Underground Soul: Rich Medina
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
fresh.poetic.contemporary.retro.jazz.hiphop.soul
DJ Rich Medina steps out from behind the booth to deliver the most comprehensive Progressive Soul album of our generation! Literally Connecting the Dots between Hip Hop, Jazz, House, Spoken Word, Afro Beat and Bass Heavy Future Soul, the journey is "Rich" w/ texture, nuance and good vibes. Enlisting a beautiful array of new talent including Martin Luther, Jneiro Jarel, Lady Alma, Siji, Sy Smith, John Doe, Geinelle Summer, Ivanna Santilli, Maya Azucena and others, "Big Rich" is ready to give back to the dancers around the world who have trusted his learned ear from day one. Having contributed production to Jill Scott and narrating King Britt's "Adventures in Lo-fi" record, Rich the poet, beat maker and world renowned DJ is ready to step forward. The US is ready for Rich's brand of Soul music and his legions of fans will no doubt support and champion this very important record.
1. Delirium
2. Blues Baby feat. Jneiro Jarel
3. Chocklit Ninja
4. Holdin' Up feat. Delouie Avant
5. Music feat. Jeremy James & Ginelle Summer
6. Happiness feat. Michelle Shaprow
7. Rhodes Interlude feat. Ivanna Santilli
8. Weight
9. Out of Nothing feat. Ivanna Santilli, Maya Azucena & Alma Horton
10. Official feat. Jon Doe
11. Bitter Old Man
12. B Boys To Men
13. Can't Hold Back feat. Sy Smith
14. Too Much feat. Martin Luther
15. Listen
16. Emancipation Suite
17. Stop Smoking
18. Dedication
Underground Soul: Middle Child
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Songwriter, vocalist, musician, and poet Kenesha and older sibling and producer 1st Born (who calls himself a sample-free producer) comprise Ohio's Middle Child. Their album Barefeet & Pregnant is an ecclectic mix of r&b, folk, and jazz accentuated by Kenesha's bluesy vocals. I was a little curious about the title and the cover image (I'm assuming it has something to do with the creation and birth of the album and the way the songs are arranged) but once I listened, I found this to be just different enough to grab my interest and soulful enough to warrant repeat listens. I love the elements of soul and poetry, and the warm acoustic sound. Barefeet & Pregnant is available at CD Baby.
Middle Child - Barefeet and Pregnant
1. What Had Happen Was
2. What If
3. Old School
4. Woman Enuff 2 Say
5. Kiss It (Make it Better)
6. Know That U Care
7. No More Love
8. Taken
9. We Did it to Ourselves
10. Anyman
11. Yesterday
12. Peace & Love
13. Night of Conception
Underground Soul: Marlon Saunders
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Marlon Saunders takes the improvisational element of jazz and mixes it with the energy of a live performance. What we get is the raw soul of A Groove So Deep: The Live Sessions. He says, "We can fix, change and alter just about anything these days. Much of the time, the human element is sacrificed. That raw quality isn't there. When it is live you are living in the moment-you accept the fact that there will be spontaneity, the pulse may move, the singer may take a breath that changes the way the entire band hears the phrase. The sense of improvisation becomes a part of the recording."
Maryland native Marlon Saunders graduated from Boston's Berklee College of Music and moved to New York where he became a session singer working with artists such as Sting, Martha Wash, Nine Inch Nails, Donald Brown, Lauryn Hill, Shania Twain, and Bobby McFerrin. He has also written songs for Barry White, Maysa and Vanessa Rubin. In the early 90s, Marlon became a founding member and lead singer for Jazzhole, an acid jazz group. He continues to write, sing and produce with the group while he also serves as a professor at Berklee.
"A Groove So Deep: The Live Sessions" contains intimate interpretations of songs from his debut album Enter My Mind plus songs written especially for this new project. It was narrowed down by Marlon after three days (14 hours) of live jam sessions. Although it is a live album it was not recorded in front of an audience. The only interaction is between Marlon, his band Mood Control and special guests Monet and Khaleel Carter. The result is thirteen tracks of raw energy and soul.
Mood Control consists of Marlon Saunders(lead vocals), Carl Carter (bass, musical director), Joe Scott (keys), Adrian Harpham (drums), Daniel Sadownick (percussion), Mark Gross (saxophone, flute), Arif St. Michael, Biti Strauchn, and Tricia Angus (vocals) with special guest appearances from Monet (flute) and Khaleel Carter (vocals). "A Groove So Deep: The Live Sessions" is available at Amazon and CD Baby.
Marlon Saunders - A Groove So Deep: The Live Sessions
1. Afro Blue My Mind
2. I Wanna Get Next To You
3. The Beginning Of Never
4. A Groove So Deep
5. Love's Interlude
6. Love Philosophy
7. Declaring Love
8. Inspiration
9. Groove...Somethin' Takin' Over
10. Keep Doin' What You Do
11. Pay It To The Peoples (Keepers Of The Gate)
12. Coolin'
13. Groove...Even Deeper
Underground Soul: Conya Doss
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Conya Doss could teach the singers of today a few things. Things like how to sing a song deep from within your heart so that we feel the story instead of just hear the notes, or how to skillfully mix dance grooves with beautiful ballads and make it all sound cohesive. She does have experience in the teaching field. Conya was working as a special education teacher in Cleveland when she decided to pursue her musical dreams. In fact, she was still teaching and moonlighting as a singer when she released her exceptional debut album A Poem About Ms. Doss.
