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.
Sade
“Flower of the Universe (from Disney’s ‘A Wrinkle in Time’)”
(Sony)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
Sade peeks over the horizon like a sunrise with a special offering to the soundtrack of the Disney film “A Wrinkle in Time” with the dreamy “Flower of the Universe” – the band’s first studio recording since the Soldier of Love CD in 2010. Mellow as a Zen mantra, the piece recalls past floating and ambient Sade gems such as “I Never Thought I’d See the Day” and “Like a Tattoo.”
Esperanza Spalding | Emily’s D+Evolution
by Peggy Oliver
In mid-2015, Esperanza Spalding was about to prepare her fanbase for some musical vignettes incorporating aspects of theater, unveiling her inner childlike, yet intriguing thoughts about love, life, and everything in between for Emily’s D+Evolution.
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
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”!
Ellee Ven | Her Wildcat Lovin’ Majesty
By Stella Titus-Ayala
The Beautiful Ellee Ven, hailing from Lexington, KY, is a current Pop/Indie independent artist from the label Hot Sauce Records. Her new CD, “Her Wildcat Lovin’ Majesty” was released last year in May 2011.
For starters, the first track on the album SIGNALS, by far, is the best song Ellee Ven delivered.
Lenny Kravitz | Black and White America
by Brent Faulkner
With his ninth studio effort Black and White America, soulful, psychedelic rock-veteran Lenny Kravitz delivers his best studio effort in years. The full range of influences are in effect on this superb effort, which finds Kravitz channeling his idol Prince and perhaps most surprisingly Marvin Gaye (“Liquid Jesus”).