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R&B Music, Page 18

Julie Dexter | New Again

Julie Dexter - New Again art cover
 
Julie Dexter | New Again
by Brent Faulkner
 
Julie Dexter, a British independent soul/jazz artist, recently released her fourth LP, 2011’s New Again. As a vocalist, Julie Dexter is a ‘smooth operator,’ borrowing some cues from the past, namely from jazz vocalists and R&B vocalists; Sade’s cool sound comes to mind when making comparisons and descriptions of Dexter’s approach. Throughout, Julie Dexter’s voice is smooth, pure, and refined, never losing any of it’s sugary, sensual goodness.

Malika Zarra | Berber Taxi

Malika Zarra - Berber Taxi
 
Album Review: Malika Zarra – Berber Taxi
By Peggy Oliver
 
Most have heard the old saying life imitating art. Yet maybe art imitating life would best apply to singer/songwriter Malika Zarra. Zarra was practically a sponge from the time she was singing and dancing as a little girl in her home country of Morocco. Even after she moved with her family to France at three years old, music would always rule Zarra’s mind and soul. Thanks to a wealth of music at her fingertips, her influences were extremely eclectic; from classic Moroccan pop (Haja Hamdaouia) to classic Arabic pop (Warda Al-Jazairia).

Keke Wyatt | Unbelievable!

KekeWyatt_Unbelievable
 
Keke Wyatt | Unbelievable!
Shanchie Entertainment
 
By Peggy Oliver
 
It seems Keke Wyatt is finally making up for lost time. Since being first introduced to the public in 2001 with Soul Sista, personal matters and record label issues consumed Wyatt’s path towards more radio exposure for radio and notoriety as a solo recording artist.

Aretha Franklin | A Woman Falling Out Of Love

Aretha Franklin - A Woman Falling Out Of Love
 
Aretha Franklin
A Woman Falling Out of Love
(Aretha’s Records)
by A. Scott Galloway
 
For every longstanding fan that has been waiting for The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin to turn back the hands of time and deliver an album of goose bump-raising performances, this is the answer to every little prayer you’ve said. Talk about inspired. Sister Franklin has been clandestinely finessing this 12-song labor of love for many years, producing much of it herself and giving every component two bosoms worth of tender loving care.

Kelly Price | Kelly

Kelly Price - Kelly
 
Kelly Price | Kelly
by Brent Faulkner
 
It is not unusual for artists who are namely R&B/soul artists to venture into the world of gospel. Oft times, the ‘change of pace’ is only for a season, with the occasional gospel release interspersed between R&B releases. Al Green and Aretha Franklin, both of whom have released gospel albums, for example, returned to their R&B ‘stomping ground.’

Kim Burrell | The Love Album

Kim Burrell - The Love Album
 
Album Review: Kim Burrell | The Love Album
By Peggy Oliver
 
When Kim Burrell was introduced to the gospel world on Everlasting Love in 1998, the anticipation was justified; from her fellow peers to being rewarded with the prestigious Stellar Award for urban gospel excellence. Many musicians were awed by her rich husky voice dropped an array of gorgeous colors with stunning timing and total ease.

Noel Gourdin | Fresh: The Definition

Noel Gourdin - Fresh The Definition
 
Noel Gourdin | Fresh: The Definition
by Brent Faulkner
 
2008’s debut effort After My Time was a solid first showing for R&B talent Noel Gourdin, but failed to make Gourdin a commercially successful artist. That said, the Epic debut was an album that was critically sound and characterized Gourdin as a new R&B artist who talents harkened back to “the old days.” With the exceptional single “The River,” Noel Gourdin established he was an anti-establishment R&B artist who wished to preserve the ‘glory days’ of soul and chivalry, something so much R&B music today fails to highlight.

Dionne | Living in the Music (EP)

Dionne - Living In The Music
 
Dionne | Living in the Music (EP)
By Peggy Oliver
 
I must give kudos to 111 East Music for doing their homework in finding vocal jewels like Dionne, a singer/songwriter who paints plenty of vivid pictures with her music. The Texas born, now Washington, DC based neo-soul/jazz stylist simply loves to inspire those who want to live life to the fullest. Every time she blazes the stage, one seems to gravitate towards her sincere, energetic personality who takes the inspirations of India.Arie and Anita Baker right along with her.

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