Conya Doss has a very strong and soulful voice with a slight huskiness to it. You know, the kind of voice that whether she's singing at church or at a club, you know she can bring it. She brings it on Just Because, her second album that features a variety of songs with an R&B feel but you also hear gospel traces and hints of jazz.
Conya has been singing since the age of five. She attended the Cleveland School Of The Performing Arts (along with fellow alumnus Avant) and was a member of the duo Lyrik with childhood friend Stacy Richardson who now sings back up for Anthony Hamilton. She has written for 3LW and worked with Gerald Levert, producer Tony Nicholas and Paul Allen Of PAJAM. Her musical influences include Stevie Wonder, Angela Winbush, Donnie Hathaway and Minnie Ripperton. "Just Because" is available at iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby.
Conya Doss - Just Because
1. Just Because
2. Stay
3. What Should I Do?
4. Day by Day
5. Sweet Love (I Don't Know)
6. Missin You
7. The Wind
8. Damn That
9. Sixth of June (Miracle)
10. Ain't Giving Up
11. Here We Go Again
Underground Soul: Sirius B Project
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
There must be something in the Atlanta's water system that enhances your ability to produce soulful music. You could play six degrees of separation, make that six degrees of soul to link all the talented musicians who got their beginnings in the burgeoning Atlanta soul scene. Even then you would probably only need two degrees. Sirius B Project would be one of those degrees. The eight member band played an integral part in helping India.Arie and Donnie become established. Jiva founder Khari Simmons who was once a member of Gaelle's band and is currently India.Arie's bassist is a member of the band along with vocalist Paige Lackey Martin who sang occasionally with Incognito and Seek. Paige also co-wrote Incognito's "If You Want My Love" and has songwriting credits on India.Arie's Acoustic Soul album. Her vocal style, which has been compared to Deniece Williams, is part of the reason this album maintains its mellowness from beginning to end. The other is the cool fusion of soul and jazz. Mellow jazziness is the perfect description for this album. If I had to describe it beyond that, I would simply says it's inspirational groove. Sirius B Projects' self titled CD was released in 2003 and is available at CD Baby.
Sirius B Project - Sirius B Project
1. Love Has A Place In Time
2. Autumn Breeze
3. Midnight Silhouette
4. Mahogany Boy
5. You Say
6. Roll
7. Intuition
8. Always Remember (featuring Donnie)
9. With You
10. Believe
11. Ain't Easy
12. Calling
13. Love Has A Place In Time(Seventy3 Mix)
14. Calling(Seventy3 Mix)
Underground Soul: Sy Smith
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Sy Smith has an impressive musical resume. The Washington, D.C. native has been a backup singer for Whitney Houston, Usher, Me'shell N'degeocello, Macy Gray, Eric Benet, Ginuwine, and Brandy. As a songwriter she's been nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Music and Lyrics and co-wrote a song with Terry Lewis. She's recorded a duet with Al Green (on the title song to the Showtime series Soul Food) and shared tracks with The Brand New Heavies and Ronny Jordan. In addition, she's appeared in GAP commercials, sang on TV's Ally McBeal Show and has her own production company.
With such credentials, it's a little puzzling as to why she hasn't achieved more commercial success and recognition. It's even harder to understand once you've heard her CD "The Syberspace Social." This album, which is the followup to her hard to find album Pyskosoul, is a mix of soul, jazz fusion and hip-hop and features production by Ali Shaheed Muhammad (Lucy Pearl, A Tribe Called Quest), James Poyser (Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Common) and Nicolay (Foreign Exchange).
Although Sy Smith is a serious talent, I like that fact that she doesn't take herself too seriously. Afterall she performs at L.A.'s Temple Bar with her band called Deeznuts. "The Syberspace Social" is an entertaining ride that builds up and progressively gets better. By the time I reached track #7, Runnin' (Jah Child), I was already grooving past the point of no return. She changes direction again and winds it down with the last two tracks and you feel like you really have been on a musical journey. "The Syberspace Social" is fun to listen to and very danceable but mainly it's funky in a way music rarely is these days. It will leave you anticipating your next journey floating out there in Syberspace.
"The Syberspace Social" is available at MobileUnderground and CD Baby.
Sy Smith - The Syberspace Social
1. Welcome 2 Syberspace
2. Fa Sho'
3. Aquarius Rising
4. Time
5. Love And Such
6. Dreamtrip
7. Runnin' (Jah Child)
8. Honeychild
9. Part Of The Night
10. Drop That
11. Stand Alone
12. No Place Like Love
13. Turnstyles
14. Bruise
Underground Soul: Kim Hill
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Based on the number of requests I've received asking for more information on Kim Hill since I included her on last week's Friday Freestyle, I've decided to spotlight her as this week's Underground Artist.
What do you do if you're an artist who puts her integrity before her art? What do you do if you're kicked out of one group for not being commercial enough and dropped by a record label for not sounding "black enough?" If you're Kim Hill, you become an outspoken, self-promoting, independent artist. New York born, Los Angeles based singer Kim Hill learned how to play the violin and piano at the age of six and studied dance with the legendary Judith Jamison.
