Chuck Brown | We Got This Listen to song samples from “We Got This”, exclusively from Amazon on our R&B/Soul Page by clicking here!! Chuck Brown is to “Go-Go” what James Brown is to “funk” – the ‘godfather.’ Chuck’s official website (http://www.windmeupchuck.com) confirms this assertion of Brown’s importance in the movement. …
Lizz Wright | Fellowship
By Peggy Oliver
Growing up in a strict, conservative household, Lizz Wright found several opportunities to stimulate her creativity. Without a television in the house, she listened to radio dramas in learning the art of storytelling. Though she sang traditional gospel as a child, Wright was more attracted to the contemporary side with artists like The Winans and Commissioned who sprinkled their gospel messages with R&B, soul and jazz.
Evelyn Turrentine-Agee – There’s Gonna Be A Meeting
Listen to song samples from “There’s Gonna Be A Meeting”, exclusively from Amazon, on our Gospel Page by clicking here!!
As one of the most respected female quartet singers in urban gospel music, Evelyn Turrentine-Agee fully understands the principles of vocal harmonies. Being born into a family of eighteen siblings, one can bet harmony played a major role in relating to such a huge number of personalities under one roof. Turrentine-Agee’s journey to the queen of quartets began at the age three witnessing her father singing quartet music while growing up in St. Louis, Missouri
Fourplay | Let’s Touch The Sky
by Peggy Oliver
A band can get into a period of complacency after long establishing their stake in the musical game. But the jazz quartet Fourplay on the heels of their new project, Let’s Touch The Sky, would not have any of that; inviting new Chuck Loeb in the guitar spot replacing long time member Larry Carlton. Bob James first discovered a musical connection with the other Fourplay personnel while still a solo recording artist.
John Legend & The Roots | Wake Up!
By Susan Mutharia
The year 2008 saw the resurrection of faith and hope in America. On that year, many saw themselves not only as citizens of a country but citizens of the world. People started joining together and saying, “Yes we surely can.” Others went a step further and asked, “What can I do and where do I start?” R&B singer John Legend answered that question by uniting with the great hip-hop group, The Roots.
Will Downing – Lust, Love & Lies (An Audio Novel)
When Will Downing was a session vocalist throughout the eighties, he took his role to full heart. During his tenure supporting Jennifer Holiday, Gerald Albright and several of dance producer Arthur Baker’s projects,he always kept his vocal skills fresh while maintaining respect to whom he was working for. Guess that theory worked in his favor when he first introduced his solo career with a warm vocal version of John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme in 1988, followed by other covers of “Free” by Deniece Williams and the jazz pop classic “When Sunny Gets Blue”. Other aspiring vocalists must be looking up to Downing because of his longevity and high professionalism.
The Best of Gerald Levert
By Brent Faulkner
The unfortunate and untimely death of R&B icon Gerald LeVert in 2006 was a sad day for me and the many fans -especially women (or so I am told) – who loved LeVert’s soul-laden vocals. Sensuality oozed in every LeVert vocal performance, which could be characterized as possessing gospel histrionics and the sensual overtness of the late Marvin Gaye. On The Best of Gerald LeVert, Atlantic/Rhino Records had the arduous task of compiling a single disc covering LeVert’s best.
Bilal – Airtight’s Revenge Listen to song samples from “Airtight’s Revenge”, exclusively from Amazon on our R&B/Soul Page by clicking here!! Bilal’s 2010 effort Airtight’s Revenge is as non-conformist as 2010 R&B is concerned. Bilal smartly makes no concessions to the hip-hop leanings of modern R&B and continues in the …
Fantasia | Back To Me
by Susan Mutharia
“I’m the American idol because my lips are big but, my talent is bigger.” I still remember laughing out loud when Fantasia Barrino said those words during American idol season three. Laughing is the last thing I was doing when she sang Summertime. Laughing is the last thing she was doing when she was crowned the American Idol.
Kem | Intimacy (Album III) Listen to song samples from “Intimacy (Album III)”, exclusively from Amazon on our R&B/Soul Page by clicking here!! Chemistry – The study of matter and energy and the interactions between them. If I understood that definition during my high school years, life would have been …