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R&B Music, Page 14

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).

Will Downing | Silver

Will Downing - Silver
 
Will Downing | Silver
(Liaison Records Dist.)
Penned by Brent Faulkner
 
Grammy-nominated vocalist Will Downing celebrates his silver anniversary
in the music industry fittingly with independently released 16th album,
Silver (February 12, 2013) via Liaison Records. Silver is neither a
‘best of’ nor completely new; it is distinguished by an 11-track
combination of new, borrowed, and classic songs.

Swing Out Sister | Private View

Swing Out Sister - Private View Pic
 
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.

José James | No Beginning No End

José James - NoBeginningNoEnd_cover
 
Jose James | No Beginning No End
Blue Note Records
By Peggy Oliver
 
As the independent music market is growing leaps and bounds amongst the mainstream industry, more singer/songwriters are daring to think further outside the mainstream. With a voice that transcends numerous genres, no one could or should pigeonhole Jose James’ intentions as an artist. His uncanny ability and mellow flair in guiding pop and R&B melodies
into unexpected territory has made Jose James a respected figure in the underground music circles.

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.

Pete Belasco | Lights On

Pete Belasco - Lights On
 
Pete Belasco
Lights On
(Eaak Music)
By Brent Faulkner
 
On Pete Belasco’s third studio album Lights On, which arrives seven years after his last, the singer/songwriter/keyboardist/saxophonist covers smooth jazz, R&B, and soul styles. According to his bio (www.petebelasco.com), Belasco’s music career began as a pianist, though he eventually focused on the saxophone, playing in various bands during high school and studying it in college.

Leela James | Loving You More…In the Spirit of Etta James

Leela James - Loving You More
 
Leela James
Loving You More…In the Spirit of Etta James
(Shanachie)
By Peggy Oliver
 
When a potential artist navigates the journey to professional music glory, their friends and family probably told them at one point that they were born to be a star. Then there are others who hint that the aspiring talent reminds them of a specific music superstar. As Leela James was preparing to aim her sights towards greater musical heights, she already had an advantage over some of her counterparts. Her rich, blues-enriched voice drew comparisons since childhood to Etta James, an influential vocalist who garnered a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award and an induction to the Rock and Roll of Fame in 1993.

Teri Tobin | So Good To Me

Teri Tobin - So Good To Me
 
Teri Tobin
So Good to Me
(Sol to Kep Ent.)
By Peggy Oliver
 
Despite one’s musical training throughout childhood and college, one earmark of a credible artist is digging into their lifelong experiences and translating those special stories to effectively communicate with their audiences. Those persistent and driven talents refuse to be weighed down by musical trends or record sales in dictating their artistry and achievements. This certainly works in favor of independent artists who are simply doing it for the love of their craft.

Various Artists | Sweet Soul Select Artists, World Soul Collective, Vol. 1

Various Artists
Sweet Soul Select Artists, World Soul Collective, Vol. 1
(Sweet Soul Records)


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”!

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