Evolutionary (2014)
My reaction to learning that one of the 23 tracks on Evolutionary, the first album in 20 years by the band War, was a cover of the late Edwin Starr’s protest song “War,” ranged from ‘it’s about time,’ to ‘this actually makes too much sense to work.’ Still, the match of song to band is […]
Take It All (2014)
America already has one Ruben (Studdard that is). Are we seriously ready for another? Well, ready or not, here he comes. Caribbean native Ruben (Heerenveen) has already traveled the seven seas as an international nomad, calling places like Amsterdam, Holland, Vienna and even Los Angeles home all at some point. He’s made some strides by […]
Life Cycles (2014)
In many cases in marketing an artist, their music is way too often compartmentalized to the point of frankly sheer frustration. But, for the sake of presenting a complete package deal, especially regarding a new talent, the musician’s publicist and their team are still obligated to reel in fans with an attractive catch phrase in […]
A Couple Friends (2014)
Let’s face it: it doesn’t take much effort to find songs about the joys and excitement of new love. All formulaic scenarios aside, there’s still something intoxicating about that first look, the first conversation, that spine-tingling kiss and the moment you both decided that you wanted to be together forever (or, for the 20-somethings, maybe […]
Shangri La EP (2014)
It is quite simply the silkiest EP you’ll hear this year. Lushly romantic and sinuously sung, this sonorous escape from your every day makes a warm Calgon bath seem like languishing in weak dishwater. Live musicianship and organic jam session atmospherics lend this project an honesty and authenticity that generally a younger generation gets accused […]
Fire In My Soul (2014)
When I saw the EPK promoting Willie Jones album Fire In My Soul announce that this was his debut release as a solo artist, I assumed that I would be reviewing something from the X Factor contestant. Then I saw that this Willie Jones was born in 1936. X Factor contestant Willie Jones didn’t look like he […]
Book Review: Unbreak My Heart, A Memoir by Toni Braxton (2014)
“We called her the first lady of LaFace. She was our Diva. Clive had Whitney, Tommy had Mariah and we had Toni.” Antonio “L.A.” Reid Since she’s been a part of R&B’s musical landscape and a recognizable part […]
Wild Heart (2014)
It can sometimes appear as if the saxophone is the only instrument in contemporary jazz music. That’s not true, but smooth jazz fans do love themselves some sax players. Some of that has to do with the success of Grover Washington Jr., who became a bona fide pop star on the instrument in the 1970s […]
While You Were Sleeping (Advance Review) (2014)
Everyone’s favorite artist eventually takes an unexpected left turn. The question is whether you’re willing to go along for the ride. There is this unusual notion among some artists that fans who will not follow their favorite artist down his or her new detour are more interested in boxing “their” artist in and keeping that […]
Blood Sweat Tears
Bronx native Shaliek came out of the box with promise several years ago, but had a career setback that could have stopped his progress. Instead, it made him even stronger. The vocalist and songwriter currently receiving airplay for the song “The Past” from his latest album Blood Sweat Tears earned attention on the strength of […]
