I had a the feeling that I heard the voice somewhere from the first moment I clicked “play” on Antoinette’s new album Curious Life. Her vocals had that kind of light night lounge club feel that kind of reminded me of Lisa Stansfield. I did a little background research and quickly learned why the voice sounded so familiar. Antoinette is a Norman Connors discovery. In fact, she provided the vocals on several tracks on Connors’ 2009 album Star Power. The Midwesterner stands on her own with the release of Curious Life, an album that sticks to the tried and true Connors formula of making R&B love songs steeped in jazz influence. In fact, the musicianship is one of the things that sets Curious Life apart from many of the songs listeners hear on the radio these days.
One of the first things listeners will notice is relative absence of computerized music on Curious Life. It’s there because the song “Secret Lover” features synthesizers and a voice box, devices that give this bedroom dance track a 1980s pop/rock feel. “Secret Lover” is a welcome change of pace showing that Antoinette is more than willing to step out of the ballad box. Still, jazzy, adult orientated R&B music is Antoinette forte. In Curious Life, this Connors protégé, working with Grammy Award winning producer Roger Hatfield, creates an album that contains the elements that discerning, mature listeners crave – well crafted lyrics, musicianship that encompasses soul, R&B, jazz and pop and a singer with a distinct voice who feels comfortable singing in all of those styles.
Notable tracks: Beloved, Carry On, Indulgence, Invisible Love, Secret Lover, Why’d You Have to Let Me Go
Vocals: 3.0
Music: 3.5
Lyrics: 3.0
Production: 3.5
Soultracks call: Recommended
By Howard Dukes
