First Listen: Kim Waters and Raynard Gibson cherish the “Little Things”
(April 20, 2025) Kim Waters is known as the very soulful saxophone player who has spent the last three decades making music that fuses jazz creativity with R&B rhythms. Most of his songs are instrumentals, but he’s been known to share the spotlight with vocalists. For example, Waters collaborated with an up and coming singer […]
First Listen: Earnest Pugh sings a song of “Glory”
(April 18, 2025) During his impactful career as “Gospel’s Leading Man,” Earnest Pugh earned several accolades in the music arena as an independent recording artist, receiving the BMI Award in 2012 for radio airplay and charting #1 on several occasions including his go-to hits, “Rain on Us,” “I Need Your Glory” and “God Did It.” […]
First Listen: Eddie Levert of the O’Jays wants to “Love On You”
(April 17, 2025) If any person has earned a well-deserved rest it’s Eddie Levert, the legendary founder of the Mighty O’Jays. However, through all the professional and personal ups, downs, triumphs and tragedies, Eddie Levert will perform and record as long as he is able. Levert missed a few recent O’Jays shows, so Eric Nolan […]
First Listen: UK riser Geo shines on “My Turn”
(April 16, 2025) In most cases, songwriters will hear from listeners and fans how they were significantly impacted by the music and songs created. Sometimes, a songwriter turns inward and provides self-motivation from a musical work that stems from personal experiences. This is the case for Geo Baddoo’s newest single, “My Turn.” This London based […]
First Listen: Chazz Dixon gives a tribute to Chicago soul
(April 15, 2025) The loss of soul man Jerry Butler struck the community of music lovers hard. Butler made numerous contributions to the soul music canon as lead singer with The Impressions and as a solo artist. Butler’s passing certainly hit those hailing from the city of Chicago very hard. Butler had been a presence […]
Former Temptations and Stylistics lead singer Bo Henderson is back with new single
(April 14, 2025) A traveling musician knows all too well the feelings that come with spending time away from loved ones while performing on the road. Being away from that special someone is no doubt very difficult. Nevertheless, even though there may be physical distance, a deep emotional connection can still be felt when that […]
First Listen: Jazzhole gives a nighttime walk through “Moonlight Mile”
(April 13, 2025) For those who appreciate their cup of soul with a nu jazz flavor touched up with funk, hip hop and Latin edges, Jazzhole is something special. The band has satisfied audiences since 1994, yet sometimes as an underappreciated band that was an integral part of the acid jazz movement through the eighties […]
First Listen: Kimberly Brewer pays tribute to Quincy with “Heaven”
(April 11, 2025) There aren’t enough accolades one could give to Quincy Jones, one of the greatest accomplished producers, composer and arrangers to have ever lived. From jazz to pop, from soul to hip-hop, from dozens of film and television scores to ‘Thriller’ and beyond, Quincy Delight Jones deserves all the proverbial flowers, even months […]
First Listen: Jordan Johnston gives Minneapolis vibe on “Never Get Enough”
(April 10, 2025) Minneapolis native Jordan Johnston doesn’t have to look far for musical inspiration, and he’s been influenced and inspired by the legends who called the Twin Cities Home – from Prince to JImmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Mint Condition. Johnston has a connection to the Minneapolis sound that is closer to his home and […]
First Listen: SoulTracks Award winner Conya Doss “Can’t Stand to Lose”
(April 9, 2025) We have a habit of turning nearly every human interaction into a sports analogy. Messing up the money becomes fumbling the bag. When a person makes a mean spirited remark, they are hitting below the belt. People who get involved in romantic relationships are said to be playing the game of love. […]
