Elliott Yamin (2007)
Certainly one of the most likable American Idol alums, Elliott Yamin was quietly also one of the most talented. He literally appeared to grow from a boy to a man in the 4 months on the show, and by the end of Season 5 was clearly the best pure singer of the bunch. However, his […]
Timetable (2003)
Legendary jazz keyboardist and producer George Duke once described vocalist Kevin Whalum as "butter," and that’s about the best depiction I’ve heard. Whether covering soul, jazz, scat or gospel, Whalum’s smooth, sweet voice (think of Will Downing as a tenor) makes him one of the most exciting new artists I’ve heard in quite awhile. The […]
Love, Life & Relationships (2007)
Finding success in the indie soul/r&b world is tricky in so many ways for the artists that are brave enough to give it go. The first challenge is, creating a quality project that attracts a fan following beyond your network of family, friends, and the co-workers on your day job. In other words, inspiring interest […]
Copasetic Is (2007)
Mikelyn Roderick’s album Copasetic Is sounds like the kind of record you want in your car’s CD player when you’re taking a long trip with people who’s musical tastes are as compatible as oil and water. Both will find something to like on this CD, because there’s something for everyone on this CD. There’s "Slippin,’" […]
As I Am (2007)
"Usually, I’m never at a loss for words. This time I feel somewhat lost. This year…how can I explain it? It has simultaneously been the best and worst of my life! This year, I know God took me, turned me around and forced me to look at myself in a mirror of reflection and everything […]
Groovin U (2007)
For anyone in doubt, let me tell you definitively-there IS an afterlife. No, this is not a misplaced message from a faith-based forum. Yes SoulTrackers, I’m speaking to you and telling you shed all doubt and BELIEVE. What proof can I offer you? Two words: Randy Muller. Randy Muller, may not be a familiar name […]
The Devoured Man (2007)
You have to admire someone who refuses to do what’s expected of him and instead follows his own path though life. It would have been very easy for Ola to follow the career path of his family of lawyers or to become a singer of pop/soul sensibilities. Instead, he did neither. Supported by his loyal […]
Miss Patti’s Christmas (2007)
In many ways, Patti LaBelle is perfectly suited for a holiday album. Her voice, at once both traditional and expressive, has enough Gospel in it to make it fit the spiritual nature of the music and enough sass to make it all sound wonderfully contemporary. And fortunately, legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis bring […]
Pure Voice (2007)
A buddy and I have an ongoing musical dialogue over what makes people like a song. Is it the music – you know, the melody, beat, rhythm – or is it the lyric? I say this is a dialogue not a debate because we basically agree that a song has to have a good melody […]
Live from Los Angeles (2007)
Beverly Crawford has had a dynamic presence in the gospel music scene since the early 90s when she was singing with Bobby Jones and his group, New Life. She is well-known for her highly energetic performances, her down-home manner, and being able to sing both traditional hard-hitting songs and soft, melodic ballads. She brings those […]
