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Neo-Soul, Page 6

Marques Houston | Famous

Marques Houston II
 
Marques Houston | Famous
Shanachie Records
by Peggy Oliver
 
Vocalists who have established their niche with their hit-making history rarely feel they need to tamper with success, as long it sustains a win-win situation between themselves and their fans. The truly wise at heart artist is also willing to tweak a few ideas or two in staying relevant with what the current market dictates. Since breaking into the industry with the nineties’ urban boy band sensations, Immature/IMX, Marques Houston has been accustomed in giving the people what they sincerely want.

Chante Moore | Moore Is More

Chante Moore - Moore is More
 
Chante Moore | Moore Is More
Shanachie Records
by Darnell Meyers-Johnson
 
It’s difficult to get a handle on Chante Moore’s position as a recording artist.; her “lane” if you will. On her brilliantly flawless debut album, 1992′s PRECIOUS, she gave us a seamless blend of romance inspired, jazz-tinged R&B. And we ate it up like wedding cake. Hits like “It’s Alright” and “Love’s Taken Over” remain anintegral part of her repertoire.

Joe | Doubleback: Evolution of R&B

Joe - DoubleBack - The Evolution of R&B
 
Joe | DoubleBack: Evolution of R&B
Massenburg Media
By Brent Faulkner
 
Like many of his colleagues, Joe Thomas (simply known as Joe) moved from
a major to an independent label. Although Joe released four albums via
Kedar between 2008 and 2011, the musician’s best known work resides
during his Jive Records days, where hits like “Stutter” and “I Wanna
Know” took radio by storm and propelled the singer’s career.

Sheléa | Love Fell On Me

Shelea - Love Fell On Me
 
Shelea | Love Fell on Me
Breath Of Life Records
By Peggy Oliver
 
While the world was mourning the passing of Whitney Houston, the tributes were understandably fast and furious offerings of documentaries and musical friends on award shows, whom all embraced the passion from this electrifying icon. But what generated one of the biggest fan love fests came from the mighty world of the internet.

Maysa | Blue Velvet Soul

Maysa - Blue Velvet Soul
 
Maysa | Blue Velvet Soul
Shanachie Records
Review by Peggy Oliver
 
In a sea of R&B, soul and jazz stars, urban music aficionados can count on Maysa to present a complete package in terms of quality musical entertainment. Since the early nineties, Maysa’s resume includes nine albums as a soloist, and her regular contributions with popular U.K. soul/jazz group, Incognito. For elevating the art of soul music to a level of shear class, Soul Train awarded Maysa as the Soul Approved Underground Singer.

Bilal | A Love Surreal

Bilal : A Love Surreal.
 
Bilal | A Love Surreal
Entertainment One Music
by Brent Faulkner
 
Within 2012-2013’s soul realm, enthusiasm seems to be most concentrated
within the alternative-R&B wing, led by burgeoning, eclectic artists
including Frank Ocean, Miguel, and The Weeknd. Before the newly
incited alt-R&B movement,….eclecticism, creativity, and the ‘will to
be different’ approach already pulsated through soul darling, Bilal
Oliver. 2013’s highly anticipated A Love Surreal (released via eOne)
continues to exhibit exceptional musicianship and stylistic flexibility
Bilal has showcased from years in the game.

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.

Charlie Wilson | Love, Charlie

Charlie Wilson - Love, Charlie
 
Charlie Wilson | Love, Charlie
(RCA Records)
by Brent Faulkner
 
R&B/Soul veteran Charlie Wilson returns with 2013 anticipated sixth solo album, Love, Charlie. Wilson continues an illustrious solo career following his tenure in the legendary The Gap Band, which spawned numerous hits in the late 70’s and 80’s. Love, Charlie interestingly, is the fourth consecutive album to feature the name ‘Charlie’ in its title, following Charlie, Last Name Wilson (2005), Uncle Charlie (2008), and Just Charlie (2010).

Syleena Johnson | Acoustic Soul Sessions

Syleena Johnson - Soul Sessions I
 
Syleena Johnson | Acoustic Soul Sessions
By Peggy Oliver
 
Syleena Johnson must have graduated from the school of hard knocks. Her closest fans certainly know the path to survival she has endured industry wise. After a debut independent release in 1999, Johnson signed to a major label. Those first three Chapters from Jive Records earned some respectable hits even though the daughter of blues legend Syl Johnson never cracked the top forty compared to R&B peers including Beyonce and Faith (Evans).

Mint Condition | Music @ The Speed Of Life

Mint Condition - Music @ The Speed of Life
 
Mint Condition
Music @ the Speed of Life
(Shanachie Ent.)
By Peggy Oliver
 
Longevity is a rare commodity in the world of show business, especially for the sake of musical ensembles. Many bands remain for a long time but their personnel moves are a constant for whatever the reason. Thankfully there are high quality bands who are able to maintain their core members; persevering through the long course of recording, touring and other media commitments. Mint Condition has weathered this relentless course since its inception, losing only keyboard player Keri Lewis in 2005.

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