In October 1995 while doing a showcase for BMI, she met The Black Eyed Peas and was asked to join. She co-wrote songs on both their Behind The Front and Bridging The Gap CD's, started producing and learned how to play guitar. She remained with the group until 2001 when they opted to replace her with another singer. Kim signed with Interscope Records but was let go because they feared her music wasn't "black enough." Once again Kim found her self on the outside looking in. That didn't stop her. She independently produced and released Surrender to Her Sunflower in 2000 and Suga Hill in 2003.
Suga Hill is short and sweet, only 9 tracks, but she opted for quality over quantity. Her jazzy voice and distinct phrasing stand out over mid-tempo beats with an almost retro feel. It's filled with smart and witty tracks that feel very personal. She finishes the CD out with her acoustic version of giving the middle finger to her former bandmates.
Kim Hill's sang with artists like Biggie Smalls, Outkast, Tevin Campbell, The Pharcyde, Cody Chestnutt, Slum Village, Raphael Saadiq, Jody Watley, De La Soul, No Doubt, A Tribe Called Quest and Aaliyah and co-wrote Tupac's "Mamas Just A Little Girl." Her forthcoming CD Pharoah's Daughter featuring production by Bugz In The Attic & 4hero is scheduled to be released this summer on her own independent label called One Brave Indian. Suga Hill is available at Dusty Grooves.
Kim Hill - Suga Hill
1. Feel Me
2. Taxi Cab
3. Mars
4. Lost My Mind
5. Sunny Blue
6. Basically
7. Summertime in Aspen
8. K.I.M.M.Y.
9. The Real Hip Hop
Underground Soul: Five Point Plan
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
The San Francisco four man, one woman band known as Five Point Plan has been called the heir to the Brand New Heavies and Incognito. Like those bands and ala Sade, Five Point Plan features a dynamic lead singer, Latrice Barnett, whose sultry vocals breathe personality into every song. The band also features the musicianship of Jordan Glasgow (keyboards), Tim Carter (drums, percussion), Michael Cruz (bass, background vocals), and David Metzner (guitar). Barnett along with different members of the band wrote every song on the 2002 released "Rare," their follow-up to their self titled debut in 1999.
I would describe their sound as a very chilled out mixture of jazz and soul with a touch of electronica. "Rare" is one of those CD's you put on and you immediately like the first few seconds of what you've heard. Keep listening, it only gets better. Strangely, it sounds even better in a dark, candlelit room (especially the last track Take Me). I guess that makes it great mood music. The band cites Me'shell N'degeocello, D'angelo, Jill Scott, and Jamiroquai as their influences and they have played dates with Sade, India.Arie, and the Counting Crows. This extra-smooth CD is available at iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby. Visit their website here.
Five Point Plan - Rare radio.blog
1. Solid Ground
2. Feed Your Soul
3. Second Time
4. Damn
5. Tremble
6. Sign Your Name
7. Rare
8. Love Divine
9. Why
10. Real
11. Take Me
Reading Wright: Woman To Woman
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Jaguar Wright is a powerhouse vocalist who says music is her calling and her purpose. She lives and breathes it 24/7. She is a woman who is passionate about music. I am a music listener whose interest in music runs closer to the fanatic side. I live and breathe it 24/7. I am a woman who is passionate about music. That common thread, our passion for music, gave way to a personal conversation between Jaguar and myself that was candid, funny, and revealing. For an hour, there were no labels. We just talked woman to woman. (Woman 2 Woman happens to be a 1970's Shirley Brown remake featured on her upcoming CD Divorcing Neo 2 Marry Soul, in stores July 12th).
It was like talking to a girlfriend. She told me early in the exchange "I am an open book". That proved to be true. No subject was off limits, no question went unanswered. I looked at not being in the music industry or a journalist as an advantage. I didn't know the correct protocol or the right or wrong questions to ask. I had nothing to gain or lose. I just asked questions that I wanted answered as a music fan...as a Jaguar Wright fan. I will be sharing the interview with you within the next few weeks but I was so excited about the conversation, I had to share just a little today.
Before I spoke with Jaguar, I knew things about her. I knew she was mostly recognized for her electrifying performance on Jay-Z's Unplugged concert and that her song "The What Ifs" was featured in a Coca-Cola advertising campaign but I also heard whispers of personal things about her. I tried not to have any preconceived notions before speaking to her but those whispers in my head were hard to discount... her constant use of expletives, her combative attitude, her dislike of other artists like Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, and Ashanti.
Honestly, I was just hoping to get in a good 15 minutes without getting cussed out, LOL. I was so wrong. What I got was an hour of her dropping knowledge about the state of music. She reflected on her role as a woman/mother/artist and her views on the world were frank and refreshing.
Within the first few minutes of the phone conversation, I felt that she had gotten a bad rap. We talked about anything and everything..the music, her kids, the business, the rumors. She put to rest one rumor concerning her fighting a fan on a rooftop while she was pregnant. Too wild to be true? Not exactly. She did have a physical confrontation but it was not with a fan and certainly not while she was pregnant. She even sang to me, two songs she just wrote plus one from Aretha (Never Loved A Man) and one from Marvin Gaye(Flying High). It was a treat beyond words. I found her to be an intelligent, proud black woman who is warm and friendly, bold and brazen and not afraid to speak her mind. Jaguar Wright does not hold her tongue.
