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February 2013

Marion Meadows | Whisper

Marion Meadows - Whisper
 
Marion Meadows | Whisper
Shanachie Records
By Peggy Oliver
 
Once a musician has established their fan base, their confidence is even more solidified as they build a particular signature sound and boost the artistic integrity. Marion Meadows has not only built a solid reputation in the industry alongside Will Downing, Norman Connors and the like, he has become a staunch advocate for the cause of contemporary and smooth jazz
and is unafraid of tooting his own horn (pun somewhat intended).

Elan Trotman | Tropicality

Elan Trotman - Tropicality II
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Elan Trotman | Tropicality
Woodward Avenue Records
by Brent Faulkner
 
Barbadian born and bred saxophonist Elan Trotman returns with sixth
album, 2013’s Tropicality via Woodward Avenue Records. Trotman’s
saxophone playing, influenced by late, pre-eminent contemporary jazz saxist
Grover Washington, Jr., also contains Caribbean/tropical elements and
fresh improvisatory ideas, eliminating predictability. His esteemed
musicianship has allowed him to collaborate with heavyweights including
Roberta Flack, Will Downing, and Rick Braun amongst them.

Gyles | Love & Denial

Gyles - Love & Denial
 
Gyles | Love & Denial
(2012 Duffmusiq)
by Brent Faulkner
 
Described as a “powerhouse vocalist and thoughtful lyricist”, R&B
artist Gyles releases EP Love & Denial via Duffmusiq, supported by a
lofty list of accomplishments. Amongst her artistic resumé, Gyles has
lent her vocals to a host of award-winning and nominated artists
including Juno award recipients Carlos Morgan and Jully Black, and Juno
nominee Camille Davis.

Charlie Wilson | Love, Charlie

Charlie Wilson - Love, Charlie
 
Charlie Wilson | Love, Charlie
(RCA Records)
by Brent Faulkner
 
R&B/Soul veteran Charlie Wilson returns with 2013 anticipated sixth solo album, Love, Charlie. Wilson continues an illustrious solo career following his tenure in the legendary The Gap Band, which spawned numerous hits in the late 70’s and 80’s. Love, Charlie interestingly, is the fourth consecutive album to feature the name ‘Charlie’ in its title, following Charlie, Last Name Wilson (2005), Uncle Charlie (2008), and Just Charlie (2010).

Will Downing | Silver

Will Downing - Silver
 
Will Downing | Silver
(Liaison Records Dist.)
Penned by Brent Faulkner
 
Grammy-nominated vocalist Will Downing celebrates his silver anniversary
in the music industry fittingly with independently released 16th album,
Silver (February 12, 2013) via Liaison Records. Silver is neither a
‘best of’ nor completely new; it is distinguished by an 11-track
combination of new, borrowed, and classic songs.

Swing Out Sister | Private View

Swing Out Sister - Private View Pic
 
Swing Out Sister | Private View
Shanachie Records
By Peggy Oliver
 
When Corrine Drewery first decided to pursue music without the benefit of professional experience, one could imagine there were plenty of hoops to jump. From impressing and winning over band mates Andy Connell and Martin Jackson of Swing Out Sister, to eventually releasing their debut album in 1985, It’s Better to Travel, for the mainstream market, Drewery was in for a very profitable future. The humble beginnings were understandably bumpy as their very first single flopped.

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