You know, its not easy to put together a solid traditional R&B project that, you would hope, gain the respect of the new urban music listener of the 2000’s. Maybe even the later part of the 90’s day & age. We are light years away from a time when older …
Coko | A Coko Christmas
By Peggy Oliver
I must confess as an avid music connoisseur that when a popular vocalist records a Christmas project, especially a multi-million selling artist, curiosity almost sets in immediately. The main test question: Will they make a strong and lasting impression with their interpretations of holiday standards, favorite Carols, and original material? In the case of Coko’s Christmas musical present – A Coko Christmas – the former lead vocalist of SWV (Sisters With Voices) does a fairly credible job with the familiar tunes, two new urban holiday tracks, and some blasts from the past.
Karina Nuvo | Nuvosoul By Marv D. Karina Nuvo was born in Miami, Florida with Cuban decent, and is propelled by a powerful heart-felt force, and a voice to go along with it. Even after a six-year illness, it did not detour her from pursuing her dreams. If you listen …
Lori Dow | Love Changes
by Marv D
Not since New Edition has there been a major force in the R&B field, coming out of Boston, MA. At the age of 9, her talents were revealed and yet she has kept her dream alive by doing what she does well…Sing. She has opened for Jean Carne, Andre Ward, and Regina Belle. She takes her inspiration from God and her family and is easily influenced by the voices of Yolanda Adams, Teena Marie, Chaka Khan and Whitney Houston.
Phil Perry grows on me when I simply wonder from time to time, whatever happened to traditional Rhythm & Blues today. What happened to the ‘soul’ intuitions, the organic un-sophisticated way to send a regards of love to someone close to you? The ‘real’ poetry in motion? Either by love or by frustration of a broken relationship, tender R&B music from the day often assisted the listener with exploration of ways to counter positive or negative setbacks. Much music of which, if done well, can be played back over & over again. Timelessly.
Miki Howard | Private Collection
By George Strand
Miki Howard has been a favorite of mine for years. Ms. Howard’s ability to stay within the texture of quality rhythm & blues music & yet sets herself apart from other vocalists by touching jazz music is no easy task. As done before on her “Miki Sings Billie” LP in 1994, the classy & exuberant Ms. Howard takes us down that road again in “Private Collection.“
After singing back up for numerous all star vocalists ranging from Aretha Franklin to Whitney Houston, Ms. Nikita Germaine breaks free to give us her sophomore effort, “Just Kita” from Koch Records. Released on May 13th of 2008, her solid status as a bona fide, upcoming R&B vocalist shouldn’t be …
As soon as you drop this in your CD player your senses will be tantalized and that is exactly what Travis Vega does, tantalize your senses. Travis caught the T.U.M.S. Staff off guard with this electrifying project, “Smooth Urban Night.” And that is exactly what it is — SMOOTH.
Otoe | Crystal Rose
by Marvin Dickey
Candy Dulfer, Pamela Williams, Mindy Adair: BEWARE! There’s a new sax player coming. But due to the fact she’s in Japan, your safe for now. And her latest effort is sure to cause some commotion here in America. Otoe has been on the Japanese music scene for a while now. She has been touring Japan the last few years, and “Crystal Rose” is her first CD as a solo artist.
When Eric Darius was a young buck, he took the jazz community by surprise with his release of “Night on the Town”. Critics’ raved; old and young jazz listeners gave him props. With his awesome talent and unjaded enthusiasm, he has become the undisputed darling of the genre.
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