First Listen: Carvin Winans of The Winans gives us a “Shining Star”
(May 2, 2025) There are few acts in the history of Gospel music that have had the impact of the legendary family group The Winans. Combining messages of faith with contemporary R&B sounds, The Winans of the 1980s burst open the door to urban radio, helping the subsequent crossover success of Gospel artists ranging from […]
World Premiere: Mary Cross gets us stepping again
(May 1, 2025) We’ve been covering the “Mother of Cool Smoke,” singer Mary Cross, for several years now. And the multi-faceted vocalist has consistently shown her adeptness, handling everything from smoky ballads to uptempo numbers. For her newest single, Mary is aiming directly at the growing steppers crowd (we see you, Chicago!). “Steppin‘ 2Gether” is a fun number […]
First Listen: K.Avett delivers a message on the smoky “Always Tomorrow”
(April 29, 2025) K.Avett’s new song “Always Tomorrow” is about the importance of understanding when the stars are aligned, and the urgency of acting on that knowledge to be totally in the moment. In this case, the moment involves shutting out the distractions and locking into an important relationship. Don’t assume that person will always […]
First Listen: Soul Basement won’t “Let You Go”
(April 28, 2025) Soul Basement can be classified as a dance music band, funk band and R&B/soul band. The group fronted by Band founder Fabio Puglisi has done all those things since emerging on the scene in 1997. Soul Basement continues to evolve with “Let You Go,” their new song that is being featured in this […]
First Listen: Zamar Yauw is on the “Road to Destiny”
(April 27, 2025) Just about everyone is concerned about where they will go in life, what their purpose is, and how to find fulfillment. It’s no surprise, then, that such a quest is often expressed in music. Our latest First Listen is a song based on that concept – “Road to Destiny” by Zamar Yauw. […]
First Listen: Georgie B turns us “Upside Down” with new single
(April 25, 2025) During the 80’s, Georgie B was the percussionist and lead vocalist with the funk ensemble Second Image, whose short career earned major kudos from U.K. Soul fans. After working alongside urban music legends Jean Carn, Maze feat. Frankie Beverly and more, this London, England-based artist and his new collective, The Groove Association, […]
First Listen: Nathan and Noah East team with Merry Clayton for a gem
(April 24, 2025) Released on April 18th, the album Father Son is a brilliant pairing with the master of the bass Nathan East and his son, keyboardist Noah East. A collection of new tunes and updated arrangements of classic songs abound on this long-player, augmented by a little help from friends such as Eric Clapton (of whom Nathan […]
First Listen: Tyra Levone refreshes us with “Water”
(April 23, 2025) Tyra Levone has a word or advice for anyone who is standing on the sideline and wondering if they should pursue their dreams and ambitions. Go for it. Levone was responding to a question posed by podcaster Mel Albin who asked her what advice she would give if she could talk to herself […]
First Listen: Cautious Clay ticks again with “Father Time”
(April 22, 2025) Brooklyn-raised, Philly-based singer-songwriter Cautious Clay — born Joseph Karpeh — is making an indelible mark in the music biz with his exceptional blend of musical styles by taking luxury pop, modern rock, buttery soul and synth-driven pop to create a world of explorative alt-R&B. Ever since the extraordinary breakout in 2018 with […]
First Listen: Robin Barnes knows “In God We Trust”
(April 21, 2025) Here we are, four months into the new year, and all we can count on is…..well, nothing. Political turbulence, the chaos of climate change and stories about an increasingly unsafe world dominate headlines and ratchet up our individual and collective anxieties. That’s why we need occasional reminders to control what we can, […]
