Christina Simos | It’s All About Me
by Brent Faulkner
Christina Simos can be defined as a crossover artist. Bridging styles encompassing R&B, funk, pop, rock, and singer-songwriter, Simos’s full length All About Me can be described as a ‘musical melting pot.’ Simos seems to be on a stylistic ‘road trip’ throughout, sometimes with smooth transitions while at other times questionable ones.
Brenna MacQuarrie | Hybrid
By Peggy Oliver
Brenna MacQuarrie is a seasoned performer who handles various genres from musical theater to electronica with ease. Ever since the age of eight, the Canadian native clearly enjoys her craft and it shows in her commanding vocals and poised stage presence. Through her career, MacQuarrie has been a regular staple in her birthplace of Edmonton, Alberta and more recently on the Toronto club circuit, where she continues to grow and mature as a performer in front of various audience settings.
Corinne Bailey Rae | The Love EP
by Brent Faulkner
British singer/songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae exemplifies talent deserving wider recognition. Bailey Rae’s 2006 self-titled debut effort was critically acclaimed and a massive seller in the U.S., propelled by popular, Grammy-nominated singles “Put Your Records On” and “Just Like A Star.”
Keke Palmer | Awaken Mixtape
By Peggy Oliver
Keke Palmer started chasing her dream of becoming a double threat entertainer since she was in grade school. And she had the advantage of developing her voice in her mother’s home recording studio. Once the very gifted Palmer (born Lauren Keyana ‘Keke’ Palmer) ventured out to make her dream reality, she went through the motions of various rejections, including her audition being edited out of American Idol’s short-lived spin off series, American Juniors.
J Poww | Journey of A Man
By Susan Mutharia
Before Pathway to the Moon by MN8 and All My Life by KCi & JoJo, there was So In Love by U.N.V…. Remember that ballad? Remember the group? Remember one of the singers, J. Poww? Well, he is back with another solo album entitled Journey Of A Man.
Though it’s been a minute since we heard from the group U.N.V, J Poww has not been silent. In January of 2009, he released his first solo debut The Headliner that featured tracks such as Y Can’t She Be You and Fall In Love All Over Again. Now he is back with his second album Journey Of A Man. Released on December 4, 2010 through Powwer Moves Records LLC., Journey of A Man features twenty R&B tracks with some hip-hop mix. The video of the single I’m Not In Love has already been accepted and added to the video play list by VH1. To continue, Please click “MORE”!
Patti Austin | Sound Advice
By Peggy Oliver
Patti Austin’s extraordinary voice is a songwriter’s sweetest dream. Since she bowed on the stage at The Apollo Theater at age four with her godmother Dinah Washington, Austin was highly destined to be a songwriter’s best friend. Her maturity as a vocalist grew as a teenager touring with the legendary Harry Belafonte.
Album Review: Lillo Thomas | Come And Get It by Randy Mahon Brooklyn, NY native Lillo Thomas returns after a 23 year absence with a poignant and soulful project, “Come And Get It”. Released independently on the Fitingo Records imprint, this 13 track CD picks up where Lillo left off …
Wendy Moten | Tis The Season
By Peggy Oliver
Wendy Moten’s beautifully timed and gorgeously tuned voice has graced the music industry for almost two decades, even if her solo recording exposure was somewhat unappreciated. No matter what the genre, her instrument was well utilized with international superstars, both in the studio and in concert. From Michael Bolton, to Faith Hill & Tim McGraw and Julio Iglesias, Moten was a much in-demand backing and featured vocalist.
Avant | The Letter
By Brent Faulkner
Avant comes from an older school of R&B singers – much in the vein of R. Kelly – who are the ‘consummate lover men.’ Avant has never truly broken from the shadow of Kelly, probably not aided by the constant comparisons. The problem also stems from the fact that Avant bowed years after Kelly had already long been established, making the singer play a game of ‘catch up,’ which truly was not fair given his vocal abilities.
Charlie Wilson | Just Charlie
By Brent Faulkner
Charlie Wilson is one of few classic R&B stars who still has a sense of ‘relevance’ in an R&B market dominated by ‘trendiness’ and ‘gimmickry.’ Wilson is the consummate talent who could make even the weakest material sound nothing less than ‘magnificent.’