Neo-Soul, Page 12

 
Al B. Sure! | Honey I’m Home
By Peggy Oliver
 
When the new jack swing era piloted by producer Teddy Riley was in full effect between the late eighties and mid-nineties, vocal groups Guy, New Edition and Ready For The World plus others represented the R&B hit machine on a regular basis. Tight-knit soulful voices fed off funk induced, fresh swinging beats mostly created by electronic drum sets or drum machines. The recipe of heavy beats and sweet harmonies won over R&B fans and influenced like-minded hit makers.

 
Teena Marie | Congo Square
by Peggy Oliver
 
With the upcoming release of Teena Marie’s latest recording, there are two notable items that deserve attention. Number one: Congratulations to the singer/songwriter/musician’s thirtieth anniversary in the recording industry. The second and one for the music history books: The new disc – Congo Square – begins a new chapter for Marie at Stax Records, one of the few urban owned record labels in the U.S, signifying the second signing to an urban company for a Caucasian artist.

 
Calvin Richardson | When Love Comes
by Terrill Hanna
 
The Soul Prince of Urban Romance…..I Like That!
 
Calvin Richardson delivers a strong, soulful passage of good music. Intimate & seductive at times, but by all means, his unique approach to love stems straight from the title of his new release, “When Love Comes.” And that theme marks the direction he tends to take the listener on. With smooth, slow geared love tracks, which amplifies his vocal touch, I was in for a real treat. A gem in the making. No doubt!

 
Jill Scott | The Real Thing Words & Sounds Vol. 3
By Terrill Hanna
 
Of the 17 minutes I heard from the Hidden Beach label’s sampler, I’m very pleased to state that Jill Scott’s album is going to be another hot one!
 
The sampler didn’t have track listings, but for the flow & direction that disc sent me, it indicates she has groove on the groove patrol for listeners in the neo-soul world. Not to mention, the strength in melodies orchestrated from her production team came strong! No doubt.

 
Kelly Rowland | Ms. Kelly
By T. Hanna
 
Here comes Ms. Rowland! Oops, I mean “Ms. Kelly”…
 
Under the 2nd release from departing Destiny’s Child for a solo career, Kelly plays & dabbles the urban R&B scene with “Ms. Kelly“;

 
Kenny Lattimore and Chante Moore | Uncovered and Covered
By Terrill Hanna
 
Is It Mr. & Mrs. Lattimore once again? Yes, and it is with something very special & unique from to offer to the masses!
 
This Husband/Wife duo presents to us both sides of the secular & gospel spectrum with a gracious 2 CD set: “Uncovered/Covered.”