Jason Miles / Kind of New
Black Magic
(Ropeadope)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
Keyboardist/producer/Sound Designer Jason Miles steps from the shadows of his collective Global Noise to revel in his penchant for soulful jazzy continental uniting grooves with his other band Kind of New, presenting Black Magic.
Will Downing
Romantique: Part 2 (EP)
(Sophisticated Soul)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
Marking his awe-inspiring 22nd release since he began recording as a solo artist back in 1988, Will Downing focuses his attention on favorite songs originated by baritone vocalists such as Larry Graham and Barry White along with two original compositions to comprise his latest 6-song EP, Romantique Part 2.
Chick Corea / Christian McBride / Brian Blade
Trilogy 2
(Concord Jazz)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
At 78-years-young, pianist/composer Chick Corea has assembled, led and cultivated a number of uncannily synergistic groups – large and small, acoustic and electric – in several sub genres of music classified as “Jazz.” Among his more recent alchemies is Trilogy, the Chick Corea Trio featuring bassist Christian McBride and drummer Brian Blade.
Fantasia | Sketchbook
Album review by Brent Faulkner
Releasing her first independent album, Grammy-winning, gospel-infused, contemporary soul singer Fantasia doesn’t miss a beat on her sixth studio album, Sketchbook.
“You see I’ve waited all my life for this moment to arrive / And finally, I believe.” Ah, those were the moving lyrics that Fantasia Barrino sung on “I Believe,” the future Billboard Hot 100 number one single that would win her the third season of American Idol.
Raphael Saadiq | Jimmy Lee
Following an eight-year hiatus between albums, the legendary R&B musician, Raphael Saadiq, drops an album for the ages with Jimmy Lee
Raphael Saadiq is undoubtedly one of the biggest and most notable musicians when it comes to R&B music. His style of R&B often incorporates elements of the past, embracing retro and neo-soul sub-styles, while also exhibiting freshness and progressiveness.
Latin jazz veteran Poncho Sanchez returns to the studio after a 7 year absence with Trane’s Delight, a hearty thank you to his hero, jazz pioneer John Coltrane
The love affair was launched when he was only 11 years – staring intently at John Coltrane’s self-titled 1962 album. After he saved some money to make that monumental purchase, Poncho Sanchez gathered his drums and congas and played along with the album that guided his musical spirit.
An already established international jazz talent, trumpeter/songwriter/vocalist Jéssica Pina is now being introduced to North America with Essência
Amongst the countless independent musicians that are waiting in the wings, it is refreshing for new blood in offering their special artistry to the contemporary jazz landscape. Portuguese trumpeter Jéssica Pina, born of African descent, blends her roots with various urban flavors from U.K. soul/jazz, R&B and funk.
Kirk Franklin | LONG LIVE LOVE
Fo Yo Soul / RCA
by Peggy Oliver
Kirk Franklin boldly proclaims Long Live Love, his first solo CD in four years
Kirk Franklin certainly knows the pulse of the gospel industry for over two decades. As one of the architects that have defined contemporary gospel’s current direction, the producer/musician/songwriter clearly zones in to what many listeners are seeking for in music that moves scripturally and inspirationally.
Amazing Grace is Aretha Franklin’s Regally Rousing Cinematic Hallelujah
A Film Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
There’s something powerfully unique about seeing footage of music you’ve only been able to listen to for decades. The first example that comes to mind is the black and white video of Les McCann & Eddie Harris’ 1969 set at the Montreux Jazz Festival that, for years, was only heard as their Atlantic Records album Swiss Movement.
Quiana Lynell
A Little Love
(Concord Jazz)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
New Orleans-based vocalist Quiana Lynell is in possession of a sweet and special advantage, evidenced in her year-in-the-making debut album, A Little Love. That quality is the perception of effortlessness… Her voice seems to float from her mouth in a zero-gravity zone all its own.