Chaka Khan | Hello Happiness
Island Records
by Darnell Meyers-Johnson
It seems fitting that Chaka Khan’s first album in over a decade was released during Black History Month. Her voice provided the soundtrack for black culture since her 1973 debut with the funk band Rufus. Her lone female presence and soaring vocals became the band’s trademark, eventually leading to a solo career with the 1978 hit “I’m Every Woman”.
The Undisputed Truth
Truth Gon’ Set You Free
(EarVisions)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
In 1971, songwriter/producer Norman Whitfield had something to prove. After helming hits for established stars such as The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight & The Pips and more, he challenged himself to create a group of his own vision to put across messages weighing on his spirit.
Shanice
“He Won’t”
(Bungalo/CIA/UMG)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
When it comes to songbird Shanice’s sassy new single “He Won’t,” it sounds like our angel with the winning smile is dipping into sexier, steamier territory. In this percussive production from Jovan Dawkins, she is testifying – on and on `til the break of dawn – about how her man is not letting her get any sleep…and she don’t mind.
Keiko Matsui
Echo
(Shanachie)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
Since the mid-`80s, Keiko Matsui has been delighting audiences with her heartfelt approach to Jazz, New Age and Japanese Classical musical strains. Now in 2019, she has assembled an outstandingly empathetic main band of Jimmy Johnson on bass, Vinnie Colaiuta on drums and Luis Conte on percussion to give wing to her latest Heavenly excursions on her latest and 27th American offering, Echo.
Anthony Jefferson
All I Am
(Jefferson Faculty)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
Photography by Pedro Bonilla
In 2019, singers of Jazz classics and Pop standards hurl themselves Herculean challenges tackling material that has been sung, recorded and captured on film performed before live audiences by some of the greatest that have ever illuminated a song. While the newcomers may connect themselves to a great lineage and possibly bring these songs to the attention of new (i.e. younger) audiences, anyone who has studied or pleasurably partaken of the earlier renditions are inevitably want to not only make comparisons but also have to wrestle personal moments experienced with them as part of the soundtrack and very fabric of their lives.
Anthony Jefferson wows as Musical Director Corey Allen looks on
London Jones | For You
Silas Records (1994)
by Peggy Oliver
It was twenty-five years ago when a promising singer/songwriter/producer entered the R&B market. London Jones was signed to Silas Records which resulted in his one and only recording from 1994, For You.
John Legend goes all out for the holidays with A Legendary Christmas
As his career continues ascending new heights, John Legend can unquestionably be deemed the consummate entertainer. For instance, Legend has now achieved the four prestigious entertainment awards in the Emmy, Tony, Oscar and Grammy, a remarkable achievement that even many superstars can not claim.
Will Downing | The Promise
Shanachie Records
by Peggy Oliver
When an artist who has maintained a career that is deemed successful, sometimes the stability in all the achievements and awards can be taken for granted.
Rhythm Tribe
“You Can’t Take Me Down”
(DanceMaster.com)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
Back in the `80s when I was playing drums in a couple of local L.A. bands, I ran into a group called Chain Reaction that had a unique approach to Dance Music as it stemmed from a fusion of R&B and Latin elements.
Wayne Shorter
Emanon
(Blue Note)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
August 25, 2018 marked the 85th birthday of one of contemporary music’s finest composer/musicians, Wayne Shorter. In an astounding career that has seen him ascend from Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and the second classic Miles Davis Quintet to co-founding Weather Report, all the while composing jazz immortals such as “Footprints,” “Speak No Evil” and Nefertiti” (to name just a few),…