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August 2011

Deitrick Haddon | Anthology: The Writer & His Music

Album Review: Deitrick Haddon | Anthology: The Writer & His Music
By Peggy Oliver

 
As contemporary gospel presented many important influential voices to the landscape throughout the seventies and eighties like the Crouches, the Hawkins and the Winans, the following decade would prove no exception. When Deitrick Haddon hit the nineties decade — and hit it radically hard — another chapter would soon be written as his ‘gospel soul’ imprint has heavily influenced the way most people hear gospel to this day. Coming from one of gospel’s landmark cities Detroit, Michigan, Haddon feeds his progressive praise and worship with R&B, soul and funk and everything else in between. His mix of Biblical inspiration with shadings of Prince, Michael Jackson and others have intrigued both fans, critics and the industry especially when he launched his solo career in 2002 with Lost & Found. To continue, please click “MORE”!

Joss Stone | LP1

Album Review: Joss Stone | LP1
by Brent Faulkner

Joss Stone’s recent career has seemed to be a bit less stable than when
the neo-soul singer first bowed in the U.S. On 2007’s Introducing,
Stone tried to position herself as recharging or reinvigorating a career
that had already been solidified by two critically acclaimed efforts
(not to mention Grammy-nominated). Her exclusive Colour Me Free
suffered from only being available at Target, not to mention the lack of
a distinct promo single to stir up the buzz. To continue, please click “MORE”!

Trombone Shorty | For True

Album Review: Trombone Shorty | For True

By Peggy Oliver

(Advance review: CD to be released on Sept. 13th, 2011)
 

Troy
Andrews has that contagious, monstrously incredible bundle of energy
every time he hits the stage. Besides his remarkable talent to back up
that Energizer Bunny power supply, he has fed off his childhood musician
friends, family and mentors in a city where their music history is
highly celebrated and immensely embraced on a daily basis. Nicknamed
Trombone Shorty at the age of four by his older brother James, Troy was
undoubtedly destined to make his birthplace of New Orleans proud by
educating and encouraging future generations of brass players. To continue, please click “MORE”!

Global Noize | A Prayer for the Planet

Album Review: Global Noize | A Prayer for the Planet

By Peggy Oliver
 
If
there is a specific musician who can reconstruct the music of Marvin
(Gaye) and Miles (Davis) and actually bring believability to those
icon’s original versions, Jason Miles would easily qualify. The
keyboardist is quite familiar with sculpting soul, pop, jazz, funk and
turntable wizardry into slightly unconventional, yet still accessible
musical delights. More than just a seasoned sideman/producer who has
worked with Davis, Chaka Khan and Ivan Lins to name a few, Miles was
always willing to stretch beyond the mainstream. After all, who could
also pull off playing the songbook of quirky pop stylist Bjork by
forming The Bjorkestra? To continue, please click “MORE”!

Medicine – Live at The Black Academy of Arts & Letters

Various Artists: Medicine – Live at The Black Academy of Arts & Letters

By Peggy Oliver
 
Let’s
face the facts about the state of the non-profit art institutions in
this day and age. The economy has hit this area hard as if most people
need to be reminded. But while this matter is becoming more of a
reality, everyone could still use a little music, dance or some form of
the arts to inspire and lift up our souls through troublesome times. The
Black Academy of Arts & Letters in Dallas, Texas was founded in
1977 by Curtis King; producing over one-hundred programs in theatre,
film, literary and other disciplines in African, African-American and
Caribbean culture. To continue, please click “MORE”!

Rahsaan Patterson | Bleuphoria

Rahsaan Patterson - bleuphoria
 
Rahsaan Patterson | Bleuphoria
(Artistry)
by Susan Mutharia
 
I closed my eyes while listening to the song Mountain Top. I allowed Rahsaan Patterson and an enchanted Tata Vega to take me through an imaginary safari. I was elated and stimulated, chanting, “I sing all day from the mountain top / I love always from the mountain top / Nothing can stop me from singing from the mountain top.” After listening to the entire album, I could relate to the euphoric state of Bleuphoria – so far one of the best work by singer/songwriter Rahsaan Patterson.

Lorenzo Johnson | Things Are Looking Up

Album Review: Lorenzo Johnson | Things Are Looking Up
ZoSmooth Records
by Jerry “The Mouse” Clark

It is refreshing to discover that your CD collection has gained a keeper. I personally define a keeper as music that never grows old. D.C. area native Lorenzo Johnson’s debut project “Things Are Looking Up” fits this category. The multi-talented producer, manager and musician who has worked with Ledisi, Maysa, Salt N’ Pepa, Chuck Brown and many others, now displays his personal talent on this self-made project. To continue, please click “MORE”!

LaTina Webb | Hush

EP Review: LaTina Webb | Hush
Pebbles Of Enlightenment Music
by Susan Mutharia

I watch her as she gracefully walks across the stage and settles in on her position… She is beautiful and elegant. I scope out her hair and her dress, noting her fashion style. I then make a mental note to judge her vocals when she sings. I wonder, “Who is she and how did she get here?” I know her name alright but I know she is more than just a name. The artist she is singing behind tonight glides on stage and steals the moment. Caught between drooling over my fantasy man and the euphoria of the moment, I forget all my questions about the girl…until the final standing ovation. As they bow with gratitude, I rise and wonder, “Who is LaTina Webb?” To continue, please click “MORE”!

The Jade Element

Album Review: The Jade Element
By Peggy Oliver

 
Anthony Molinaro, Alfred
Howard and Rebecca Jade are more than well acquainted with each other
through their work with several San Diego based bands. Molinero and Jade
worked alongside the soul/jazz band Super Magnetic, while Howard was
the rapping front man with the K23 Orchestra. Pooling all their musical
resources after years of experience sharing many stages in the same
city, the trio eventually decided to join forces to birth yet another
band. To continue, please click “MORE”!

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