Al Green | The Best of the Gospel Sessions
Album Review: Al Green | The Best of the Gospel Sessions
Billboard Magazine’s ranking as one of the top one-hundred Greatest
Artists of All Time to being inducted in the Rock & Roll Hall of
Fame, Al Green fully deserves all of those props for his overall
contributions to popular music culture. Many classic soul connoisseurs
know him for his caressing and strong pipes on “Let’s Stay Together,”
“Tired of Being Alone” and other hits for the Memphis based Hi Records
guided by producer and engineer Willie Mitchell. To continue, please click “MORE”!
Julie Dexter | New Again
Julie Dexter | New Again
by Brent Faulkner
Julie Dexter, a British independent soul/jazz artist, recently released her fourth LP, 2011’s New Again. As a vocalist, Julie Dexter is a ‘smooth operator,’ borrowing some cues from the past, namely from jazz vocalists and R&B vocalists; Sade’s cool sound comes to mind when making comparisons and descriptions of Dexter’s approach. Throughout, Julie Dexter’s voice is smooth, pure, and refined, never losing any of it’s sugary, sensual goodness.
Reggie Young | Steppin’ Up
Album Review: Reggie Young | Steppin’ Up
by Brent Faulkner
Steppin’ Up is standout bassist Reggie Young’s latest music project,
released July 5, 2011 on his own label, RGY Entertainment. Steppin’ Up
is an exceptional ‘jazz’ effort, but ultimately transcends the
confinements of one concrete style of music, shifting between jazz,
soul, funk, rock, gospel, and reggae. Young’s restlessness as an artist
makes Steppin’ Up such an exciting and worthwhile jazz offering,
shedding the clichés and providing an enthralling listening affair
throughout its fifty-three minute duration. To continue, please click “MORE”!
John Jay | The Secret to Life
John Jay |The Secret to Life
By Peggy Oliver
John Jay may not be a household name in the gospel industry — yet. However, by no means, does it diminish the fact that his talents have been solidified through his body of work and in a variety of musical settings. From appearances at Jazz Aspen Snowmass to the Holy Hip Hop Awards, Jay’s gospel journey can certainly not be put in any kind of box.
Gail Holmes | I Receive Your Love
Album Review: Gail Holmes | I Receive Your Love
current urban music industry’s thinking process mostly caters to a much
younger audience. In other words, artists who are searching for their
first recording break at — say age thirty and over — might be scoffed
at or simply overlooked. But somehow in that grand scheme of music, Gail
Holmes was not letting those factors become an obstacle course in her
ministry mission. To continue, please click “MORE”!
Kindred the Family Soul | Love Has No Recession
Album Review: Kindred the Family Soul | Love Has No Recession
By Peggy Oliver
It
seems the artistry of the urban music duo in this decade is almost
biting the dust. The passionate chemistry from Martin & Tami,
Ashford & Simpson and others from decades gone by kept our ears
riveted and our emotions hanging on every note they conveyed. But those
who really treasure what the meat of soul is all about is probably
familiar with Kindred the Family Soul, the married duo of Fatin Dantzler
and Aja Graydon whom was first introduced to the public via Jill
Scott’s Hidden Beach imprint in 2003. To continue, please click “MORE”!