Dave Tolliver | Somethin Like The Greatest
Spectra Music Group
by Brent Faulkner
R&B singer Dave Tolliver is best known as the lead singer of 90s New Jack Swing R&B group Men At Large. Men At Large itself was best known for a song called “So Alone,” which was an R&B hit and relatively successful on the pop charts.
Tisha Campbell-Martin – “Steel Here”
song & video musings by A. Scott Galloway
Among the most powerful songs written are those that lay bare truths as learned from the artist and relayed so that they may be recognized and/or learned from by others. The ultimate purpose of a music video, beyond advertising and entertainment, is to further illuminate and/or artistically illustrate the meaning of a song. In the case of singer/actress/dancer Tisha Campbell-Martin’s “Steel Here,” the video colorfully peels back the layers of the lyrics to make the song more clearly understood.
Kim Burrell | A Different Place
Shanachie Records
by Brent Faulkner
Some of the best vocalists across all of music hail from gospel music. Gospel singers tend to have madd pipes that are clearly anointed by the spirit. Sure, not everyone is a believer and gospel music appeals to particular a niche, but what’s indisputable is the skill set of that the gospel musician possesses. Veteran, Grammy award-nominated gospel vocalist Kim Burrell exemplifies the prodigiously talented musician, period.
Jonathan McReynolds | Life Music: Stage Two
by Peggy Oliver
For those whose gospel music election is sure, their journeys carry them through ever changing life scenarios. When Jonathan McReynolds recorded his debut album in 2011, Life Music, he was a college student who was breaking into his own artistry zone.
Lizz Wright | Freedom and Surrender
Concord Music Group
by Peggy Oliver
When it all comes down to experiencing life, no matter what occupation we choose, seasons of transitions are almost inevitable. Musicians are especially subject to seasonal phases in their artistry, whether it’s industry business or personal revelations.
Terri Lyne Carrington | The Mosaic Project: Love and Soul
Concord Records
by Peggy Oliver
Music was at Terri Lyne Carrington’s beckoned call throughout her childhood. Her father was president of the Boston Jazz Society and her grandfather Matt Carrington presented a drum set to his grandchild at age seven. The private lessons that followed have taken her through many thrilling experiences since playing alongside trumpeter Clark Terry at eleven years old.
Kheyra | Take Flight
by Brent Faulkner
It was a sad day when the neo-soul movement died… hold up – did it ever really die? Nope! While neo-soul has faded from being a propelling force in contemporary R&B circles, those dedicated to style continue to feature it as part of their music. R&B newcomer Kheyra is one of those who’s music not only embraces contemporary R&B styles, but also keeps neo-soul alive and kicking!
Janet Jackson – “No Sleeep”
Single Review
by A. Scott Galloway
Janet’s “No Sleeep,” the lead single from a forthcoming project potentially to be titled Conversations in a Café, is a sensual, laid back, easy-on-the-ears groove – something she does very well and that her writing/production partners Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis make to seem effortless. It’s a smooth summer song (think “…And On and On..,” “That’s The Way Love Goes”) and Jam & Lewis did an excellent job of creating an aural space for Janet’s singular sound.
Tamia | Love Life
Def Jam Recordings
by Darnell Meyers-Johnson
Tamia was literally picked from obscurity 20 years ago when Quincy Jones auditioned her for his 1995 album Q’s JOOK JOINT. Her solo feature, “You Put A Move On My Heart” became the set’s lead single and earned Tamia the first of her six Grammy nominations. The rest, as they say, is history.
Playboy Jazz Festival – Day 2 – Sunday June 14, 2015
A Concert Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
Photos: Mathew Imaging
Brown Bunnies of Playboy
An afternoon of tradition and roots gave way to an evening of mash-ups and fusions for the second day of the 37th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl.
You cannot copy content of this page