Live at the Bitter End: Remembering Donny Hathaway (2013)
We’ve seen it dozens of times: Artists who bristle when being compared to greats of past years, even when the vocal or stylistic similarities are obvious to even casual music listeners. But that has never been Frank McComb. From the moment soul music fans first heard him, either as part of the group Buckshot LeFonque […]
Only On Christmas Day
I am attracted to Christmas albums that give me an idea about what the holiday means to the artist. I also want to know if the tunes – whether they are originals or remakes – provide a glimpse into the artist’s view of the holiday’s cultural and religious significance. John Stoddart’s new Christmas CD, Only […]
Gloom EP
The Scandinavian Soul chanteuse that became the tastemakers’ delight just a few short months ago with a scintillating mix of originals and revamped covers on The Renditions is already back with a satiny set of relationship ballads. The third in a series of largely self-produced EPs that Marie Dahlstrom has self-released since 2011, Gloom is […]
Red (2013)
I have a few issues with American Idol. The program is essentially a talent show and a singing contest, and that basically accounts for its long time success. Everybody loves a talent show – me included. My issues with Idol and other programs of that ilk are twofold: First, there are so many factors that […]
Man
Surface vs. substance, trends vs. timelessness: it can be a very taut tightrope that today’s performers have to navigate, and in some cases, the original sound they once fought hard to nurture and maintain becomes a casualty in that process. Few things are more disappointing to hear than musicians who gradually replace authenticity for ambition, […]
Christmas Card
It’s late October. The weather is changing – at least in those regions of the country that have seasons. That means the roll out of Christmas albums from gospel and secular artists is starting. And gospel superstar Marvin Sapp is joining the rush with his latest project, Christmas Card. At one level, it hardly matters […]
Kool For the Holidays (2013)
The Temptations, The Jackson 5, New Edition, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder and Kurtis Blow all had careers that intersected at some point with Kool & the Gang. But unlike those acts, in the 50 year career of Kool & the Gang, but the band had not released a holiday album. That’s pretty amazing considering that […]
More Than Just a Dream
On the surface, L.A.-based band Fitz & the Tantrums looks like any other indie pop band that’s trying to ride Maroon 5’s coattails of success. There’s this visual trademark they explore that feels like a great leap into the haute culture glory days of Chic, while adopting Justin Timberlake’s über cool “Suit & Tie” decorum. […]
Merry Christmas to You
With the season of Fall just barely coming to pass last week and many still rocking summer gear, it’s probably hard to even think about Christmas, much less the music. But when someone conveys the sentiments of the season with the fervor and finesse of Jonathan Butler, listeners might be tempted to warm up the […]
Remembering O.V. (with special guest Otis Clay)
O.V. Wright spent his entire career as a regional phenomenon. His gritty, emotive vocals, drenched thoroughly in the black church and in the urbanized blues, pretty much relegated his American following to the Southern US and, surprisingly, Japan. Hip-hop producers found themselves digging through the O.V. Wright playlist in their eternal search for the perfect […]
