Sheila E. | ICON
Moosicus (2013)
Review penned by Brent Faulkner
After a hiatus of more than a decade, multitalented veteran musician Sheila Escovedo –best known as Sheila E. – releases her latest album ICON via Moosicus, an independent label based in Germany. Icon proves to be a captivating album showcasing Sheila E.’s tremendous musicianship and eclecticism at work, although its availability solely is an import in the U.S (as of yet).
Rajdulari | Journey of a Woman
By Peggy Oliver
Through the ever increasing social media tools, musicians are masterminding their Facebook page and hash tagging like crazy towards their fans and music industry insiders about their latest achievements in their career. When a relatively unknown artist is already tweeting about their road to the Grammy Awards, this could be someone with a justified confidence or they are stroking their ego a bit more then they should.
Tamar Braxton | Winter Loversland
Epic Records
by Darnell Meyers-Johnson
Is Tamar Braxton finally winning at this game of music? On the surface it would seem so. Nearly a year ago her single “Love And War” was released and by August 2013, it sold over one million copies. The September release of her album of the same name has already generated three official singles, as well as the recent release of the video for one of the project’s weaker tracks (but one of Tamar’s favorites) “Hot Sugar”.
Robert Glasper Experiment | Black Radio 2
Blue Note
By Peggy Oliver
When an artist commits to a sequel that rides on the extremely successful
previous work, the expectations to top its predecessor are exceedingly
high, certainly when the predecessor was recognized with a Grammy Award.
With a wealth of musical co-horts at his disposal and a tight band
under his leadership, Robert Glasper was ready to meet the needs of fans
and critics to follow-up the R&B Grammy Awarded 2012 release, Black Radio.
Jazz Singer Anthony Jefferson and Friends Treat Fans to Presidential CD Release Concert Under The Stars in Sosua (Dominican Republic)
Event Reflections by A. Scott Galloway
Concert Photographs by Will Alfredo
With an album titled after the luscious vocal standard “But Beautiful” and his home base/fan base being the breathtaking ocean side town of Sosua, Dominican Republic, dashing vocal gentleman Anthony Jefferson made clear his musical mission as sharing romance and style in abundance with the people that have grown to adore him over the last seven years. The night was a miraculously rain-free Saturday in typically drenched October, the audience Sosua’s wealthy and well-heeled, and the event the locally long-anticipated CD release for Jefferson’s new project, But Beautiful – a first class soiree of music wine, canapés and cigars coordinated by Linda Love, and additionally showcasing singer Tracy Hamlin, trumpeter Mark Rapp and singer/guitarist Peter Novelli.
Various Artists | BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music 2013
By Peggy Oliver
In the past thirteen years, BMI has honored those whose contributions to the gospel industry raised the artistic and spiritual bar for generations to come. The class of 2013 of the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music spotlights the works of Tramaine Hawkins, Edwin Hawkins and Kurt Carr with interpretations by their many peers. For the first time in the BMI Trailblazers’ history, the star and soon to be star-studded 14th Annual festivities are being released to the public.
Najee | The Morning After: A Musical Love Journey
Shanachie Records
by Susan Mutharia
If the achievements, accolades and millions of fans fail to give one enough insight into Najee’s musical journey, then the new album by this 3x Grammy- Nominee will set you straight. Get your passport ready and prepare to depart on Najee’s The Morning After: A Musical Love Journey.
Jonathan Butler | Merry Christmas To You
Artistry Music
By Peggy Oliver
Just like the department stores who prepare in advance to entice shoppers
for Christmas, so do the music marketers who are just as attuned to
sharing good cheer for the year end fanfare. That season of Christmas
offers one of its first major releases with Jonathan Butler, the latest
to join others with their inspirations centered around the most
celebrated commercial time of the year.
Gregory Porter | Liquid Spirit
Blue Note Records
By Peggy Oliver
In recent years, Motema Music emerged into a respected independent label
with a solid commitment to their artists’ improvisational gifts and
musical diversity. From Caribbean-born pianist Monty Alexander to former
Living Colour drummer Will Calhoun, the New York-based company has
drawn comparisons to jazz giant Blue Note Records in its heyday, swiftly
integrating soul, blues, gospel and avant garde flavors into its be-bop
jazz mix.
Marques Houston | Famous
Shanachie Records
by Peggy Oliver
Vocalists who have established their niche with their hit-making history rarely feel they need to tamper with success, as long it sustains a win-win situation between themselves and their fans. The truly wise at heart artist is also willing to tweak a few ideas or two in staying relevant with what the current market dictates. Since breaking into the industry with the nineties’ urban boy band sensations, Immature/IMX, Marques Houston has been accustomed in giving the people what they sincerely want.