticism is concerned, well she has no worries there. She has that ingredient that makes her different from the crowd, and that certainly ain't no bad thing. Vocally, she is unquestionably, one of the best Soul songstresses around. You hear Mary on the radio and you know exactly who the singer is. The voice is very distinctive. The copy of this set I am looking at here is the U.K. release of the album, and that is for one very good reason. Firstly, of the songs that lead up to the notable item, the most interesting here are the mellow 'Hurt Again', the very retro 'Till The Morning' and the 'steppy' 'Fade Away'. O.K., what is likely to win the attention of this old fool everytime? If anyone tells me a Soul artist has covered a Todd Rundgren tune! LOL. Todd is an odd Rock artist. On one hand you have an AC/DC style performer, on the other there is one of the best Blue Eyed Soul songwriters over the last 40 years. 'Hello It's Me' has long been a personal favourite song penned by Todd. There have been many versions over the years, perhaps with the Isley Brothers rendition being the one most Soul fans recollect. My personal favourite take has always been Todd's own original, mainly as the man understood that the song needed to glide effortlessly, almost whimsically, along, without complication and allowing the melody to shine through. Todds has been my personal favourite take, although Mary J.'s version seems to understand the sentiments I have just expressed regarding the song and Todd's own interpretations musically. Don't mess with it, just let it find it's own level and run with it. Here, Mary has achieved the high point in her career thus far. The song is so good, the companies have tried to bury it away on a U.K. version, so fewer folks as possible can get to hear it. That's the way we do it here in the U.K.! LOL Nice one guys. You'll have to go a long way to find a better song this year. Miss 'Hello It's Me' at your peril! Mary? The woman can do no wrong from now on! Essential, and available everywhere.
• Tony Fields - Elegant Lady / Izzy James - A Call To Conscience
Two albums from Independent labels, one of which I heavily featured below in the previous review, the former being an artist who got in touch with me and sent me his new album.
Tony Fields is a new name to me. Guess the man was wandering round the Internet, and stumbled upon this funny old website. Tony kindly sent me his album and said a couple of kind words about the place, bless him. Tony has spent two years working on this set, and gigging around Michigan. In 2005, the man won 1st place in the adult male division of The USA World Showcase at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, NV., no less. The music on the album is very ably constructed and delivered by Tony, with an overall feel of the 'little label' recordings of the mid Eighties. In fact, going straight for the tuneful jugular, the song 'New Girl In Town' would have received massive airplay back in those days from the best Soul music deejays out there (Steve Hobbs, Peter Young, Robbie Vincent, Richard Searling etc). There is a market for real quality out there, despite the majors trying to persuade us otherwise. I love this song, which will make my year end without any hesitation! Tony has reserved a large percentage of the budget here for the beautiful packaging, which enables the listener to get to know the guy a little better. Of the other tracks on offer 'Creepin' On The Down Low', 'Elegant Lady', 'Come With Me' and the excellent 'Touchin' Kissin' all run 'New Girl' a close second in the rankings in my humble. Very nice album, well worth investigating. Tony's website address is below.
Soulchoonz hit the spot again here with a new artist to this listener. Izzy James set can best be described as an album that would have received heavy daytime exposure on stations such as Jazz FM here in London some 10 years ago. Thesedays, the powers that be have chosen a downward spiral of fodder, basically, that your mother would like! LOL. I know that one of London's premier Soul radio deejays has already given this set the thumbs up, and who am I to argue? If you got into the Armsted Christian set from a few years back, you will want to take this album for a spin. New Jersey based James Isreal McLoryd has recruited quite an ensemble of fusion artists, including Chuck Loeb, into the ranks for this fine debut. Favourites? Well, all of them! LOL My personal pick of this litter are the melodic 'This Way', the totally brilliant 'Stand Up', the mellow 'Could It Be You?' and the harmonic 'You Make Everything All Right'. Quite, honestly, there really isn't a duff tune on here at all. Rhythmic, song led, and of the highest quality. Soulchoonz link is below.
http://www.tonyfieldsmusic.com
http://www.soulchoonz.com/CD_Store/CD_Store_Soulchoonz.html
• Satya Project - Shine A Light / Confection - Confection
One of the U.K.'s most underrated Soulful distributors are a company called Soulchoonz. I am regularly in touch with a Director there called Di-Lee. She is very personable and sends me either finished copies of their latest projects or a URL where I can download a track or two to listen to. Soulwalking being an independent website, I guess Di-Lee appreciates that, when I say I like something, I actually like the recording and I am not going through the 'making the right noise' motions regarding what is on offer. Sure, artists can't be all things to all people. If I don't appreciate one set or other, there is always someone out there who does, therefore, I do recognise it is easy to criticise, but harder to create. Criticism is certainly not the order of the day with these two fine offerings, which will serve to cement Di-Lee (and Soulchoonzs') essential role in, not 'keeping the faith', but spreading it!
