Chante Moore | Moore Is More
Shanachie Records
by Darnell Meyers-Johnson
It’s difficult to get a handle on Chante Moore’s position as a recording artist.; her “lane” if you will. On her brilliantly flawless debut album, 1992′s PRECIOUS, she gave us a seamless blend of romance inspired, jazz-tinged R&B. And we ate it up like wedding cake. Hits like “It’s Alright” and “Love’s Taken Over” remain anintegral part of her repertoire.
George Duke | DreamWeaver
Concord Records
by Peggy Oliver
Those who make a living creating off the cuff are entitled with an occasional moment of writer’s block. And in their strong devotion to the art, they usually find their way back to fill up their creative cup. Jazz icon George Duke recently faced that dreaded drought. In 2012, his compositional well temporarily ran dry as he was experiencing deep grief from the loss of his wife, Corine. The death was undoubtedly bittersweet, but in an almost blink of an eye, Duke returned to his musical refuge that he has embraced since childhood.
Joe | DoubleBack: Evolution of R&B
Massenburg Media
By Brent Faulkner
Like many of his colleagues, Joe Thomas (simply known as Joe) moved from
a major to an independent label. Although Joe released four albums via
Kedar between 2008 and 2011, the musician’s best known work resides
during his Jive Records days, where hits like “Stutter” and “I Wanna
Know” took radio by storm and propelled the singer’s career.
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.
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
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
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
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
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.