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October 2011

Shirley Murdock | Live: The Journey

ShirleyMurdock_LiveTheJourney
 
Shirley Murdock | Live: The Journey
By Peggy Oliver
 
There are plenty of saints – to sinners – to saint’s stories within the gospel music industry. It is quite commonplace for artists to maturate their voices in the church before taking the gifts to the secular side for such a season; before they recall the strong foundation they received thru solid Christian teaching. Shirley Murdock was raised on gospel in her hometown of Toledo, Ohio but her claim to fame was as part of the R&B/futuristic funk outfit Roger Troutman & Zapp.

Joe | The Good, The Bad, The Sexy

Joe - The Good The Bad The Sexy
 
Joe | The Good, The Bad, The Sexy
By Stella Titus-Ayala
 
JOE…., um, um, UMM! “The Good, The Bad, The Sexy” album is another reason why JOE isn’t going nowhere anytime soon. The first track “Losing” reminds me of my own silly emotions of the relationship highs and lows but a strong message from the male perspective with yet another softer touch that even us women can feel. Made me feel like I was listening to a new school Lenny Williams. I wanted to reach out and touch a man!

Richard Elliot | In The Zone

Album Review: Richard Elliot | In The Zone
By Ian Cooke

Scotland born Richard Elliot celebrates his 25th
anniversary as a recording solo artist with this latest offering
co-produced with Jeff Lorber. It’s a Winner!! Drawing upon his
influences: legends Grover Washington Jr., Bob James and David Sanborn, In The Zone is a 10 song horn oriented delight. To continue, please click “MORE”!

Tasha Taylor | Taylormade

Tasha Taylor - Taylormade
 
Tasha Taylor | Taylormade
by Marv D.
 
The stunning debut from Tasha Taylor with her latest effort “Taylormade” is soulful and refreshing. Where in a world of auto tune and other fabricated sound products, sheer talent has emerged.
 
Tasha, who is the youngest daughter of legendary Icon Johnny Taylor, showcases the talent that runs throughout her entire family.

Mayer Hawthorne | How Do You Do

Mayer Hawthorne - How do you do
 
Mayer Hawthorne | How Do You Do
by Brent Faulkner
 
Mayer Hawthorne is one artist in a slim field or R&B artists embracing the vibe and sensibilities of soul music’s glory days. The artist, who has dabbled in hip-hop as well, definitely does not look the part of the soul-revivalist that he is. Thankfully, looks are highly deceiving as hipster Hawthorne possesses one of the most soulful voices of a new generation of singers. An underrated talent deserving wider recognition, Hawthorne’s second LP How Do You Do (and debut on major label Universal Republic) is a superb effort with no outright misses.

Lalah Hathaway | Where It All Begins

Lalah Hathway - Where It All Begins II
 
Lalah Hathaway | Where It All Begins
By Peggy Oliver
 
Lalah Hathaway is one of the most entrusted vocalists the music industry has ever known. While many will always recognize Hathaway as the daughter of one of soul music’s classic stylists, Donny Hathaway, she has etched her own voice by successfully capturing her father’s essence with her warm alto. Her dynamics of layering jazz sensibility with pop, R&B, soul and gospel is quite impeccable; giving urban music a sometimes needed fresh injection that started with her self-titled release in 1990.

Gordon Chambers | Sincere

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Gordon Chambers | Sincere
By Peggy Oliver
 
Sometimes there are hidden gems among those songwriting geniuses whose labor of love has crafted hits for urban music icons. Stars like Anita Baker, Whitney Houston and The Isley Brothers are more than acquainted with Gordon Chambers, whose heartfelt and on-point lyrics have graced the charts for many years. Just an ever so small taste of his songwriting credits include the Grammy winning “I Apologize,” by Ms. Baker, Whitney’s “My Love,” The Isley’s “Just Came Here to Chill” plus the smash hit “If You Love Me” by Brownstone.

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