Jaguar on rumors of her dislike of Mary J. Blige...
Let's start a new rumor... Mary J. Blige doesn't like me!
On remaking Woman 2 Woman and the state of songs today...
It's a fantastic song. I'm very disappointed with my generation and what we're doing with music. Listen to the songs that are being made and put out on the radio. Who's gonna remake the "Whisper Song" 20 years from now?
After asking if being called "ghetto" offended her...
I love it!...I'm ghettopolitan! There is nothing wrong with the ghetto. The ghetto is the birthplace, the womb of every great culture or movement. That's where the pain is baby.
On the term neosoul...
Neo means new and there is nothing new about soul music. To say what am I doing is new is to say I was never influenced by Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, Roberta Flack, Tina Turner, Etta James...It's an insult to our history.
On her cursing on her first album...
If you're so caught up in the words then obviously you weren't paying attention to the message. It was an honest record. Anyone who had been through what I had went through would have said the same things. When did soul music ever have boundaries?
It seems appropriate that Jaguar Wright should be my Underground Soul artist of the week. She released an album in 2002 called Denial, Delusions, and Decisions. You can hear clips from her new album on her site. Thanks to Artemis Records and SOHH.com for the opportunity. Stay tuned for more...
Jaguar Wright - Denial, Delusions, and Decisions
1. The What If's
2. Country Song
3. Stay
4. Love Need And Want You
5. Same Shit Different Day
6. Ain't Nobody Playin'
7. I Can't Wait
8. I Don't Know
9. 2 Too Many
10. Lineage
11. Self Love
12. Same Shit Different Day Pt. 2
Underground Soul: Silhouette Brown
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Silhouette Brown is the lovechild of broken beat duo Dego McFarlane (4Hero) and Kaidi Tatham (Bugz in the Attic, Agent K, New Sector Movements). Newcomer Deborah Jordan on lead vocals and Bembe Segue on backing vocals complete the family and give birth to one of the best Electronic Soul albums of the year.
Let's rewind for a moment. If you are a fan of broken beat, this CD has no doubt come across your radar for it's musical heritage alone. However, if you have no idea what broken beat is or if you are like me (who didn't hear the term until recently) and don't know much about the innovators in the field, let me tell you why this CD impressed me.
It's the complex simplicity. The vocals and instrumentation sound effortless, even though you know it's not. It's so mellow that it's relaxing but at the same time it can illicit a feeling that makes you want to dance. To me, that's one of the best things about music, you may not be able to decipher all the chords or identify all the instruments, but what you can do is feel it. I dont think I've ever got lost in the beat so quickly. The vocals are so soft and melodic, it's like hypnotic jazz. Those sweet and soothing sounds come from lead vocalist Deborah Jordan.
Her vocals are reminiscent of Clara Hill and from a time past, Patrice Rushen. In fact, she lists her musical influences as Minnie Riperton, Deniece Williams, Patrice Rushen and Patti Austin. She was a member of a London avant-garde jazz band Panacea, backing vocalist and musical director for singer Eska and backing singer for vocalist Bembe Segue (who returns the favors and backs her on this album). Silhouette Brown is her first recording as a solo singer.
The beats are contagious and the songs flow effortlessly into each other. It is a bit repetitive in places (I just call that a good hook) but that makes it easier to remember and sing along. I've often played this CD while cleaning my house and within moments I'm singing along with the first song..."who's in charge..make the moves". If you're looking for a musical escape, put this on and for 45 minutes, you'll get caught up in the broken beat groove. Not that it will matter what genre it is, it's just feel good music.
If you can't find this CD at your local record store, it is available at Amazon.
Silhouette Brown - Silhouette Brown
1. Whose in Charge
2. Looking Back
3. Pain (It's Gonna Come Heavier)
4. Time Waits for No One
5. Spread That
6. Check It (Calling You)
7. They Can't Tell Us
8. Looking Back (Reprise)
9. Monday's Coming
10. Just a Little More
11. Monday's Coming (instrumental)
*this preview will be available for 1 week
sweetened by Honey at 10:37 AM |Underground Soul: Alison Crockett
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Alison Crockett's first love was the piano. She says "It just called to me. I still feel like a pianist who sings", but once you hear her sensual, jazzy vocals, you know that she is so much more. She studied music at Temple University and received a master's degree at the Manhattan School of Music. She composed all of the music and lyrics on this album and says "I really thought long and hard about this music...agonized over it...it was truly a birth-like experience and that's why I named the album "On Becoming A Woman"
Part of her journey on becoming a woman was about perfecting her craft. While performing in Philadelphia she met King Britt who was so impressed with her bluesy vocal style that he nicknamed her "Diva Blue". That meeting also landed her a position as a featured vocalist on the King Britt/Sylk 130 album "When The Funk Hits The Fan". Her musical education didn't stop there. The Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter/pianist was the first lead vocalist for jazz/hip-hop group Us3 and she has lent her vocals to numerous recordings including breakbeat innovator Landslide's underground hit "It's Not Over" and Naked Music's Blue Six recording "Beautiful Tomorrow".
