Introducing DeWayne Woods & When Singers Meet (2007)
DeWayne Woods has a testimony, but those listening to Introducing DeWayne Woods & When Singers Meet will have to wait until the album’s fifth track to hear it. That’s when the gospel singer tells his story. In 1993, Woods tested positive for HIV. To make a long story short, the virus didn’t run the natural […]
Made in Motown (2007)
Made In Motown is the new CD from urban contemporary vocalist Donald Shaw. With a title that betrays the fact the album was recorded not far from the Detroit home of the legendary Motown brand, it also re-enforces the connection between the sumptuous vibe so indicative of Motown Records’ golden era and that which Shaw […]
All About the Music (2007)
Believe it or not, to receive a daily supply of the music that you love from all over the world through your letter box has its disadvantages. This debut album from the AllStars for example has been sitting in a large pile of CD’s waiting to be reviewed since early September but it took the perseverance of both the group and their […]
Awakening of the Heart (2007)
The perspective of an outsider often provides a more accurate view of a culture that those on the inside are capable of giving. That has certainly been the case for American popular music. And it’s definitely the case that when foreigners surveyed the American musical landscape, they cherished as treasures genres that those of us […]
Speak to Me (2007)
A fusion of neo-soul, acoustic, jazz, and world music best describes the vibe of Robbi Spencer. Hailing from Dayton, OH, Robbi is a self-taught guitarist with a mellow sound that is relaxing and guaranteed to soothe even the most critical of music ears. Her debut project, Speak 2 Me, features 14 original songs that highlight […]
Joyful (2007)
Ayo sings simple songs. And on her album Joyful, the simplicity of the lyrics and the sparse arrangements are an asset, allowing the listeners to quickly wrap their heads around the theme of each song and to appreciate the uniqueness, clarity and power of Ayo’s voice. Many of Ayo’s songs deal with the well-beaten musical […]
Rare & Unreleased Recordings (2007)
It’s funny to think that an artist of her magnitude as a young woman probably wouldn’t get signed as an R&B artist today. But Aretha Franklin, the internationally revered Queen of Soul, would certainly have quite a time landing a deal in an industry devoted to artifice even as it speaks of "truth" and "honesty" […]
Anticipation (2007)
Anticipation is a 15-track debut CD by Jua, a new artist from Upper Marlboro, MD. Sounding like a blend of Luther Vandross, Will Downing, Jr and Freddie Jackson, Jua takes a sensual approach to his music, resulting in a HOT album, with silky lyrics and vocal arrangements that make you pause and take notice. Filled […]
Growing Pains (2007)
Pain and drama have been two major components of Mary J. Blige’s recording career ever since her groundbreaking 1992 debut album What’s the 411?, though in recent years she has made great strides to find some balance, peace and happiness in a world that had gotten used to her cries for help. With the release […]
Free (2004)
Thank you Oprah Winfrey. On the heels of the success of Fox’s American Idol, Oprah created her own talent contest, The Oprah Winfrey Pop Star Challenge, designed to find a talent in the over-25 group. And out of that forum came a 36-year old LaShell Griffin, who blew away the audience and the competition with […]
