Be Like You (2007)
In a day where gospel music is taking on many different sounds and genres, it can be somewhat puzzling to determine the direction of the artist. This is not the case with Shante’s Be Like You. With the combination of solid lyrics, fresh vocals, and pure arrangements, Shante offers a project that is inviting and spiritually […]
Lovely (2007)
Washington, D.C.’s own Afi (pronounced "ah-fee") is truly a renaissance woman. After giving birth to three baby girls (Serwah, Soyini & Makeda), Afi had to shift the focus for several years from her music to her family’s well-being without forfeiting her personal dreams for stardom. She has worked as a background vocalist, arranger and headlining-performer […]
The Dreamer (2007)
A new voice of note has emerged on the music scene in the guise of Mr. Jose James. Hailing from Minneapolis and now based in Brooklyn, this talented young singer/composer/producer has released a brilliantly realized debut c.d. — The Dreamer — which firmly places him (in my mind) as perhaps the best male jazz vocalist […]
Marcus (2007)
I don’t have an issue with putting music in categories, provided those categories or labels actually add to the understanding of the music. With that in mind, perhaps my least favorite category is the so-called "smooth jazz" or "contemporary jazz" category. Mind you, I’m not a "straight ahead" jazz purist who thinks all the electrified […]
Love Behind the Melody (2008)
With the country at war, it’s no coincidence that so many recording artists are producing albums with a consistent theme of love. Raheem DeVaughn is no exception. Love Behind the Melody is the follow-up to his major label debut The Love Experience, which garnered him a considerable amount of recognition from neo-soul fans. Born and […]
Becoming (2008)
There was a time when the best and brightest voices in R&B were discovered and cultivated in the world of theater. With the rare exception of Elisabeth Withers and Heather Headley, those days appear long gone. Melba Moore, Stephanie Mills, Jennifer Holliday, and Desiree Coleman were all Broadway trained forces of nature who brought a […]
Avant Gershwin (2007)
One night at the world-renowned Apollo Theatre, a four-year old girl was in the presence of blues great Dinah Washington, who let her goddaughter join her on stage. After a few "Scooby Doo" looks, the mission was accomplished. Henceforth, Patti Austin was on her way to an extremely satisfying, but underappreciated career. The latest CD, […]
On the Inside (2008)
Now in the fifth decade of her enviable career, Freda Payne has nothing to prove. But, unlike most of her contemporaries, Payne continues to perform tirelessly, regularly participating in stage musicals and tribute concerts and releasing new music on CD. And, like an old friend, she still has a real relationship with her fans, one […]
Thriller 25th Anniversary (2008)
When Michael Jackson’s Thriller won a bucketful of Grammy Awards in early 1984, it was a recognition of not only the artistic merit of an excellent album, but also of the tidal wave of popularity it garnered — the enormity of public acclaim that would result in it becoming the biggest selling album of all time. […]
Urban Organics (2008)
Upon hearing the first song from Soul Cycle’s CD entitled Urban Organics, I knew this was a group that needed to be what they call "dealt with" on another level. Once again I have stumbled upon a project that gives me "The Funk Face," making my mug contort into something nasty. Soul Cycle arrives straight […]