Alison describes the songs on this album as a cross between Jill Scott, Meshell N'degeocello and UK broken beat visionaries 4-Hero. I would add that her voice doesn't sound like anyone else out here and she's got a very unique vocal signature. Even her remake of Janet Jackson's "When I Think Of You" sounds like it was made for her. "Like Rain" (my personal favorite) just drips in soul and sensuality and this whole album has been one of my favorites since Camille shared it with me so a special thank you to her.
"On Becoming A Woman..." was released in Japan in 2003 to much critical acclaim and released in the states in 2004 and is available online at her website or at CD Baby
Alison Crockett - On Becoming A Woman
1. Save Me
2. When I Think of You
3. What We Do Now
4. Crossroads
5. U R
6. I'mgonnacome
7. You Know What Happens
8. Oil and Water
9. Like Rain
10. Alive
11. Nappy
Underground Soul: Platinum Pied Pipers
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Dynamic duo Waajeed and Saadiq have been bringing their unique blend of hip hop/soul to progressive music lovers since their cover versions of Faze-O's classic "Ridin' High" and Bobby Caldwell's "Open Your Eyes" on the Rewind! Vol. 2 compilation a few years ago, thus making "Triple P" one of the most anticipated CD's of the year. They did not disappoint.
This album doesn't necessarily spotlight the duo themselves as the stars the show, rather Waajeed's hip hop style and Saadiq's live instrumentation almost play the background. By combining the right beats and the right singers/musicians with the right songs and all the other elements that make a song headnod worthy, they let the tracks speak for themselves. They've even managed to make a Paul Simon song (50 Ways) sound soulful.
The producer/musicians met through a connection with Detroit's Slum Village. Waajeed, who helped formed Slum Village, and Saadiq who trained with songwriter Barrett Strong (best known for his work with Marvin Gaye) have a musical collaboration that runs like a well-oiled soul machine made to churn out hits.
This album features guest artists Jay Dee, Sa-Ra Creative Partners, Steve Spacek, Zeno, Ta'Raach and some of the most talented new female singers and emcee's I've heard in a while.. Tiombe Lockhart, Georgia, and Invincible. If you can't find it at your local record store you can find it online at Amazon, or on PPP's website
*A special shoutout to Pisces Soul who said in commments a few days ago that this is one of her favorites too.
Platinum Pied Pipers - Triple P
1. Shot Gun (feat. Jay Dee)
2. You're Day Is Done (feat. Georgia)
3. Deep Inside (feat. Sa-Ra Creative Partners)
4. Stay With Me (feat. Tiombe Lockhart)
5. Fever (feat. Zeno)
6. No Worries (feat. Steve Spacek)
7. After The Worries
8. Act Like You Know (feat. Jay Dee)
9. Now or Never (feat. Tiombe Lockhart)
10. The Pees (feat. Ta'Raach)
11. They Don't (interlude)
12. Lights Out (feat. Ta'Raach & Georgia)
13. One Minute More (feat. Georgia)
14. Detroit Winter (feat. Invincible)
15. I Got You (feat. Tiombe Lockhart)
16. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover (feat. Rogier)
Underground Soul: Gordon Chambers
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Winning a Grammy for co-writing Anita Baker's "I Apologize" and penning tunes for artists like Angie Stone (No More Rain), Whitney Houston (One Wish), Phyllis Hyman (It's Not About You), Brandy (One Voice), Brownstone (If You Love Me) and countless others probably would have been the pinnacle in any songwriter's career but Gordon Chambers wasn 't satisfied with that. Jamaican-born Chambers who has been writing songs since he was seven and has been the man behind some of R&B's most memorable songs decided to step into the forefront with his debut album Introducing Gordon Chambers.
Introducing... features special guests Carl Thomas, Glenn Lewis, Roy Hargrove, Mike Phillips and Sara Devine. About this album Gordon says "This has been a labor of love,". "After working with so many of my idols, the time came for me to work on my own project and express some things that only I could say." His songs have helped the careers some of the major voices of our time so no doubt he's got the foundation to build on. He's got potential. I would describe this album as extremely laid-back. His songwriting talent is evident here and may even outshine his singing ability but if you're looking for smooth R&B, this is it.
Visit his website here. His CD is available online at Amazon and CD Baby
Introducing Gordon Chambers
1. Touch You There
2. Never Fall In Love ft Glenn Lewis
3. Slippin' Away
4. My Imagination
5. Be Happy
6. Still In Love ft Sara Devine
7. My Valentine ft Carl Thomas
8. I'll Miss You Most ft Mike Phillips
9. That's When You Fall In Love
10. Always Be Proud
11. I Apologize
12. The Only One
Underground Soul: Maya Azucena
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Brooklyn songstress Maya Azucena (pronounced ah-zoo-say-na) has a sound that has been described as soul meets hip hop and funk, with rock energy. She calls it "live hip hop soul" and lists her musical inspirations as Mahalia Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, Earth, Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, and Prince.
Her self-released CD is aptly titled "Maya Who?" because that's exactly what I was asking a week ago when Macdaddy included her on his list of the top 5 CD's of the year so far. Thanks Macdaddy for turning me on to such a soulful sista and thanks to OhsoKool for the ear candy that helped me find out exactly who Maya was.
What attracts me to Maya's music besides the funkiness is the strength of her voice. I mean it's on the lines of Chaka Khan strong. Whether she's singing a ballad or something uptempo it's always powerful. The first song on the CD pretty much demands that you get up and get your groove on. As you're listening to the CD you almost feel as if you were listening to her live. To be able to project that vibe in a studio setting is amazing.
