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June 2013

R&B Legend Booker T Jones gives L.A. Album Release Concert

Booker T & Friends L.A. Show is Like A “See Saw”
by A. Scott Galloway
 
Memphis-born Rhythm & Blues legend Booker T. Jones held court with a Tuesday June 25th album release concert/videotaping at the El Rey Theater in Mid-Wilshire Los Angeles to coincide with the in-store date of his new album, Sound The Alarm, which marks his return to the latest incarnation of Stax Records (via Concord). Co-produced by Jones with soul sons The Avila Brothers, the 12-song CD hiply bridges both retro and contemporary musical directions plus features guests on all but two selections. That treatment was also given to the concert – a show that much like the Don Covay/Steve Cropper song made famous by Aretha, was like a “See Saw” in terms of what worked and what did not work.
 
Booker T - Sound The Alarm

Sheléa | Love Fell On Me

Shelea - Love Fell On Me
 
Shelea | Love Fell on Me
Breath Of Life Records
By Peggy Oliver
 
While the world was mourning the passing of Whitney Houston, the tributes were understandably fast and furious offerings of documentaries and musical friends on award shows, whom all embraced the passion from this electrifying icon. But what generated one of the biggest fan love fests came from the mighty world of the internet.

Maysa | Blue Velvet Soul

Maysa - Blue Velvet Soul
 
Maysa | Blue Velvet Soul
Shanachie Records
Review by Peggy Oliver
 
In a sea of R&B, soul and jazz stars, urban music aficionados can count on Maysa to present a complete package in terms of quality musical entertainment. Since the early nineties, Maysa’s resume includes nine albums as a soloist, and her regular contributions with popular U.K. soul/jazz group, Incognito. For elevating the art of soul music to a level of shear class, Soul Train awarded Maysa as the Soul Approved Underground Singer.

Global Noize | Sly Reimagined

Sly Reimagined CD Cover Art
 
Global Noize | Sly Reimagined
Zoho Roots
Album review by Brent Faulkner
 
Describing Sly and the Family Stone music as simply as ‘one of a kind’
would be an understatement. Like many musicians during the tumultuous
60s and 70s, the group’s music reflected the social, cultural, and
political issues and changes that shaped life. Sly managed to capture
the ‘sentiments’ masterfully through his signature brand of funk, which
is near impossible to duplicate.

B.W.B. | Human Nature

BWB - Human Nature 2013
 
B.W.B. | Human Nature
Heads Up International via Concord Music Group
Written by Brent Faulkner
 
What happens when three jazz heavyweights, loaded with credentials,
recognitions, and upmost musicianship come together as ‘one’? The answer
is B.W.B.! Rick Braun (trumpet and flugelhorn), Kirk Whalum
(saxophone), and Norman Brown (guitar) reunite as a group after an
11-year hiatus. Assisted by a talented supporting cast in John
Stoddard, Braylon Lacey, Khari Parker, Lenny Castro, and Ralph Lofton,
B.W.B. don’t return with any original material.

George Benson | Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole

George Benson - Inspiration A Tribute to Nat King Cole
 
George Benson | Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole
Concord Records
By Peggy Oliver
 
I fully appreciate it when recording artists occasionally devote a cover song made famous by one of their favorite artists or better yet an influential figure who has stood the test the time. That stated, the way over abundance and over the top tribute projects, such as anything entitled Smooth Sax Tributes, are frankly opportunities to simply cheapen the legacy of musical icons.

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