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R&B Music, Page 3

Legends The Mighty O’Jays Bow Out with Soulful Sense of Purpose


 
The O’Jays
The Last Word
(S-Curve)
 
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
 
Rare is the occasion in Black music when we see a group schedule The End of its recording and performing days. It takes copious vision, fortitude, good fortune and common sense to arrive at such a point. Eddie Levert and Walter Williams, star lead singers of The O’Jays since they debuted as The Mascots in 1958, have set that marker with a farewell tour in progress and a final 9-song album, definitively titled…The Last Word.

Chaka Khan | Hello Happiness


 
Chaka Khan | Hello Happiness
Island Records
by Darnell Meyers-Johnson
 
It seems fitting that Chaka Khan’s first album in over a decade was released during Black History Month. Her voice provided the soundtrack for black culture since her 1973 debut with the funk band Rufus. Her lone female presence and soaring vocals became the band’s trademark, eventually leading to a solo career with the 1978 hit “I’m Every Woman”.

The Return of The Undisputed Truth is a Sonic Blast From The Past


 
The Undisputed Truth
Truth Gon’ Set You Free
(EarVisions)
 
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
 
In 1971, songwriter/producer Norman Whitfield had something to prove. After helming hits for established stars such as The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight & The Pips and more, he challenged himself to create a group of his own vision to put across messages weighing on his spirit.

Shanice: The ‘S’ is for Steamy on No Sleep new single “He Won’t”


 
Shanice
“He Won’t”
(Bungalo/CIA/UMG)
 
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
 
When it comes to songbird Shanice’s sassy new single “He Won’t,” it sounds like our angel with the winning smile is dipping into sexier, steamier territory. In this percussive production from Jovan Dawkins, she is testifying – on and on `til the break of dawn – about how her man is not letting her get any sleep…and she don’t mind.

Rhythm Tribe Introduces New Style, Acid Latin, With Return Single “You Can’t Take Me Down”


 
Rhythm Tribe
 
“You Can’t Take Me Down”
(DanceMaster.com)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
 
Back in the `80s when I was playing drums in a couple of local L.A. bands, I ran into a group called Chain Reaction that had a unique approach to Dance Music as it stemmed from a fusion of R&B and Latin elements.

Charlie Wilson and The O’Jays’ Polar Extremes of Soul

“Party Train” Meets “Love Train” at Historical Charlie Wilson & O’Jays Double Bill
 
A Concert Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
August 3, 2018
 

 
The world-famous Hollywood Bowl was the venue for a bittersweet time capsule of Black Music History on Friday, August 3, as former GAP Band lead singer Charlie Wilson headlined a triumphant generations-leaping show – his first time with an orchestra – with the mighty O’Jays trio celebrating its 59th anniversary as the opening act and what may be their final time performing in Los Angeles as they are said to be retiring at the end of 2018.

Ramsey Lewis, Tower of Power, Anthony Hamilton and More Help Playboy Jazz Festival Turn 40.

Playboy Jazz Festival Celebrates 40th Anniversary at The Hollywood Bowl
 
by A. Scott Galloway
 
Under clear blue skies, 80-degree temps with a sweet breeze blowin’ on both days, the “Playboy Jazz Festival” celebrated its 40th anniversary with days split almost squarely between World Music leaning on Saturday and Jazz on Sunday.
 
Saturday June 9 began with the traditional Los Angeles County High School For The Arts Jazz of promising young students followed by Columbian party band Monsieur Perine’. Things got really interesting when blind 17 year-old organ prodigy Matthew Whitaker and his trio wowed the crowd with the passionate and eclectic set list of his original “Play it Back,” the `60s pop hit “More Today Than Yesterday” by Spiral Staircase made famous on the jazz side by Charles Earland, the Brazilian gem “Mais Que Nada,” John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme,” and the finale of a dual medley of Earth Wind and Fire’s “In the Stone/September” with Stevie Wonder’s “As/I Wish” – what a prodigious talent and people-pleaser.
 

Matthew Whitaker

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