Michael Jackson | Michael
Album Review: Michael Jackson – Michael
By Peggy Oliver
a year and a half has gone since the King of Pop left this world barely
at over a half-century of age. Shortly after his death, most fans and
faithful movie goers naturally flocked to Jackson’s This Is It,
which concentrated on the selection and rehearsal process for what was
to be billed as his giant final farewell tour. I observed the film
myself and witnessed the perfectionist personality at work making sure
every note, dance step and staging earned Michael’s stamp of approval.
Then there was the immediate increase of his back catalog sales (roughly
35 million units sold) that followed his passing. That said I now turn
to the posthumous project, Michael, certainly
lacking endorsements by Jackson’s family and numerous professional
colleagues from will.i.am to Quincy Jones. And there were the
countless controversies swirling around such as if the voice belonged to
Michael’s voice, or if his voice was altered; and how much control
belonged to Michael (who is credited as co-producer on almost all
tracks). Considering what has been written by the media and relayed by
industry insiders covering several internet site blocks, I simply choose
to focus on most of the final contents (ten tracks in all), beginning
with the current single, “Hold My Hand.” To continue, Please click “MORE”!
Shilts | Going Underground
Album Review: Shilts | Going Underground
By Brian Soergel
High-energy contemporary jazz saxophonist Paul “Shilts” Weimer certainly boasts ample street cred. He’s a founding member of the Down to the Bone and has rocked on stage with Brand New Heavies and funk kings Was (Not Was). The U.K. native moved to c-jazz friendly Southern California to advance his career and has prospered with three solo CDs. His fourth however, Going Underground, pushes aside any nicety-nice and is what it is – a full-throated, unfiltered, high-powered CD that reflects a new indie spirit as he’s now releasing music unencumbered by record companies. Good call. To continue, Please click “MORE”!
Wendy Moten | Tis The Season
Wendy Moten | Tis The Season
By Peggy Oliver
Wendy Moten’s beautifully timed and gorgeously tuned voice has graced the music industry for almost two decades, even if her solo recording exposure was somewhat unappreciated. No matter what the genre, her instrument was well utilized with international superstars, both in the studio and in concert. From Michael Bolton, to Faith Hill & Tim McGraw and Julio Iglesias, Moten was a much in-demand backing and featured vocalist.
Avant | The Letter
Avant | The Letter
By Brent Faulkner
Avant comes from an older school of R&B singers – much in the vein of R. Kelly – who are the ‘consummate lover men.’ Avant has never truly broken from the shadow of Kelly, probably not aided by the constant comparisons. The problem also stems from the fact that Avant bowed years after Kelly had already long been established, making the singer play a game of ‘catch up,’ which truly was not fair given his vocal abilities.
Stanley Clarke | The Stanley Clarke Band
Album Review: Stanley Clarke – The Stanley Clarke Band
By Peggy Oliver
Listen to song samples from “The Stanley Clarke Band”, exclusively from Amazon, on our Jazz page by clicking here!!
the power of the bass. The booming bass that shakes car stereos. The bass
vocalist who frames all the choir sections: baritones, tenors, altos and
sopranos. Then there is Stanley Clarke. Not only is he extraordinarily
versed on the standard acoustic bass and electric bass, he throws in a
variety of tenor, piccolo and other basses in between. Whether a
soloist or in a group, Clarke rarely plays by the rhythmic bass rules.
Since his days with keyboardist Chick Corea and Return to Forever (RTF),
Clarke’s nimble fingering, stunning dynamics and complex solos always
turned into jaw dropping experiences. During his quieter and more
retrospective moments as part of the Bass Folk Songs series, Clark
balanced exquisite melodies with his own accompaniment, a mesmerizing
task for any bassist. The Philadelphia School of Music graduate from
1971 found immediate work afterwards with major bandleaders like Horace
Silver and Gil Evans. His melodic sense was fueled by listening to Scott
LaFaro (bass player for Bill Evans) and Charles Mingus, an attribute
which certainly attracted musicians like Corea and landing a long time
gig with RTF. To continue, Please click “MORE”!
Charlie Wilson | Just Charlie
Charlie Wilson | Just Charlie
By Brent Faulkner
Charlie Wilson is one of few classic R&B stars who still has a sense of ‘relevance’ in an R&B market dominated by ‘trendiness’ and ‘gimmickry.’ Wilson is the consummate talent who could make even the weakest material sound nothing less than ‘magnificent.’
Chrisette Michele | Let Freedom Reign
Chrisette Michele | Let Freedom Reign
By Brent Faulkner
On her third effort, Let Freedom Reign, R&B singer Chrisette Michele alters her formula slightly, but for the most part she simply makes another consistent R&B album that feels notches above the gimmickry that has come to dominate more ‘contemporary’ R&B.
Marcus Johnson | Flo Chill, Vol. 2
Album Review: Marcus Johnson | Flo Chill – Volume 2: Juris
Listen to song samples from “Flo Chill, Vol. 2: Juris”, exclusively from Amazon, on our Jazz page by clicking here!!
Contemporary jazz Renaissance man Marcus Johnson is not content to merely own a record label. He’s speaks at music conferences, is an avid jazz and African-American historian, and supports his favorite political causes with musical benefits. He’s released straight-ahead jazz projects. Smooth-jazz CDs. Earlier this year, he stepped out of the box with a genre-defying album marrying jazz and a few of his rock favorites – including tunes from Nirvana and Steve Miller. To Continue, Please click “MORE”!
Dante Lewis | Set The Mood
Dante Lewis – Set The Mood
Listen to song samples from “Set The Mood”, exclusively from Amazon on our Jazz Page by Clicking Here!
playing in church or for the local jazz festivals in South Carolina,
Dante Lewis always presents a joyful of spirit when making music. The
saxophonist’s band Vision blazes plenty of funk and classic R&B to
their loyal audiences. Vision includes keyboard player and vocalist
Byron Counts who brought his own production and musical vision onto
Lewis’ debut, Set The Mood from Sounds of the
City Records. This contemporary jazz collection combines R&B
favorites and original tunes written or co-written by Counts.
Considering this is Lewis’ first chance in the national spotlight, his
contributions on Set The Mood are quite
pleasing to the ears and can stand up to some of today’s counterparts.
The backing musicians include members of Vision: Counts and bass
guitarist Tyrone Mack. Two of Lewis’ attributes are his refreshing
perspective on the melody and his seamless improvisations which mostly
stray from excessive runs and maintaining a pure tone throughout. To continue, Please click “MORE”!
Ronald Isley | Mr. I
Ronald Isley | Mr. I
by Peggy Oliver
When I was asked to review Mr. I from Ron Isley, how could I pass up an opportunity to spend a few minutes talking about an already soulful legend in many people’s minds. I also happened to witness Mr. Ronald Isley being serenaded at the 2010 Soul Train Music Awards for his contributions to the urban music community.