The Satya Project is a lovely album, reminiscent of Incognito at their finest in parts. With Marcos Sainz and Juan Galiardo ably steering the vehicle in a musical Souflul direction, this set is a real delight. Nice to see some vocal input from the excellent Kelli Sae on some of the songs on offer here. As you can judge by the guys names, the duo are Spanish based, so it was a real pleasant experience listening to some Meditteranean vibes contributing to the overall feel, of what will probably be an album in many folks top ten's when 2008 reaches its final days. Juan actually sent me a copy of this set from his San Roque base, which was a real nice personal touch. Picking a tune from this album is hard, as the overall offering is strong throughout....but you know I am going to shoot my best shot and hold 'Dearest Sun', 'Nothing Getting Me Down', 'The Sweetness Of You', the beautiful 'Sarve Shaam', and, my personal favourite 'A New Paradise', all to account! A lovely, strong album I hope will sell well for the guys and give Di-Lee some props she well deserves......but the woman is not finished there.....
Confection's self titled album was recorded on the other side of the World to my house!, however, the whole shabang could have been recorded anyplace, globally. Last year, a small buzz grew around the Swade album, which I was sent from Paris, and I reviewed here. What that set and this one has in common is it scratches an itch for many folks (in the best possible taste!), in as much as they both filled a musical void for many fans who look back to the days of the early Eighties citing the likes of Change and the S.O.S. Band in their 'they don't make them like that anymore' viewpoint. Swade's set reminded me very much of the two bands mentioned, whilst Confection's set will bring some musical relief to those folks who loved the Kashif/Evelyn King/Melba Moore/Howard Johnson sound that the former artist assisted nearly 25 years ago. 1982? I was 25 that year and danced to all of those sounds back in the day. Those days I could dance across the floor like Muhammed Ali....thesedays I look as if I am having a fit! Is there a doctor in the house! LOL. Confection would have had a field day way back then with this set. In todays pasteurised, homogenised download this, or upload that, they provide some welcome relief for us forty somethings, and also introduce a style of music that the younger listener will find vibrant and fresh as a daisy! Got your dancing shoes on? O.K. 'I Choose You', 'I've Gotta Thing (4U)', 'Feel It Comin' and the very Soulful, Glenn Jones'y 'You Got The Love', will all have you getting out your old ripped jeans (with your kids making a fast beeline to the front door in embarrassment!). The tempo drops down a gear or two for 'Fantasisin' and 'Lovers Or Best Friends', both of which will please the Loose Ends fans out there. Two albums ignoring the trends and just doing their own thing. More power to the Australian's and the Spanish out there, and to Di-Lee for having the confidence and belief in running with both of these excellent sets. Highly recommended.
http://www.soulchoonz.com/Album_Reviews/Satya_Project.html
http://www.soulchoonz.com/CD_Store/CD_Store_Soulchoonz.html
• Impromp2 - It Is What It Is / Lamone - Eclectically Speaking / David Nathan - Dedicated To Soul Compilation
Happy New Year! Always nice to begin a New Year strongly, musically, and these three offerings meet all the prerequisite requirements very nicely. Sure, you may say, well, we are all spent out as a result of Christmas, however, there must be a few folks out there with those record tokens burning a hole in their Yuletide pockets? New Years resolutions? My one is 300 dpi!
Impromp2's fourth album arrived before the Christmas festivities, and I have held reviewing the set until the post Christmas period, in order that the guys receive their 'review dues'. It is hard to believe that the guys first album hit the U.K. streets over a decade ago. Each subsequent release has maintained the high standard set throughout, with this release, possibly, exceeding the peaks of the duo's previous offerings. In a way, it is hard to categorise the guys, with Motown leaning towards the Jazz Section of the Soul Store, although, most purists would agree the guys fly the flag for the Soul fraternity. The nice thing about Impromp2's albums is the listener can put the CD in their chosen player and leave the set on without interruption. The guys almost construct a 50 minute musical groove, which is easy on the ear, outside of the elevator, and full on in the song led department. The guys offer up their own take on Brother Marvin's 'You Sure Love To Ball', simply entitled 'Luv 2 Ball', and very nice it is too. The almost rapped intro title track harks back to the guys initial 1996 release in overall feel. If you are feeling a little in need of some real Soul to cheer you up in the dark early days of January, you would be well advised to search out a copy of this set. Highly recommended.
