Matt Cusson (2009)
When was the last time you heard from-the-heart, soul-sweetening R&B that warms you from head to toe like early afternoon sunshine? If you can’t remember when, try refreshing your memory with the self-titled debut from Los Angeles-based musician, producer and songwriter Matt Cusson. For the uninitiated, Mr. Cusson first came to the attention of fans […]
Crossover (2009)
Since 1991, Pastor Gregg Patrick and his church, The Bridge Southwest Community Christian Center, have ministered to the needs of the people in Houston. One of the mega-church’s community outreach projects is the Stellar Awards Star Search, which became the vehicle that helped launch Micah Stampley. Patrick and his choir, The Bridge Project, take their […]
What Have You Done My Brother? (2009)
This sage Alabama church mother has a blues story to tell, and with musical director Cliff Driver, organist Jimmy Hill and members of the now legendary Dap Kings’ attending this story’s birth, it’s an inspiring one. Shelton (formerly billed as Naomi Davis) has long been a fixture of the club scene-from NYC to Birmingham-without ever […]
Live (2009)
The uncontrollable, energetic live recording for most gospel performers remains their strongest, riskiest and ultimately most rewarding playing field, but Smokie Norful doesn’t take full advantage of this opportunity on his fifth project Live. While his voice is still radiant and silky, the tightness of a polished stage presenter like a Donnie McClurkin or John […]
Introducing Eugenia Shata (2009)
Known best for her background and arrangement work with Jill Scott and Erykah Badu, Chinahblac at last steps out of the Bag Lady’s large shadow. After one listen, we’re grateful Chinahblac is claiming some much deserved sun. An accomplished vocal stylist with distinct jazz and blues phrasing, after several years of working with Badu, […]
Fight For Love (2009)
It’s funny. I wanted Yamin to become more his own singer than he was on a debut that overly relied on his vocal influences from the 70s soul legends of yore. Now I have a sophomore disc that vocally is uniquely his own, only it’s not on a particularly unique project. Yamin delivers polished pop […]
Steppin’ Out in Front (2009)
Unless you’re from the Carolinas, you’re probably unfamiliar with Southeastern "beach music," but you’ve heard its influences and distinctive, soulful sound. Drawing from the well of Motown melody, classic doo-wop and jump blues, beach music-and its accompanying shag dances-is the musical heart and soul of the Carolinas. On Steppin’ Out in Front, Eugene Pitt, lead […]
Face to Face (2009)
Call it a laid back smooth jazz spectacular with an earful of blue-eyed soul. With his casual baritone, coated with grit and gruffly phrasing, RJ Ross and his University of Soul ensemble affably delivers an easy-listening experience that merges Motown with California soul’s polished bravado on Face to Face. With such a low register, there’s […]
Potato Hole (2009)
Front man of the soul-surviving, legendary Stax machine, Booker T. & the M.G.s, power organist Booker T. Jones returns to the forefront once again on Potato Hole, his first solo outing since 1981’s "I Want You" for A&M Records. On this round, joining him in the studio is alt-country band Drive-By Truckers and the legendary […]
Joyo Velarde (2009)
When one looks at the fun, flirty pics of the Manila-born Joyo Velarde the last thing one expects to hear on this digital-only EP is a moody, sultry siren, but Velarde voice is mahogany embers on wax. Surrounding her fluttery vibrato with polished jazzy soul grooves throughout most of her project is a sound, if […]
