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December 14, 2010

Izzi Dunn | Cries & Smiles

Album review: Izzi Dunn | Cries and Smiles
By Brent Faulkner


A relatively unknown British songstress (at least in the U.S), Izzi
Dunn, also a multi-instrumentalist, delivers a solid sophomore album,
entitled Cries and Smiles. Dunn’s first effort, The Big Picture, bowed a
staggering seven years back from the September release date of ‘Cries’,
making Cries and Smiles both an introduction and reintroduction of the
singer. Dunn proves to be an impressive vocalist, channeling the
finesse of jazz and the sheer emotion of soul ‘all-in-one.’ It is nice
to see the British soul movement gaining more momentum as of late, given
hiatuses from its most prominent artists. Dunn outdoes herself o’er
and o’er again throughout this effort, making this brief ten song set
well conceived. To continue, Please click “MORE”!

Michael Jackson | Michael

Album Review: Michael Jackson – Michael
By Peggy Oliver

 
Over
a year and a half has gone since the King of Pop left this world barely
at over a half-century of age. Shortly after his death, most fans and
faithful movie goers naturally flocked to Jackson’s This Is It,
which concentrated on the selection and rehearsal process for what was
to be billed as his giant final farewell tour. I observed the film
myself and witnessed the perfectionist personality at work making sure
every note, dance step and staging earned Michael’s stamp of approval.
Then there was the immediate increase of his back catalog sales (roughly
35 million units sold) that followed his passing. That said I now turn
to the posthumous project, Michael, certainly
lacking endorsements by Jackson’s family and numerous professional
colleagues from will.i.am to Quincy Jones.   And there were the
countless controversies swirling around such as if the voice belonged to
Michael’s voice, or if his voice was altered; and how much control
belonged to Michael (who is credited as co-producer on almost all
tracks).  Considering what has been written by the media and relayed by
industry insiders covering several internet site blocks, I simply choose
to focus on most of the final contents (ten tracks in all), beginning
with the current single, “Hold My Hand.” To continue, Please click “MORE”!

Shilts | Going Underground

Album Review: Shilts | Going Underground
By Brian Soergel

High-energy contemporary jazz saxophonist Paul “Shilts” Weimer certainly boasts ample street cred. He’s a founding member of the Down to the Bone and has rocked on stage with Brand New Heavies and funk kings Was (Not Was). The U.K. native moved to c-jazz friendly Southern California to advance his career and has prospered with three solo CDs. His fourth however, Going Underground, pushes aside any nicety-nice and is what it is – a full-throated, unfiltered, high-powered CD that reflects a new indie spirit as he’s now releasing music unencumbered by record companies. Good call. To continue, Please click “MORE”!

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