Ann Nesby | Ann Nesby’s Soulful Christmas
Tyscot Records – 2009
By Peggy Oliver
There was a surefire electric night at the Gospel Music Channel’s studio in Atlanta, Georgia because Ann Nesby was in the building. What a wonderful gesture to present a special Christmas gift – Ann Nesby’s Soulful Christmas – to all her fans after releasing a disc earlier this year – The Lula Lee Project.
Victoria White | The Upside New Jersey born, South Carolina raised singer/songwriter/guitarist, Victoria White, releases her second solo disc, aptly titled “The Upside”. It’s a fine 11 track collection of Soul with acoustic and folk elements weaved in. Discovered & produced by 14 year Earth, Wind & Fire alum, fellow …
This promising debut CD “Loving Life”(Epiphany Productions), from Bay Area native Kaylah Marin, is a nice collection of good old fashioned Soul with the flair of thoughtful and introspective lyrics. Produced by hit making producer, Narada Michael Walden, (Whitney Houston “How Will I Know”, Mariah Carey “I Don’t Wanna Cry” …
Angie Stone | Unexpected
by Peggy Oliver
Remember the artist Angie B? That was the moniker for Angie Stone during her days as part of the Sugar Hill Records trio The Sequence, who along with Ladies Fresh opened the female rap game for the Salt ‘n Peppa’s and Queen Latifah’s of the world. But from the ‘who would have known’ department; who could have imagined the rapper Angie B transforming into a sophisticated songstress named Stone breathing new life into hip-hop a decade later?
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?