New Music Reviews
Marvin Winans is one of the most important names in Gospel music history, and after a long time away from the studio, the former Winans lead vocalist has released his first modern Gospel solo album — a wonderful return for a music legend.
3 Tenors of Soul – They were the recognizable lead singers of the Stylistics, Blue Magic and the Delfonics, and now Russell, Ted and Will have joined together to release the appropriately titled new CD "All The Way From Philadelphia," a nice salute to falsetto soul music of the 70s.
Chaka Khan has, for three decades, been one of the funkiest divas around, so it is only fitting that she returns to form with a brand new album called "Funk This." Come see our review.
Jill Scott has been quiet for awhile, and she returns with a much different sound on with her new album "The Real Thing."
Tina Turner first topped the chart with ex-husband Ike, but her unlikely return to the top 20 years ago is the stuff that legends are made of. See our Christian John Wikane’s tribute to this amazing performer.
Angie Stone is, flat out, one great singer. And our L. Michael Gipson says that her new album "The Art of Love and War" has waaaay more to love than to fight about.
Ronnie McNeir – First as a solo artist and more recently as part of the legendary Four Tops, Ronnie McNeir has fashioned a wonderful career. And now he’s back with his first solo album in over a decade, the excellent "Ronnie Mac and Friends."
Rahsaan Patterson has built a huge following with his great voice and his expansive soul music. And as good as his previous albums have been, our Chris Whaley says Rahsaan’s new disc, "Wines and Spirits" moves him to a new level.
James Taylor – No, not that James Taylor. This is the soulful musician and quartet leader who has just issued a great album of funked up Motown classics that our Arnold Stovell says is a real find.
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings have built up a huge audience for their funky retro sound, and their new album, 100 Days and 100 Nights should keep their fans dancing with joy.
Vashawn Mitchell
– Gospel choir directors all over the US will be glued to this album, which is filled with memorable Praise and Worship cuts that you’ll soon be hearing at a church near you. Dijon has won over quite a few Gospel and R&B fans with his Tevin Campbell–like voice and the thoughtful new album "From A Kid’s Point of View." Come see why he is a young artist to watch.
Valarie Adams has provided killer vocals for several groups over her career, but with her self-titled new album she moves up front…and we’re glad she did.
And check out our News Section for the latest on artists such Aretha Franklin and Bootsy Collins, as well as our Howard Dukes’ tribute to legendary James Brown sideman, Bobby Byrd.
This month’s Soul Communicators piece is on the dynamic duo of New York, the women of One Nation Under the Soul Shack (ONUTSS), whose soul music listening parties have become essential after-work events. And finally, read Christopher Whaley’s review of the brilliant new biography of one of our all-time favorite singers, Phyllis Hyman. |