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July 2013

Chante Moore | Moore Is More

Chante Moore - Moore is More
 
Chante Moore | Moore Is More
Shanachie Records
by Darnell Meyers-Johnson
 
It’s difficult to get a handle on Chante Moore’s position as a recording artist.; her “lane” if you will. On her brilliantly flawless debut album, 1992′s PRECIOUS, she gave us a seamless blend of romance inspired, jazz-tinged R&B. And we ate it up like wedding cake. Hits like “It’s Alright” and “Love’s Taken Over” remain anintegral part of her repertoire.

George Duke | DreamWeaver

George Duke DreamWeaver
 
George Duke | DreamWeaver
Concord Records
by Peggy Oliver
 
Those who make a living creating off the cuff are entitled with an occasional moment of writer’s block. And in their strong devotion to the art, they usually find their way back to fill up their creative cup. Jazz icon George Duke recently faced that dreaded drought. In 2012, his compositional well temporarily ran dry as he was experiencing deep grief from the loss of his wife, Corine. The death was undoubtedly bittersweet, but in an almost blink of an eye, Duke returned to his musical refuge that he has embraced since childhood.

Joe | Doubleback: Evolution of R&B

Joe - DoubleBack - The Evolution of R&B
 
Joe | DoubleBack: Evolution of R&B
Massenburg Media
By Brent Faulkner
 
Like many of his colleagues, Joe Thomas (simply known as Joe) moved from
a major to an independent label. Although Joe released four albums via
Kedar between 2008 and 2011, the musician’s best known work resides
during his Jive Records days, where hits like “Stutter” and “I Wanna
Know” took radio by storm and propelled the singer’s career.

An Inside Appreciation of Martial Arts Master Jim Kelly

Reflections of Jim Kelly within a Black Belt Prism Circa `74
by Kweli Pitt-Bey


In the summer of 1974, I moved to Los Angeles from Roanoke, Virginia with my mother Judith and my little sister Lori.  At age 11, I was quite upset that I’d be missing my close friends and family.  One thing that helped me to cope was that I’d be moving to the fabled Golden State: sunny Southern California with its legendary swimming pools, palm trees and movie stars.  Deeper still, my mother promised she would look into getting me into Jim Kelly’s renowned and respected Black Belt Jones Karate Studio on Crenshaw Blvd.  That was something I could really sink my hope’s teeth into. 

Jim Kelly PHOTO 1

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