Beautiful Dreams (Album review)
Acantha Lang – Beautiful Dreams Acantha Lang’s journey took her from the Crescent City of New Orleans to London, where she crafted a career that allows her to thrive as an unabashed soul singer. She’s earned raves on both sides of the Atlantic along the way for her work as a soloist and a songwriter for […]
Soul On Fire (Album Review)
Joe Leavy – Soul On Fire Soul man Joe Leavy has been generous in sharing tracks from his latest album, Soul On Fire, with the music listening public. Four tunes from the album, “Inside You,” “Love Me To My Soul,” “Let It Go” and “Do It Again,” received First Listen coverage and been on our […]
The Albums Vol 2: 1979-1989 (Box Set)
Kool & The Gang – The Albums Vol 2: 1979-1989 (Box Set) As acknowledged in the introductory notes to Edsel’s first Kool & The Gang box set released earlier this year (The Albums Vol. 1: 1970-1978), there are two solidly distinct chapters in the band’s rise to fame through the ’70s and ‘80s. It’s quite […]
I’m For Real: The Elektra Recordings (1986-1992) (Advance Review)
Howard Hewett – I’m For Real: The Elektra Recordings (1986-1992) (Advance Review) Howard Hewett’s path to recognition as an exceptional soul singer was not a straightforward one. Although he played in several R&B bands before being signed to a label, it was the last-minute invitation to join Soul Train dancers Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel […]
Blue Mood, Breakout And Beyond (Box Set) (Advance Review)
Swing Out Sister – Blue Mood, Breakout & Beyond (Box Set) When Swing Out Sister’s “Breakout” became a worldwide hit in 1987, it was as much of a surprise to the group members as to many pop-radio listeners who weren’t used to such prominent layers of soul and jazz interwoven with their top-40 doses. The […]
No Rhyme, No Reason: The Elektra/Warner Years (1985-2000)
George Duke: No Rhyme, No Reason: The Elektra /Warner Years (1985-2000) is a three CD compilation that reviews the period in the fusion and funk master’s career that was typically prolific but not as rewarding in terms of the popular success the keyboardist, producer and singer/songwriter enjoyed in the 1970s and early 80s. The compilation’s […]
Four Songs & A Bootleg (2022)
Avery Sunshine – Four Song & A Bootleg It’s stating the obvious to say that Avery*Sunshine is a relationship singer, but I’m not trying to uncover some deep mystery. On Four Songs & a Bootleg, her latest album, the relationships that she has with the love of her life, her God, with the constant struggle […]
The Extraordinary Journey of Jason Miles – A Musical Biography
The Extraordinary Journey of Jason Miles – A Musical Biography (2022) Jason Miles can accurately be described as your favorite musician’s favorite musician because, to paraphrase a certain action hero, he possesses a certain set of skills that have made him indispensable to artists as diverse as Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, Jane Fonda and Vanessa […]
Raise The Bar (Advance Review)
Chris Jasper – Raise the Bar Faith, family and community uplift have been recurring themes in the life and music of Chris Jasper in the nearly four decades since he emerged as a lead singer and solo artist, after years of being the creative force behind the sounds of the Isley Brothers and Isley Jasper […]
Dome 30 Years, Vol. 1
Various Artists – Dome 30 Years, Vol. 1 Dome Records has infiltrated the British soul market for three decades with a solid roster of home-grown talents and American R&B vocalists expanding their reach outside of the States. Giving wider distribution to independent releases by some who fall into the latter category (e.g. Gordon Chambers and Donnie), […]
