Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole (2013)
If we had been there at the beginning when Little Georgie Benson strummed on his guitar and sang “Mona Lisa,” we would have known that the man known as George Benson was destined to be a double threat. We also would have seen the album Inspiration (A Tribute to Nat King Cole) coming. Benson was […]
The Man (2013)
Seven years have passed since Omar released his last album; Sing (If You Want It). That album featured collaborations with Estelle, Angie Stone and Stevie Wonder, to name a few. Omar now returns with his latest project, The Man, an album that will probably be one of the funkier records you will hear all year. […]
Treble and Reverb (2013)
Her voice is a cross between Lauryn Hill and India.Arie, while her music is pure ‘60s girl group cotton candy. It’s an odd juxtaposition that only occasionally works as high art, but is rarely less than entertaining. Produced by co-writers Evan Short and Pete Wadams with all the sheen of a major label record, and […]
I Won’t Let Go of My Faith (2013)
When the chemistry is just right between an artist and producer in the recording studio, the results usually please the public’s ears. Though the artist generally receives the glory (or the blame) on the final product, a reliable producer’s vision through the orchestrations, song selection and choosing supporting musicians is the key to enhancing or […]
Blue Velvet Soul (2013)
“It’s like butter, like the butter baby: not no Parkay, not no margarine, strictly butter, strictly butter Baby.” That riff came from a classic Tribe Called Quest track, but that’s probably one of the best ways to describe Blue Velvet Soul, the tenth in a steady stream of delectable CDs by the one-woman jazz and suave […]
Human Nature (2013)
What could be harder than putting in the years, blood, sweat and tears to become an instantly recognizable icon? Being an artist in your on right and attempting to re-interpret said icon’s music, for starters. To accomplish that feat successfully, one has to be secure and established enough within his or her own genre to […]
Reality Check (2013)
Reality Check, the new CD by the Nashville based band Sky Hi. Their brand of funk and is not what instantly comes to mind when considering the sound of the Music City. Country and bluegrass, or rock with a helping of blues is the sound of Nashville. Sky Hi’s sound emanates from the Tennessee town located […]
Messages from the Heart (2013)
Listeners with memories of the early 1980 era R&B will notice something when listening to Messages From the Heart, the latest recording by Sheree Brown. Brown’s vocals sound pretty much the way they did 30 plus years ago. Perhaps Brown’s voice is a little deeper at the bottom. Still, I’d believe someone who told me that Messages From […]
Better Days (2013)
The influences of great performers from soul music’s past can be heard in many of the artists whose music we review here on SoulTracks. You won’t get too far before hearing a performer who derives influences from the sounds of Memphis, Motown and Muscle Shoals. And those who listen to Boshra Sham’s new album Better […]
Spirityouall (2013)
Bobby McFerrin does gospel. The idea either inspires gales of glee or nervous hesitation. The result is something technically creative and even daring, nothing less than what would be expected from the acappella genius, but not necessarily emotionally compelling. In this work set to folk, country, and a hybrid of jazz folk music, McFerrin plays […]
