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Jonathan Butler | Grace and Mercy

Jonathan Butler - Grace and Mercy
 
Grace and Mercy
Jonathan Butler
(Rendezvous)
by Darnell Meyers-Johnson
 
Jonathan Butler signed his first recording contract at twelve years old.  By the time he was fifteen, he was already an established recording artist in his native South Africa.  By his own admission, he was also a drug addict whose soul was seeking salvation.  Guidance would come through a friendship with a fan who introduced him to the Christian faith.  That fan would later become his brother in law.

U-Nam & Friends: Weekend in L.A.: A Tribute to George Benson

UNAM - Weekend in LA
 
U-Nam & Friends:
Weekend in L.A.: A Tribute to George Benson
By Peggy Oliver
 
It has become a ritual for the musical community to produce tribute projects and many paying homage to influential artists. However, only a few of those aforementioned are of exceptional caliber. Whether it’s their distinctive approach, performance excellence or a special connection with that artist, their tributes pay an even higher compliment towards the one being honored. Two releases in 2012 come to mind; one being the enthralling tribute to Etta James from Etta’s soul sister Leela James and the other belonging to guitarist U-Nam’s perspective of contemporary jazz great, George Benson.

Mint Condition | Music @ The Speed Of Life

Mint Condition - Music @ The Speed of Life
 
Mint Condition
Music @ the Speed of Life
(Shanachie Ent.)
By Peggy Oliver
 
Longevity is a rare commodity in the world of show business, especially for the sake of musical ensembles. Many bands remain for a long time but their personnel moves are a constant for whatever the reason. Thankfully there are high quality bands who are able to maintain their core members; persevering through the long course of recording, touring and other media commitments. Mint Condition has weathered this relentless course since its inception, losing only keyboard player Keri Lewis in 2005.

Marcus Miller | Renaissance

MarcusMiller_Renaissance_Cover
 
Marcus Miller
Renaissance
(PRA)
By A. Scott Galloway
 
Since the release of his third solo album The Sun Don’t Lie in 1993, Marcus Miller has etched out a slammin’ formula for record making: outstanding showcases for bass taking its rightful place next to sax, trumpet and guitar as a foreground instrument, instrumental compositions that send one’s imagination on a journey, stellar guest vocal turns, and passionate arrangements of others’ hits done with bold singularity and respect. All of that remains intact for Renaissance, Miller’s eighth official studio album of new material as a leader.

Randy Crawford & Joe Sample | Live

Randy Crawford & Joe Sample LIVE
 
Randy Crawford & Joe Sample
Live
(PRA)
By A. Scott Galloway
 
This concert CD by the venerable duo of old friends, singer Randy Crawford and pianist Joe Sample, really should have been billed as “Randy Crawford with The Joe Sample Trio.” Sample’s presence throughout the disc can best be summed up as understated. He truly defers focus to Crawford who is always a delight as her style is so distinctive no matter what she sings.

Pete Belasco | Lights On

Pete Belasco - Lights On
 
Pete Belasco
Lights On
(Eaak Music)
By Brent Faulkner
 
On Pete Belasco’s third studio album Lights On, which arrives seven years after his last, the singer/songwriter/keyboardist/saxophonist covers smooth jazz, R&B, and soul styles. According to his bio (www.petebelasco.com), Belasco’s music career began as a pianist, though he eventually focused on the saxophone, playing in various bands during high school and studying it in college.

Leela James | Loving You More…In the Spirit of Etta James

Leela James - Loving You More
 
Leela James
Loving You More…In the Spirit of Etta James
(Shanachie)
By Peggy Oliver
 
When a potential artist navigates the journey to professional music glory, their friends and family probably told them at one point that they were born to be a star. Then there are others who hint that the aspiring talent reminds them of a specific music superstar. As Leela James was preparing to aim her sights towards greater musical heights, she already had an advantage over some of her counterparts. Her rich, blues-enriched voice drew comparisons since childhood to Etta James, an influential vocalist who garnered a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award and an induction to the Rock and Roll of Fame in 1993.

Wil Key | But A Woman

Wil Key - But A Woman
 
Wil Key
But A Woman
(Larimar)
 
Record Review by A. Scott Galloway
 
When was the last time you purchased a CD – with 15 songs/no interludes no less – and dug it enough to let it play through without skipping one tune? L.A. based singer/songwriter Wil Key has delivered such a worthy disc thanks to the thoughtful, sensitive and sensual nature of his lyrics, the quality and sheen of the independent production, and a striking balance between live instrumentation (rhythm, horns and support vocals) and tastefully synthesized tracks.

Teri Tobin | So Good To Me

Teri Tobin - So Good To Me
 
Teri Tobin
So Good to Me
(Sol to Kep Ent.)
By Peggy Oliver
 
Despite one’s musical training throughout childhood and college, one earmark of a credible artist is digging into their lifelong experiences and translating those special stories to effectively communicate with their audiences. Those persistent and driven talents refuse to be weighed down by musical trends or record sales in dictating their artistry and achievements. This certainly works in favor of independent artists who are simply doing it for the love of their craft.

Various Artists | Sweet Soul Select Artists, World Soul Collective, Vol. 1

Various Artists
Sweet Soul Select Artists, World Soul Collective, Vol. 1
(Sweet Soul Records)


Album Review by Brent Faulkner

2012‘s World Soul Collective, Vol. 1 is a compilation of international soul artists.  Released on Japanese soul label Sweet Soul Records, the compilation’s purpose is ‘…to promote soul music in Japan in all its forms.’ The philosophy of Sweet Soul Records states that it considers soul to transcend all race. Consider their motto: ‘soul over the race.’ World Soul Collective, Vol. 1 features a diverse group of soul artists ranging from retro-soul, neo-soul, jazz-soul and hip-hop soul, among other sub-genres. To continue, please click “MORE”!

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