Bootsy Collins | Tha Funk Capital of The World
(Megaforce/Capitol)
by A. Scott Galloway
2012 will mark the 40th anniversary of when MOST people first discovered William “Bootsy” Collins. He made his recording debut as a member of Funkadelic on its fourth project, the double-Lp America Eats Its Young (1972).
Noel Gourdin | Fresh: The Definition
by Brent Faulkner
2008’s debut effort After My Time was a solid first showing for R&B talent Noel Gourdin, but failed to make Gourdin a commercially successful artist. That said, the Epic debut was an album that was critically sound and characterized Gourdin as a new R&B artist who talents harkened back to “the old days.” With the exceptional single “The River,” Noel Gourdin established he was an anti-establishment R&B artist who wished to preserve the ‘glory days’ of soul and chivalry, something so much R&B music today fails to highlight.
Dionne | Living in the Music (EP)
By Peggy Oliver
I must give kudos to 111 East Music for doing their homework in finding vocal jewels like Dionne, a singer/songwriter who paints plenty of vivid pictures with her music. The Texas born, now Washington, DC based neo-soul/jazz stylist simply loves to inspire those who want to live life to the fullest. Every time she blazes the stage, one seems to gravitate towards her sincere, energetic personality who takes the inspirations of India.Arie and Anita Baker right along with her.
Les Nubians | Nu Revolution
By Peggy Oliver
Sometimes in the grand scheme of music, there are history lessons that are taught. Born of a French father and Cameroonian mother, the sisters spent time -between their birthplace of Paris, France, the war-torn Chad, Africa – where their father volunteered for the Red Cross – and Bordeaux, France. When Helene moved away at age nineteen, Celia was battling loneliness but remained passionate about music, especially when it came to jazz.
Mint Condition | 7…
Shanachie Records
by Brent Faulkner
R&B group Mint Condition’s seventh studio LP, entitled 7… marks their first release since 2008’s E-Life. On their smartly conceived seventh full-length, Mint Condition sounds just as vocally capable as they did back in their heyday – the glory days of ‘new-jack swing’ and a time where adult contemporary-laden R&B thrived.
Boney James | Contact
By Brian Soergel
Saxophonist Boney James, one of the most consistently appealing players in contemporary jazz, returns with his first CD of all-new music since 2006’s Shine. That was his debut with Concord, and he also released a Christmas CD and covers project with four original songs. James is now with a new record label, Verve-Forecast.
Mary Mary | Something Big
By Peggy Oliver
Jennifer Hudson | I Remember Me
by Brent Faulkner
Jennifer Hudson was initially remembered for her premature departure from American Idol Season three. After her premature departure, her career only ‘looked up.’ Her first major role playing Effie White in the film adaptation of Dreamgirls won Hudson both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Theresa Grayson | It’s All About You
By Brian Soergel
Soprano saxophonist Theresa Grayson is what’s right in urban-flavored contemporary jazz these days.
This up-and-coming Texan is refreshingly free of boxed-in ideas.
Marsha Ambrosius | Late Nights & Early Mornings
By Peggy Oliver
I can not exactly determine if coincidence played a role in The Floacist AKA Natalie Stewart and Marsha Ambrosius releasing their debut projects just a few months apart. But whatever the reason, the timing for these gifted ladies to make noise on the charts was a stroke of genius. Their fans that were familiar with these ladies when they teamed as Floetry were more than ready to experience their talent in a solo spotlight.
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