Her impressive vocal range and energetic live shows have already established her as an artist on the rise. She has collaborated with fellow indie artists Monet, Jean Grae, and Jeru the Damaja and has loaned her voice to several national ad campaigns, including Mike's Hard Lemonade, Macy's, and a Lady Enyce compilation. Her album is available online through her website, at iTunes, and at CD Baby
Maya Azucena - Maya Who?!
1. Do You Really Wanna Party
2. Right Way
3. My All
4. Like No Other
5. No Other
6. Still Searchin
7. Get Ya Self Up
8. G-Hetto
9. Walk For Miles
10. All is Fair In Love
Underground Soul: Wayna
Friday, April 29, 2005I've decided to spotlight more music from a list of artists I call the "The Un's" ...as in underground, underrated, unrecognized, unappreciated etc etc. I'm going to start with a CD that pretty much knocked me out when I first heard it. The vocals, the production and the lyrics all came together perfectly and made this one that I couldn't wait to share.
Ethiopian born Wayna Wondwossen started her career as a speech writer for Bill Clinton and enjoyed success as a writer and activist in the Washington, D.C. area before pursuing her dream to become a singer. In January 2004, while performing at The Temple Bar in Santa Monica, CA, the former beauty pageant winner and her band were joined by special guest Stevie Wonder who praised her by saying "Her voice reminds me of Syreeta, she's incredible". He was so impressed by her vocals and lyrics that he invited her to collaborate with him on his upcoming launch of an independent label. In November 2004 she released "Moments of Clarity: Book 1" on her own independent label. The album features production from Kev Brown (formerly of DJ Jazzy Jeff's A Touch of Jazz Productions), DJ Roddy Rod and guest artists W. Ellington Felton, K'Alyn, Cy Young and Theodros Taddesse. She says of this album "I've poured some of the hardest lessons I have had to learn into these songs - feelings that I am still sorting through, and the music helps with that".
I try not make comparisons with other artists but I can't help myself. When I first heard her I immediately thought of Erykah Badu and Vivian Green. She lists her musical influences as Minnie Riperton, Billie Holiday, Curtis Mayfield and Donny Hathaway. Visit her website to learn more. If you can't find her CD locally, it is available at CD Baby.
Moments of Clarity
1. So Long Heartache ft. W. Ellington Felton
2. This Ol' Grudge
3. Mama's Sacrifice
4. Doubting Destiny
5. Straight Up ft K'Alyn
6. Rose Colored Glasses
7. Exposed with Cy Young
8. Slums of Paradise
9. Secret Identity
10. Desperation Days ft. Theodros Taddesse
11. Past Future Eternal
12. Redemption Song
Me'shell N'degeocello - Dance of the Infidel
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
This has been a hectic week for me and I haven't had the time to put together any radio.blogs but that doesn't mean you don't get some great music. I decided to upload Me'shell N'degeocello's Dance of the Infidel to a radio.blog because it's on heavy rotation and I did afterall say it was one of my top 5 albums of the year so far.
Dance of The Infidels is her sixth album with her new group, the Spirit Music Jamia and features Roy Hargrove, Jack DeJohnette, Don Byron, Oliver Lake, Kenny Garrett, Michael Cain, Brandon Ross, Gregoire Maret, Mino Cinelu, Wallace Roney, Oran Coltrane, Joshua Redman, Gene Lake, and special guest vocalists Lalah Hathaway, Cassandra Wilson, and Sabina Sciubba.
Supposedly Verve passed on the project which is why it was released only in France initially. The CD is available now at Amazon or you can wait until the U.S. release on June 21. Let me know what you think.
Meshell Ndegeocello - Dance of the Infidel
Geno Young
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Have you heard of Geno Young?
Take a trip with me through new music discovery. So this is how it goes...
My friend James says to me "I heard a song that reminded me of you, called Honeydew". I inquire more and he gives me vague answers...men! lol. Anyway, he heard it on some internet radio station and wrote down the artist name...Geno Young. Now my Virgo obsessiveness kicks in. I do an internet search on the name the way he had it spelled "Gino Young". Nothing musically related. I try "gino young and honeydew". Nothing. I try "gino and honeydew" (thought I was joking about the obsessiveness?). Nothing. I finally try "young and honeydew" and bingo, genoyoung.com. After cursing James momentarily for his misspelling I visit the site.
*Born in Dallas, studied music at Howard University.
*Toured as musical director, arranger, producer for Erykah Badu
*Wrote and produced "Times A Wastin and Orange Moon" on Erykah's Mama's Gun
*Associate Producer for N'Dambi's Tunin' up & Cosignin'
Need I go any further, yall I know I was feeling him already. His album, The Ghetto Symphony, was released in March 2004. I can't believe I missed it. I asked some of my other friends if they've heard of him but no luck. I finally get a yes, from EJ. I should have known. Someone put a stethoscope to this man's heart, I bet you'll hear some drum n bass music..or at least some samba, lol.