Lamone's 'Eclectically Speaking' album was recommended to me by the excellent 'artist in his own right and Emotions number one fan', Dwayne Palmer. Dwayne sent me a couple of CD's, all of which I liked, however, the man was quick to point this reviewer in the direction of this set. Lamone's album boasts artistic contribution from the Jazz artist Najee, no less, and the two songs that feature the man certainly are standouts. As an overall album, this has a nice vibe running throughout. The Najee cuts are the melodic opener '(For You) I'll Go There', which is one of the best songs I have heard in a long while. The second Najee tune is the infectious dancer 'Your Eyes', which is, probably, about as good a dancer as you'll hear throughout 2008. Excellent stuff and highly recommended. Thanks Dwayne. Happy 2008 comrade.
David Nathan seems to have been part of the structure of Soul Music for decades. His pages in Blues and Soul are legendary, and thesedays David runs his own online store Soulmusic.com, with this release seeing the light of day via the excellent Expansion label here in the U.K. Looks like this may be one of a series based around David's website/store, which can only serve to further the Soulful cause. Below are a list of the tracks on offer here. You pays your money as to favourite songs. Some of these are either ultra rare, or hard to find unreleased tracks, finally seeing the light of day here, thankfully. That is certainly the case regarding the much overlooked songstress Trina Broussard. Quite why the general public are being spoonfed karaoke from sub standard vocalists via pop competitions, when there are real gems carrying the 'genuine' hallmark out there, is beyond me. Of the 'previously unreleased tracks', well Dionne Warwick's, Angela Bofill (both brilliant!) and Aretha's contributions really standout. Nice to see a track off the Mtume album 'Kiss This World Goodbye' here. Bought that album 'blind' back in 1979 because I liked the cover! LOL The vinyl is of a similar high standard! Another blinder from the guys who aren't 'keeping the faith'. They are spreading it!
www.expansionrecords.com - www.soulmusic.com
• Marvin Winans - Alone But Not Alone / Alicia Keys - As I Am
Two Yuletide offerings, the first an album that is probably a superior offering to the latter, the latter being Alicia Keys fine new set, which really lays the foundations for things to come regarding this artist.
Marvin Winans album is a Gospel set, although, it takes a listener a while to work out that point. As I have mentioned regarding Gospel music, you either takes it or leaves it. Personally, if you give the genre a miss, you are missing out yourself, sometimes in a very big way. Marvin has leaned towards the message side of Gospel here, leaving the soapbox to the heavens to others. The man is onto a winner in this house, as with the recent Darlene McCoy set, Marvin has wisely enlisted a certain Tommy Sims to the teamsheet, and, as you might suspect, the end product is more than just noteworthy. Folks say to me thesedays 'albums aren't the same anymore. One track and the rest is rubbish'. Not the case here comrades. This is constantly remarkable throughout. Tommy even lends Marvin the title track to his 2000 album 'Peace and Love' as one of his many gifts which comprise this fine set of melodies. The album is an album of many favourites really. Buy this and you won't regret it one little bit. If I was being held up by Mexican bandits in Surbiton High Street (highly likely thesedays! LOL) and told I had to choose a tune or two, well, the title track is wonderful, the song 'I Still Believe' is so infectious, 'Come In Out Of The Rain' is so uplifting, well you tell me yours. Bet it will differ from my choices. One of the best of 2007, no question.
Alicia Keys is gorgeous. It almost diverts the listener from the fact that behind the beauty, there is real substance. The woman is almost a 21st Century Roberta Flack, with the promise of a classic still to make it to tape. This set is a real grower. Guess the most immediate track has to be the 'Teenage Love Affair' melody, cleverly sampling the Temprees 'Girl, I Love You'. Played this set to my daughter (who is an Alicia expert! LOL), and she chose 'Like You'll Never See Me'. When I first heard 'No-One' I though not much of the song. That opinion has changed in my mind, as the album creeps up on you after several spins. Sure, this will make many a Christmas Stocking. All our kids friends Mum's and Dad's will be happy to see this album in the house. The acceptable face of Modern Soul Music. Alicia would make a great music teacher. As I mentioned, the woman has an album of the stature of Carole King's 'Tapestry' in her. Whether that will see the light of day, is more down to time, than actual fact. All I can say thus far is 10 out of 10 for this years work. More of the same please! I defy anyone not to be happy being given a copy of any Alicia Keys album this Christmas (most of you will have her two previous sets). Alicia is welcome round here anytime she likes....although the woman would have to behave herself! LOL......
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