Conflict (2008)
Sy Smith grabs her listener’s attention on "Conflict (This is Your Brain on Drugs)," the opening track of Conflict, her latest record. And while she lets up (a little) the rest of the way, she never lets the listener go entirely, as they listen to this entertaining and thought-provoking album. Folks old enough to remember […]
Praise and Worship (2007)
The selections from the Praise and Worship CD were culled from T.D. Jakes’ 1997 film soundtrack, Woman, Thou Art Loosed! and from 1998’s Live From The Potter’s House. There are some ministries that have a timeless message, and that message remains relevant throughout the decades. This is the case with the latest release, (or re-release […]
New Amerykah Part One (2008)
It’s no secret that Erykah Badu is one of the most innovative and thought-provoking artists of the past decade. Ever since her 1997 classic debut, Baduizm, this Dallas native has marched to beat of her own drum. You just never know what she will bring to the table and the beauty of it is that […]
We Will Never End (2008)
Strolling along looking for the latest music, on the shelves was a beautiful, artistically designed CD cover that caught my attention, like eye candy. The candy was a man of beauty, lying sexy along the sandy beach with his guitar poised – as a lover – across his chest. I wondered who is this man? […]
When You Know (2008)
Blessed with one of the most crystalline voices of her generation — perhaps rivalled only in popular music of the last two decades by Linda Ronstadt — Dianne Reeves has migrated from genre to genre over her career, touching on R&B and African music before settling in a decade ago as one of the most popular […]
From My Heart To Yours (2007)
The Gospel Music landscape has blown up in the last several years, especially with R&B performers. Those who carved their niche in the R&B market, such as Kenny Lattimore & Chante Moore, Kelly Price, and Shirley Murdock, are now singing the Lord’s praises, without mass choir backing and bombastic church service type arrangements. Newer artists […]
From Me to You
Hailing out of her ‘adopted’ home, Atlanta, vocalist Tammy Allen creates what she calls ‘feel good music’ and this her fourth album is certainly testimony to that statement. Citing influences which range from George Duke through to Nina Simone, the album contains lyrically mature compositions which though covering a number of musical genres are always soulful. As Ms Allen herself […]
A Beautiful Mess (2007)
It’s always interesting to review an artist who willfully chooses not to color within the lines. You never know whether or not the colors will end up staining the carpet causing an unforgivable mess or will a strange symmetry emerge from the chaos to create a thing of rare, unexpected beauty. Renowned back-up singer and […]
The Absence of Cool (2008)
KuKu is a nice guy. In the insular Washington, DC music scene where KuKu has made a name for himself as the local troubadour, one repeatedly hears this theme whenever the 6’4 Nigerian born artist is discussed. Given his pending residence in your home and heart, it’s a good thing his rep proves true. The […]
Inside My Love (Reissue) (2008)
Soul music fans have heard Trina Broussard’s voice even if they aren’t all that familiar with the performer behind that voice. Got a copy of the excellent soundtrack to the movie Love Jones? Throw it on the CD player (or play it on your iPod), and listen to Broussard blowing her pipes out on a […]