I put Geno's song Honeydew
on my new music radio.blog (thank you EJ) because it's new to me, plus it's my site, I can do that, lol. If I had a theme song, this might be it. Check out his site, listen to his music samples, you may be feeling him too. If you've already heard of him, I'm not even going to be mad because you didn't tell me, hehe. If you haven't and someone asks you now if you've heard of Geno Young, you can say yes.
music is for sharing..
let's keep passing on the good music. Check out Nikki's post about Soul:ID. I got the nod of approval from Lis and Todd beforehand, so I knew it was gonna be hot!
Preview Amos Lee
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Amos Lee has been described as a combination of folk and soul. The 27 year old is the newest artist on the legendary Blue Note Records. VH1 has a preview of his entire "Amos Lee" CD that will be released March 1. Tell me what you think of his sound. Listen here
From Blue Note Records:
Amos Lee, a Philadelphia-native draws on influences that read like a hip older sibling's record collection: Bill Withers, Donny Hathaway, John Prine, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young. But like all those artists Lee conjurs a vibe uniquely his own. Amos takes a minimalist approach to his songs, opting for spare, acoustic accompaniment, while letting his rich, evocative voice do the heavy lifting. The result is a unique brand of folk-soul that aims to unite, uplift, and inspire.sweetened by Honey at 04:57 PM |The eleven tracks, all composed by Amos, were produced by Lee Alexander during two weeks of sessions at The Magic Shop in NYC. Among the album's choice cuts are the atmospheric opener "Keep it Loose, Keep it Tight" and "Arms of a Woman," a classic triplet ballad that could have been covered in an earlier era of soul. Enhanced by a delicate string arrangement, "Soul Suckers" warns a young performer of the hazards of the music business. "Bottom of the Barrel" echoes classic John Prine in its wry humor, resilient spirit, and timeless melody.
Spotlight CD: Masta Ace - Disposable Arts
Friday, February 18, 2005
Disposable Arts is a re-release of Masta Ace's 2001 album. As I said before, I almost included his 2004 release, Long Hot Summer on my "Best of" list for 2004. I hadn't heard this one until this re-release showed up on the new release list.
I actually had a hard time getting this album. It's a long story involving wasted trips to the store, dead ends etc but I guess that's all water under the bridge now. So when I finally got it, I thought it was so hot, I wanted yall to hear the whole thing. Plus it gives me more time to work on another new release radio.blog (which I haven't even started on, lol). I'll drop that one later and it will have more of a jazz/electronica feel.
About Masta Ace (from allmusic.com)
With an impressive resume in rap that includes membership in the legendary Juice Crew (along with Marley Marl, MC Shan, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Roxanne Shante, and Craig G) and a verse on the 1988 classic posse cut "The Symphony," Brooklyn's Masta Ace is truly an underappreciated rap veteran and underground luminary. [read more]
Album Description (from Amazon)
Disposable Arts begins with Ace's character being release from prison and returning to his block, a metaphor for the five-year hiatus he took before returning to the rap game prior to this release. From there we follow Ace from BK to a college campus and ride with him as he leaves his hood in search of an education beyond the streets.
More than a concept album, Disposable Arts showcases Ace exceptional flow and highlights his own inner demons about the rap game. Ace's versatility as an MC is evidenced throughout, and his knack for soulful producers (Ayatolla, Domingo, Paul Nice etc) and sharp-witted guests (Jean Grae, Greg Nice, Rah Digga, Wordsworth) make Disposable Arts a memorable edition to Hip Hop's encyclopedia.
Tracklisting
1. The Release
2. Too Long
3. Block Episode ft. Punch & Words
4. Ida Commercial *
5. Don't Understand ft. Greg Nice *
6. Goodbye Lisa
7. Hold U ft. Jean Grae *
8. Every Other Day
9. Roommates Meet
10. Take a Walk
11. Something's Wrong ft. Strick & Young Zee from Outsidaz*
12. The Classes
13. Acknowledge *
14. Enuff *
15. Watching the Game
16. Unfriendly Game
17. Alphabet Soup
18. Dear Yvette ft. Jane Doe
19. I Like Dat ft. Punch & Words
20. P.T.A.
21. Type I Hate ft. Leschea *
22. Dear Diary
23. Last Rights
24. No Regrets
25. Ghetto Like *
*my favorites
Little Brother - The Listening
Friday, January 07, 2005
[buy it] [iTunes]
I haven't had the time to put together a good radio blog mix so I thought I would let you listen to what I'm listening to at the moment, Little Brother's The Listening.
I included Foreign Exchange's Connected on my "Best Of" list because when I first heard it, it took me back to my days as a Native Tongue Collective junkie (De La, Tribe, Brand Nubian, etc) when I was excited about hip hop and the possibilities. Although a lot of negative things could be said about hip hop today, I refuse to believe that it's all going downhill. Negative or positive, hip hop music reflects the culture and we ain't going nowhere. To quote my man Mos Def (yall know I had to work him in here some sort of way, LOL) "..whatever's happening to hip hop is what's happening to us" - Fear Not Man
Whenever I hear great music I try to find any and everything I can in hopes of hearing more great music. Which is what lead me to Little Brother's The Listening after listening to Connected. Phonte (the second member of Foreign Exchange), 9th Wonder (producer of beats for Jay-Z, Nas, Murs and others), and Big Pooh met while attending North Carolina Central University and are also members of a crew of rappers known as The Justus League [bio]. Southern rappers have been dominating the scene lately but if you're expecting to hear crunk music, you've got the wrong groove. The whole album was made with computer-generated beats (using Cool Edit Pro and FL Studio) and if you're expecting pop laced techno beats, you'd be wrong again. There is nothing typical about Little Brother. Listen for yourself.
