Make It Work! (2009)
Who would have ever conceived the notion of musicians, whether relatively unknown or established, showing off their talents on an outlet like The Weather Channel. Well, just ask musician/songwriter Jeanne Ricks, whose instrumental smooth jazz/Latin dance flavored "Simple Pleasures" won her the unusual honor of landing on WC’s collection of favorite tracks featured on the […]
Reveal Your Glory (2009)
After initially getting a promotional boost from CeCe Winans’ PureSprings Gospel imprint, Vicki Yohe possessed the golden opportunity to make her mark on the gospel charts. A huge mezzo-soprano soul singer, Yohe’s instrument channels the pop luster of Celine Dion and the gutsy timbre of Martha Munizzi, Unfortunately, Yohe, with a voice worthy of the […]
Everybody Dance (2009)
As a record executive, James Roberson fostered his L.A.-based JDI label up the gospel charts while also having the distinct pleasure of getting JDI named the #1 fastest-growing independent gospel label in the country. Reportedly, he singlehandedly groomed the success stories of Beverly Crawford, Norman Hutchins and Chester D.T. Baldwin. Like Tyscot Records co-founder and […]
Becoming Myself (2009)
I must admit during my first run through of Becoming Myself I wasn’t prepared to hear the big genre leaps to 80s pop/rock, then to acoustic house/disco, and then again to smooth soul, but play-by-play, they grew on me. Those genre jumps and Jones’ hurried rhyme techniques may still be album pitfalls for some, but […]
A Strange Arrangement (2009)
If only he could sing. If the Detroit-based singer/songwriter Mayer Hawthorne could do more than weakly croon a tune, his debut album for Stones Throw Records would be a perfect blue-eyed, retro-soul album. Following the Northern Soul tradition of innumerable UK artists, Hawthrone mines a delectable palette of soulful flavors from 60s and 70s labels […]
Imperial Progressive Soul Collection Vol. I (2009)
Just as the Kiki Dee bouncy pop song declares, "I got the music in me." Since age eleven when he first started mixing reel-to-reel tapes, Armand Tulumello has been hooked to make music on his own terms. At the same time, he understands that when fellow independent artists are the forefront of a compilation project, […]
Atmospheric Soul
When I first heard Prince BlkMagic Damons’ introduction for his debut Atmospheric Soul, stating there is something for everyone, I was brimming with anticipation for a urban music variety pack. With a galaxy of stars including Tower of Power’s former lead vocalist Lenny Williams, American Idol alumn LaToya London, neo-soul stylist Dwele and rapper E-40, […]
The Diva’s Choice (2009)
An accomplished session musician, Teodross Avery has landed some astounding opportunities performing with a list of leading ladies including Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill, Shakira, Joss Stone and Dee Dee Bridgewater. These A-list opportunities have led to his latest expedition on The Diva’s Choice – a tribute to his dedicated hardcore fan base. At times the […]
The Winner in Me (2009)
Those who expected Coko’s gospel pilgrimage to be a one-time thing best prepare themselves for another expedition. Long-time front lady of urban R&B trio SWV, Cheryl "Coko" Clemons returns with her sophomore stint The Winner in Me. This time around, the songstress gets a little more personal and even beefs up the musical creativity some. […]
Blood Red (2009)
Technically, the Groove Kings should have been called Groove King and Queen, but that doesn’t spark much marquee attention. The duo, powerhouse lead vocalist Irene Marc and multi-instrumentalist Howard Forman, prepare the way for a rock-infused, bluesy soul workout that canonizes the torchy ‘70s rock of Santana and the soulful gusto of a modern Stax […]
