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International, Page 2

Paul Hardcastle | VII

Paul Hardcastle - VII
 
Paul Hardcastle | VII
By Peggy Oliver
 
Paul Hardcastle has unashamedly flown the banner for electronic music since 1984 while encompassing a kaleidoscope of soundscapes from hip-hop, R&B, funk and dance to numerous contemporary jazz recordings under the Jazzmasters, Kiss the Sky and under his own name. One of Hardcastle’s first endeavors was “You’re the One for Me” by underground soul man, D-Train. Pop music culture is most familiar with his early hits such as the techno-thumping, “19,” an emotional tale about the injustices of the Vietnam War.

Gyles | Love & Denial

Gyles - Love & Denial
 
Gyles | Love & Denial
(2012 Duffmusiq)
by Brent Faulkner
 
Described as a “powerhouse vocalist and thoughtful lyricist”, R&B
artist Gyles releases EP Love & Denial via Duffmusiq, supported by a
lofty list of accomplishments. Amongst her artistic resumé, Gyles has
lent her vocals to a host of award-winning and nominated artists
including Juno award recipients Carlos Morgan and Jully Black, and Juno
nominee Camille Davis.

Swing Out Sister | Private View

Swing Out Sister - Private View Pic
 
Swing Out Sister | Private View
Shanachie Records
By Peggy Oliver
 
When Corrine Drewery first decided to pursue music without the benefit of professional experience, one could imagine there were plenty of hoops to jump. From impressing and winning over band mates Andy Connell and Martin Jackson of Swing Out Sister, to eventually releasing their debut album in 1985, It’s Better to Travel, for the mainstream market, Drewery was in for a very profitable future. The humble beginnings were understandably bumpy as their very first single flopped.

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”!

Incognito | Surreal

IncognitoSurreal600Sq
 
Incognito | Surreal
(Shanachie)
By Peggy Oliver
 
How does one band with a revolving door of contributors for over three different decades manage to obtain incredible longevity without missing a beat? What has kept Incognito – the multi-cultural, multi-personnel phenomenon that was highly responsible for sparking the eighties’ acid jazz movement – sounding so fresh, remaining so relevant and making it look so effortless? It all lies in the architect of Incognito, Jean-Paul Maunick a.k.a. “Bluey” – the group’s main songwriter and arranger – who refuses to change his musical stripes and feeds off of an indescribable energetic kick from his extended musical family.

Amy Winehouse | Lioness: Hidden Treasures

Amy Winehousde - Lioness Hidden Treasures
 
Amy Winehouse | Lioness: Hidden Treasures
by Brent Faulkner
 
When British soul singer Amy Winehouse passed away in July 2011 at age
27, the world lost a talented musician way too soon. While many
predicted Winehouse’s battle with demons would be her ultimate and
perhaps untimely demise, the world was saddened that such a distinct,
passionate, and soulful voice was gone so soon.

Malika Zarra | Berber Taxi

Malika Zarra - Berber Taxi
 
Album Review: Malika Zarra – Berber Taxi
By Peggy Oliver
 
Most have heard the old saying life imitating art. Yet maybe art imitating life would best apply to singer/songwriter Malika Zarra. Zarra was practically a sponge from the time she was singing and dancing as a little girl in her home country of Morocco. Even after she moved with her family to France at three years old, music would always rule Zarra’s mind and soul. Thanks to a wealth of music at her fingertips, her influences were extremely eclectic; from classic Moroccan pop (Haja Hamdaouia) to classic Arabic pop (Warda Al-Jazairia).

Les Nubians | Nu Revolution

Les Nubians - Nu Revolution
 
Les Nubians | Nu Revolution
By Peggy Oliver
 
Sometimes in the grand scheme of music, there are history lessons that are taught. Born of a French father and Cameroonian mother, the sisters spent time -between their birthplace of Paris, France, the war-torn Chad, Africa – where their father volunteered for the Red Cross – and Bordeaux, France. When Helene moved away at age nineteen, Celia was battling loneliness but remained passionate about music, especially when it came to jazz.

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