Chrisette Michele | Let Freedom Reign
By Brent Faulkner
On her third effort, Let Freedom Reign, R&B singer Chrisette Michele alters her formula slightly, but for the most part she simply makes another consistent R&B album that feels notches above the gimmickry that has come to dominate more ‘contemporary’ R&B.
Ronald Isley | Mr. I
by Peggy Oliver
When I was asked to review Mr. I from Ron Isley, how could I pass up an opportunity to spend a few minutes talking about an already soulful legend in many people’s minds. I also happened to witness Mr. Ronald Isley being serenaded at the 2010 Soul Train Music Awards for his contributions to the urban music community.
El DeBarge | Second Chance
By Brent Faulkner
Sixteen years away is like an ‘eternity’ in the music industry (maybe even two). With an industry even more cutthroat and conniving than before, the standard one or two year hiatus artists take in between LPs turns out sometimes to be too long as a ‘new trend’ in music develops extremely quickly. The main problem is the ‘staying power’ that newer artists have – it seems more limited than the veterans.
Freddie Jackson | For You
by Brent Faulkner
Freddie Jackson exemplifies the great, “old-school” R&B/soul singer. Jackson comes from a time (the 1980s) when the adult contemporary R&B style (“grown-folks R&B”) was dominant. The sound from that era could be characterized as ‘hushed’ and ‘sensual.’
Amber Ojeda | Here I Am
By Brent Faulkner
There is nothing like hearing a promising new singer who can be defined as ‘genre-bending’ by nature. Upstart Amber Ojeda exemplifies the title of ‘genre-bender’ with her strong first effort, Here I Am, a nine song set that is consistent from start to finish.
Various Artists | For Love of Liberty Soundtrack
by Peggy Oliver
Wayman Tisdale | The Fonk Record
by Brent Faulkner
Wayman Tisdale was another ‘shining star’ who was ‘gone too soon.’ Although an extremely talented former professional basketball player, Tisdale was equally talented as a multi-instrumentalist, who focused on the bass for the most part. Sadly, in May 2009, Wayman died after a stint with cancer. What did not die was Tisdale’s legacy. Experimental project The Fonk Record (featuring Tiz & The Fonkie Planetarians) is an album that showcases Tisdale’s restless creativity as a musician.
Tracey Harris | Love 365
by Peggy Oliver
Tracey Harris is one of those soulful voices many may not be familiar with. She was first introduced professionally alongside a now popular contemporary jazz player who was also making his debut. Harris sang background on “Feels Good” and the title track of Najee’s 1986 Grammy Award-nominated, Najee’s Theme.
Take 6 | The Most Wonderful Time of The Year
By Peggy Oliver
If there is anybody who could jump start the holiday season with high class, Take 6 would win hands down. This sextet continues to bring their brand of a cappella stylized gospel to the forefront since they bowed on the national scene in 1987. Their humble beginnings were etched on the campus of Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama in 1980 as a quartet under the moniker Alliance.
Soul Unsigned, The Urban Soul Connection, Vol. 1
Soul Unsigned is exactly what it sounds like to the ear – a group of soul artists who are
‘upstarts,’ unsigned to a record label, or signed to independent labels. This compilation in …