Ladies’ Choice (2007)
For those craving some new sizzling smooth jazz and soulful romantic R & B ballads, Paul Taylor’s latest release, Ladies’ Choice, is a ticket worth the price. One of today’s most acclaimed saxophonists, Paul Taylor scores again with a series of original grooves, striking melodies and memorable collaborations with acclaimed female vocalists – Regina Belle, […]
Love Letter (2007)
Brian Smith caught the judges’ attention at the 2005 Gospel Music Channel Gospel Dream with his sweet and soulful sound. He became the winner and received a record deal with the Gospel division of Zomba Label Group, part of Sony BMG Music Entertainment. And his debut CD, Love Letter, on Zomba Gospel is fresh, new, creative, […]
State of Mind (2005)
While highly anticipated, State of Mind presents a minor dilemma for an artist who has gained a sterling reputation as a live performer and who has been singing many of the disc's cuts in concert for several months. Fortunately, working with legendary producer Arif Mardin, Midon has created a studio album that has the feel […]
Believer (2006)
Believer should be the album that introduces Javen Campbell to urban adult contemporary audiences and strengthens his base among Gospel listeners. Bearing a tenor voice that at times sounds like Carl Anderson but which is similar in phrasing to BeBe Winans, Javen has put together an enjoyable, relatively mellow album that doesn’t tread new ground […]
A Mighty Love (2007)
Some of the most memorable moments in Phil Perry’s solo career (as well as his guest work) have been in his interpretations of classic pop and soul songs. His first hit was an audacious cover of Aretha’s "Call Me" and arguably his career highpoint was his brilliant take on the Spinners’ "Love Don’t Love Nobody." […]
I Am (2007)
She is only 24 years old. It’s something you have to keep reminding yourself while listening to this singer/songwriting ingénue on her Def Jam debut, I Am. At 24, Chrisette Michele sports the high notes of Bjork, the bottomless wells of Tina, the raspy tone of Fantasia and phrasing of Verve-era Billie with a bit […]
Princess P (2007)
Writer’s note: I received the Paris Bennett CD, and despite taking a liking to her during her American Idol run, a quick listen I told me this album was not meant for "me". This project is hunting for a younger demographic as its audience so, I decided to get a pair of "younger ears" to […]
Stay With Me (2007)
Smooth jazz is about twenty years old as a radio format. TAnd the sound that defines smooth jazz guitar goes back almost a decade more, to 1980. The album, Give Me The Night by George Benson (produced by Quincy Jones), introduced a soundscape that guitarists would emulate for more than a quarter century. Radio loved it. Stations changed identities […]
Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth Wind and Fire
Soul music lovers have been inundated over the past few years with "covers" albums, with both classic and modern soul artists remaking – with varying quality — some of the biggest R&B hits of the 60s and 70s. Despite the wide range of artists who've created these albums, the discs have largely focused on a […]
Chocolate Soul Compilation III (2007)
Alright Soul Tracker, you’ve been following the nu-soul/r&b scene for the last few years. However, time, money or both don’t allow you to hear or see many artists you’ve been dying to check out. Or better yet, you have become a music maven among your friends. You amaze them with how you can turn them […]