Little Brother - The Listening
sweetened by Honey at 10:43 AM |Preview Esthero's New EP
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
[buy it]
Finally! This is for my Esthero fans...and potential Esthero fans. It's been 6 years since she blessed us with her musical masterpiece, Breath From Another. She's back (minus production from her ex musical partner Doc) with a six song EP, We R In Need Of A Musical Revolution. A lot of people were wondering if she could be as wonderful without Doc. In my opinion, she's still outspoken, introspective, soulful, and edgy. Check it out for yourselves.
Esthero - We R In Need Of A Musical Revolution radio.blog
My current favorites:
"Revolution" starting with the opening line "I'm so sick and tired of the shit on the radio" and ending with her calling out a certain accused pedophile.."a grown ass man can videotape a lil girl but we still see his mug up on the video screen". Preach it girl!
"Gone" featuring Cee-Lo is soulful song about the end of a relationship.
"I Drive Alone" speaks to me personally...well heck, I actually I love 5 out of the 6 songs (still not feeling "Holiday").
The CD will be available Jan 11, 2005 followed later in the year by her full CD Wikked Lil' Grrrls.
Tracklistings:
1. We R In Need Of A Musical Revolution
2. Gone (ft Cee-Lo Green)
3. Everyday is a Holiday (With You)(ft Sean Lennon)
4. This Lullabye
5. I Drive Alone
6. Amber and Tiger's Eye
Spotlight CD: Pete Belasco - Deeper
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
If you're looking for something to play for you and your baby on Christmas Eve, this is it! I would definitely say this is mood music...jazzy, lounging, sipping martini kind of music. This is really my type of vibe, seductive and smoothed out and you guessed it...another one of my favorites, LOL. It's perfect for mellowing out if you're stuck in rush hour traffic and it's just as effective for setting an intimate mood.
Jazz saxophonist/pianist Pete Belasco began playing both instruments at an early age. After graduating from Rutgers University, he had a severe boating accident that broke both his hands. He says the time spent healing forced him to develop his songwriting and singing abilities. His first album, the pop/jazz "Get It Together" debuted in 1997. Seven years later he released this more R&B flavored CD, "Deeper".
He's got a soft, almost airy, falsetto voice and some tracks even have a retro soul feel ala Curtis Mayfield, one of his musical heroes (along with Marvin and Smokey).
Warning: Grab somebody or something and hold on tight when listening to track #3 "I'll Come To You" with the hook ".. no no, go slow, ly back, I'll come to you". You've been warned, LOL.
Tracklisting below:
1. Hurry Hurry
2. Deeper
3. I'll Come to You
4. Keep On
5. Too Close
6. Crazy
7. Fool's World
8. Nia
9. Wonderful Woman
10. Zoe
11. People Ask Me
CD Spotlight: Esthero - Breath From Another
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
[buy it]
This week's Spotlight CD is Esthero's Breath From Another. This is another one of my favorite CD's mainly because of Esthero's hypnotic voice and insightful lyrics mixed with former partner Doc's beautifully complex arrangements. (After splitting with Esthero, Doc produced Res' debut album, How I Do, in 2001). It's funky and mellow at the same time. I had to listen to it more than once to appreciate it's wonderfulness.
Breath from Another was released in 1998 and loyal fans have been waiting for a follow up ever since. Her club track, "O.G. Bitch," (not on this album) hit No. 1 on Billboard's hot dance music/club play chart in October. Her EP We R In Need Of A Musical Revolution is scheduled to be released on Jan 11, 2005 followed sometime later by her long-awaited second CD Wikked Lil' Grrrls. You can hear the title cut of her EP in the new music radio blog.
Esthero's appeal cuts across the board and her musical resume includes collaborations with Black Eyed Peas, Goodie Mob, Nelly Furtado, Mos Def, Saul Williams, and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez among others. I rarely hear middle-of-the-road opinions about her. Whenever I have asked, people either love her with a passion or hate her to the extreme. I would describe her voice as somewhere between Bjork and Erykah Badu with a sprinkle of Sade and the music is a mixture of R&B and electronica....somewhere between The Roots and Portishead. In other words, it's hard to describe, lol. Give it a listen and let me know your thoughts.
Tracklisting:
1. Breath from Another
2. Heaven Sent
3. Anywayz
4. That Girl
5. Country Livin' (The World I Know)
6. Flipher Overture
7. Half a World Away
8. Lounge
9. Superheroes
10. Indigo Boy
11. Swallow Me
12. [Hidden Track] Anywayz Part II
Spotlight CD: Frayne
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
The spotlight CD is "Frayne" from the group of the same name. What was my criteria for selecting this CD? Simple. If I like every track from beginning to end...we got a winner, LOL.
Who is Frayne? Specifically, Frayne Lewis is the son of jazz master Ramsey Lewis. Collectively, the group is bassist/producer Frayne, Eric Jackson on guitar, Bobby Lewis (Frayne's brother) on percussion, vocalist Cristina Sanchez, Kevin Randolph on keyboard and Stereo as DJ/Programmer. I would characterize their sound as r&b with a touch of jazz and some dance grooves thrown in for good measure.