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.
Booker T & Friends L.A. Show is Like A “See Saw”
by A. Scott Galloway
Memphis-born Rhythm & Blues legend Booker T. Jones held court with a Tuesday June 25th album release concert/videotaping at the El Rey Theater in Mid-Wilshire Los Angeles to coincide with the in-store date of his new album, Sound The Alarm, which marks his return to the latest incarnation of Stax Records (via Concord). Co-produced by Jones with soul sons The Avila Brothers, the 12-song CD hiply bridges both retro and contemporary musical directions plus features guests on all but two selections. That treatment was also given to the concert – a show that much like the Don Covay/Steve Cropper song made famous by Aretha, was like a “See Saw” in terms of what worked and what did not work.
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
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.
Bluey | Leap of Faith
Shanachie Records
By Brent Faulkner
Jazz/R&B musician Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick is best known as the
founder of London acid-jazz/funk group Incognito. A guitarist,
vocalist, producer, and composer, Bluey is additionally notable for
collaborative efforts with Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, and George Benson
among others. 2013s Leap of Faith is Bluey’s first solo album, released
via Shanachie Records. On the 10-track, 45 minute effort, Bluey composes
and produces the effort himself.
Brian McKnight | More Than Words
Entertainment One
by Brent Faulkner
R&B veteran Brian McKnight continues on the indie route with the
release of third Entertainment One (eOne) effort, More Than Words.
More Than Words is McKnight’s 15th studio album. Throughout the course
of the effort, McKnight continues to showcase his musical talents,
serving as the set’s executive producer, multi-instrumentalist (bass,
keyboards, guitar, etc.), songwriter, and most importantly, vocalist.
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.
Phil Perry | Say Yes
Shanachie Records
By Peggy Oliver
No matter how experienced, appreciated and in-demand a musician or singer occasionally the artistic drought hits them a ton of bricks. After releasing his solo album released around 9/11, Magic, Phil Perry faced that mountain. For those who may not be as familiar with Perry’s resume, he had already etched a reputation as one of the most popular background vocalists with a body of work that included Barbara Streisand, Chaka Khan, and Lee Ritenour, amongst many others.
Dessy Di Lauro | This Is Neo-Ragtime
by Brent Faulkner
Montreal vocalist Dessy Di Lauro is ‘one of a kind’. Touting an impressive resumé (Patti LaBelle, The Neville Brothers, Cirque du Soleil, etc.) as well as a rich musical education, Di Lauro is nothing short of accomplished. Presenting original music described as “Feathered Fro-hawk Futuristic Art Deco-Centric Harlem Renaissance Hep Music,” Di Lauro fuses elements of ragtime, stride, and early jazz with the urban contemporary sounds of the present on 2013’s This Is Neo-Ragtime.
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.