Groovy! (2009)
There is a lot of music on Groovy! the debut CD by the Swedish group Glam Sam and his Combo. And I’m not just talking about the fact that the record sports 18 songs. That’s modern music and I might as well get used to it. What I mean is that these songs are long. […]
Speak (2009)
According to Nigerian born/British based bassist Michael Olatuja, "The language of music is one that we all speak. It unites diverse cultures." These words clearly speak the truth, as his solo debut Speak seamlessly weaves the best of urban music with the musical influences of his home country. On this self-produced Backdrop/ObliqSound Records release, Olatuja […]
Playing for Change (2009)
Playing for Change is producer Mark Johnson’s brilliant idea of uniting over 100 musicians across cultures to raise the banner of Bob Marley’s rich "one world-one love" philosophy of social change through music, while focusing attention on the music education works of the Playing for Change charity. Within four years, Johnson and his crew traveled […]
Live It Out (2009)
You listen to "Mind Of A Woman" or "Head Over Heels" and you know good, simple songs are making a comeback. Forget what you’re hearing on the radio. Take an extra step to hear the fine music by musicians like Warner Brothers’ latest young wunderkind, Alain Clark. The bi-racial, raspy-to-silk voiced tenor was of the […]
Dan Dyer (2009)
Some albums are so beautifully realized that all you can do is weep and be grateful for the privilege. Austin-based musician Dan Dyer delivers a sophomore album of such stunning wisdom and shimmering brilliance that you can hardly believe this guy writes commercial jingles as his day gig. Dyer on his self-titled project is a […]
Let the Truth Be Told
With its melodic soars of Lauryn Hill’s "That Thing," the cute piano arpeggios of "From My Heart to Yours" whispers of neo-soul’s second coming. With the major media blitz surrounding Ireland’s Laura Izibor, the new R&B singer/songwriter sensation has already established her as the latest R&B version of Lauryn Hill. Yet, if you move the […]
Dangle Grooves (2009)
The inspiration behind Dangle Grooves according to Dutch musician/producer Cook Daniel is "moving in a relaxed way to the groove without the need to dance." This interesting theme album from Daniel, AKA Kees Kiok, contains a collection of pop, lounge, blues, dance and jazz inspired pieces with a major emphasis on modern Spanish and African […]
The Real Thing (2009)
You know your music is in trouble when Barry Manilow has more flavor. Please pass this memo to the producers of Vanessa Williams’ latest sleeper: mature music need not be dead or colorless to appeal to people over 30 or those eligible for Social Security, for that matter. Smooth jazz, toothless soul pop, and bland […]
Si Me Quieres (If You Love Me) (2009)
If you easily dig the adult contemporary slow jams of Sade and Prince’s latest protégé, Bria Valente, you may find a resting place in Gemma Genazzano’s sensual bedroom jazz. Her erotic vocals, mostly seductive cooing and breathy whispers, filter on a breeze through the bulk of Si Me Quieres (If You Love Me). On this […]
Doin’ The D (2009)
Flutist Alexander Zonjic is a legend in Detroit (the "D"), where he’s been a mainstay in the jazz scene for over three decades. And he pays homage to his adopted hometown in the title of his newest CD on the Heads Up International label. Working with a fine cast of players including Kenny G, Rick […]
