On N’Dambi’s “Pink Elephant” CD, her first for the newly reactivated Stax Records and fourth solo disc overall, she stretches the boundaries of R&B with her funky, soulful, gut bucky, sensual, yet smooth vocals. Produced by legendary producer/musician Leon Sylvers, III. This 12 song setlist are comprised of songs that …
Steve Arrington | Pure Thang
By Marv D.
It was “Just A Touch Of Love” that had him “Watching You”. Then he said “Wait For Me” while he took your “Snapshot”. After a lengthy discussion, he took you “Way Out” and concluded that “Nobody Can Be You” and made you “Weak At The Knees”. And told the world that you “Feel So Real” and was “Dancing In The Key Of Life”. Come to find out she was sneaking around with his “Homeboy”. He looked to God and got “Jammed Pack” with the spirit of “Stoned Love”.
Criss Starr | Yours 4 Ever
by Terrill Hanna
Sometimes, all it takes is a few tracks on a EP to highlight a particular gift in music an artist has for themselves to offer is enough. In some cases, this formula is good enough. For others, it requires some more work in the studio to put out 10-12 tracks. For another set, 12-20 tracks. Some compositions with none to little minutes, the other half, minimum 3 minutes & more are needed. But it depends.
Al B. Sure! | Honey I’m Home
By Peggy Oliver
When the new jack swing era piloted by producer Teddy Riley was in full effect between the late eighties and mid-nineties, vocal groups Guy, New Edition and Ready For The World plus others represented the R&B hit machine on a regular basis. Tight-knit soulful voices fed off funk induced, fresh swinging beats mostly created by electronic drum sets or drum machines. The recipe of heavy beats and sweet harmonies won over R&B fans and influenced like-minded hit makers.
Joe | Signature
by George Strand
Having a way with music all of his life, Mr. Joe Lewis Thomas had this knack or flair for the intimacy of love songs & ballads. A question that always receives an answer on all of the LP’s throughout his career in R&B music.
Calvin Richardson | Facts of Life: The Soul of Bobby Womack
by Terrill Hanna
There’s something unique that draws me to the voice of young Calvin Richardson. Could it be that one of his biggest strengths is his ability to ‘bring it’ vocally from the soul? Is it the choice that he made in striving to continue uplifting the spiritual aspect of Traditional R&B/Soul music for today’s listeners? Or is it how tasteful & polished some of his recent work has shined on us, how consistent he remains to be with it & a determination to keep it real by all those standards it requires?
Teena Marie | Congo Square
by Peggy Oliver
With the upcoming release of Teena Marie’s latest recording, there are two notable items that deserve attention. Number one: Congratulations to the singer/songwriter/musician’s thirtieth anniversary in the recording industry. The second and one for the music history books: The new disc – Congo Square – begins a new chapter for Marie at Stax Records, one of the few urban owned record labels in the U.S, signifying the second signing to an urban company for a Caucasian artist.
Patti Austin | An Inspirational Holiday
By George Strand
Whenever Patti Austin‘s name comes to my mind, a reflection of deeply rooted rhythm & blues music illuminates. A sense, or shall I say, a great memory of classic joys of ‘Havana Candy’ automatically drifts into play.
Soul of the Holidays | Various Artists
By Terrill J. Hanna
What a unique way to not only feature a great selection of special music artists to an evening of fantastic, special Christmas music on stage. But to demonstrate how well WHUR/Howard University Records had produced this concert with proceeds to benefit their “Food2Feed” nonprofit organization, designed to help Washington DC area families with monetary donations & non-perishable food items.
Brian McKnight | I’ll Be Home For Christmas
By Shellie A.
Bring in the Holiday Season with Brian McKnight and his New Christmas Album I’ll Be Home For Christmas. You’ll enjoy your all time favorites along with new ballads he crooned to. Brian McKnight is excellent. He stayed true to his craft and produced a great Christmas album.