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
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.
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.
Amber Ojeda | Here I Am
By Brent Faulkner
There is nothing like hearing a promising new singer who can be defined as ‘genre-bending’ by nature. Upstart Amber Ojeda exemplifies the title of ‘genre-bender’ with her strong first effort, Here I Am, a nine song set that is consistent from start to finish.
Tracey Harris | Love 365
by Peggy Oliver
Tracey Harris is one of those soulful voices many may not be familiar with. She was first introduced professionally alongside a now popular contemporary jazz player who was also making his debut. Harris sang background on “Feels Good” and the title track of Najee’s 1986 Grammy Award-nominated, Najee’s Theme.
Soul Unsigned, The Urban Soul Connection, Vol. 1
Soul Unsigned is exactly what it sounds like to the ear – a group of soul artists who are
‘upstarts,’ unsigned to a record label, or signed to independent labels. This compilation in …
John Legend & The Roots | Wake Up!
By Susan Mutharia
The year 2008 saw the resurrection of faith and hope in America. On that year, many saw themselves not only as citizens of a country but citizens of the world. People started joining together and saying, “Yes we surely can.” Others went a step further and asked, “What can I do and where do I start?” R&B singer John Legend answered that question by uniting with the great hip-hop group, The Roots.
Fantasia | Back To Me
by Susan Mutharia
“I’m the American idol because my lips are big but, my talent is bigger.” I still remember laughing out loud when Fantasia Barrino said those words during American idol season three. Laughing is the last thing I was doing when she sang Summertime. Laughing is the last thing she was doing when she was crowned the American Idol.
Calvin Richardson | America’s Most Wanted
by Peggy Oliver
First and foremost, I must ask how can Calvin Richardson top himself after his stunning Bobby Womack tribute project from 2009? Being the so-called Soul Prince, the task should not be too difficult. And who would complain when one’s current back-up band turns out to be The Revelations coming oh-so-fresh off their 2009 contributions, Deep Soul and The Bleeding Edge, that was a meeting of blistering southern soul recalling Stax, Hi and Malaco Records and streetwise sensibility.
Incognito | Transatlantic RPM
by Peggy Oliver
Happy 30th Anniversary Incognito! Yes; thirty years of old school soul, funk, disco, hip-hop and jazz produced by the U.K. sensation that still sounds as fresh today as when they were first introduced to the world in 1980 with an album appropriately named Jazz Funk. Despite a ten-year absence after their debut, they returned to the recording studio with Inside Life and have never looked back since.