Victor (2005)
In preparation for Valentine's Day 2006, Victor Fields has released Victor, his third disc on Regina Records. Working again with producer Chris Camozzi, Fields has created an old fashioned album of love songs that straddles the Smooth Jazz and Adult Contemporary line quite nicely. The disc is unabashedly romantic, and sports a series of ballads, […]
Fantasia (2006)
There is a tendency among Old Schoolers to argue that modern R&B is a poorly mutated descendant of Classic Soul, where basic song structure and melody have been sacrificed (or discarded) for the sake of beats and attitude. And while that is an oversimplification, it rings true on enough new releases that it can't be […]
I Love You (2007)
It's been nearly a decade since the release of a complete compilation of original material from Diana Ross. The emergence of "I Love You" has caught some by surprise and others with blatant disinterest. To her credit, Miss Ross could have joined the ranks of so many other former hitmakers and attempted to keep up […]
Blue (2006)
Buried in the Motown vaults for over three decades, the much talked-about Diana Ross album Blue emerged in June 2006. It is not surprising that the hit-obsessed Motown of 1972 chose to shelve the project, but it is sickening that this enjoyable disc didn't see the light of day so that Diana could release saccharine […]
A Live Shot (2006)
The Rooftop, a collection of some of New York's brightest independent singers and musicians led by guitarist Christian Ver Halen (CVH), put this live CD together to support the Music Rising non-profit foundation, which assists musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina. But one doesn't have to be charitable to fall in love with this recording. The […]
The Muse (2006)
Tim Dillinger clearly went into the recording of his sophomore album, The Muse, with a message he wanted to deliver. And the disc doesn't waste time covering typical messages of love and romance. Instead, the 17 songs convey Dillinger's earnest message of faith, racial harmony and personal integrity — all without sounding too preachy. Musically, […]
Love Is On My Mind (2004)
Produced by Dale Babb, Love Is On My Mind is a strong debut that shows a talented young artist who is still developing. The analogy that comes to mind is singer Anita Baker at the time of her first album, The Songstress. Listening to that album, it was clear that Baker had a fabulous voice […]
Love Rain Down (2006)
With 2004's Just Because, Conya Doss moved to the front of the indie soul class, so there was much anticipation for her follow up album. The good news is that Love Rain Down should continue Doss's ascent. It is a sly, groove-filled album that gets better with each listening. Soul music is a pretty diverse […]
Just Because (2004)
Just Because has become a favorite among neo-soul fans and for good reason. Conya Doss has one of the most appealing new soul voices, with a slight raspiness that gives it a touch of church behind her cool, confident delivery. And she uses her vocal talents well on Just Because, improving some of the lesser […]
Unconditionally Yours
Massachusetts-based singer Lori Dow has a voice that falls somewhere between Gabrielle Goodman and Teena Marie, and it works well on her debut album, Unconditionally Yours, on her own Lori Dow Records. Dow has wisely chosen to rely on a live band rather than electronics, on the CD, and it provides a more organic feel […]
