Love Forever Shines (2008)
There are a handful of R&B and soul voices that still maintain a loyal following long after the artist’s season of steady hit making has passed. Artists such as Peabo Bryson and Patti LaBelle have had enduring careers by venturing out into different musical terrain to capture new audiences while still staying true to their […]
Believe It Or Not: The Collection (2008)
In the early 80s, former Miracles lead singer Billy Griffin was hitting his stride, teaming with John Barnes for a pair of excellent soulful dance albums (Be With Me and Respect) that largely anticipated what Barnes would do a couple years later working with Michael Jackson on Thriller. The UK flocked to Griffin’s brilliant single, “Hold […]
Self Portrait (2008)
Daddy’s little girl continues to carry on her family’s musical legacy with the very poignant release of Self Portrait, the fifth album by soul songstress Lalah Hathaway. With her first disc on the resurrected classic soul label, Stax Records (Otis Redding, Booker T. and the MG’s, The Bar-Kays), Lalah delivers a satisfying collection of new […]
Eclectically Speaking (2008)
Clever and enticing, Eclectically Speaking catches your eye and draws you in with the cover photo of a shirtless gentleman donning a pair of dark shades with a head topped with a wild, but stylish fro, grasping a classically styled chrome microphone. Mics like those were what pioneers like Jackie Wilson and James Brown clutched […]
Simply Me (2008)
Marian Marie is an unabashed adult soul singer. Oh, there are songs on Marie’s debut record, Simply Me, that might have some appeal to the younger set – namely the up-tempo "Wait on Me." But this is the type of album that will get played on repeat when the girlfriends get together to talk. And […]
Undisputed (The Album) (2007)
I was looking for some new, entertaining, inspiring music. As I sifted through various new CDs in my collection, I came across an interesting CD cover of a boxer poised for a match. Even though I was in neither the mood for rap nor explicit lyrics, my curiosity was heightened, so I took a chance. […]
Mrs. Sebastian (2008)
From the moment Renee Sebastian first danced on stage in her native country, she knew she felt right at home and could express herself freely without reservation. Besides her flair for entertaining audiences, there is a determined attitude to control every aspect of her life as an entrepreneur and an artist — in front and […]
It’s A Nu Dae (2008)
Hard work, determination, and a strong belief in self are very important attributes to enter the highly competitive, dog-eat-dog world of the entertainment industry. Some artists simply entertain audiences to make them feel good and important for a special evening. Others take their talents deeper by sharing personal experiences to encourage and edify others to […]
Life and Music: All of It (2007)
Rogiérs is a night whisperer. One of those raspy seducers who nuzzle your ear offering resonance-rich promises of sweeter tomorrows, if only you’d believe in him. Stories of previous money hungry loves who didn’t believe enough, didn’t love enough, didn’t trust enough to fill the void…these are deliciously vulnerable first date pillow talks. If only […]
Live from NYC (2008)
Live From NYC -Sparlha Swa’s concert record – displays the flaws and strengths of live albums. The 12 tracks on Live From NYC were recorded during two performances in December and January. The main flaw is that most concert albums never make peace with the fact that a concert is a multi-sensory and multi-media event. […]
