Boney James | Honestly
Concord Music Group
by Peggy Oliver
Going into the recording studio to write music, lay down tracks, and such, can be quite a demanding multi-tasking situation which requires weeks, maybe months, to get every last details just the way the artist would envision.
Maysa | Love Is A Battlefield
Shanachie Entertainment
by Peggy Oliver
Since her instantly recognizable voice graced the British Soul/Jazz outfit Incognito and Stevie Wonder’s Wonderlove, Maysa Leak continues to energize her own career by recording idyllic vocal treats for faithful international audiences.
Patti LaBelle
Bel Hommage
(GPE/Sony Red)
Patti LaBelle sits on a throne as among the greatest R&B to Pop singers recording and performing. However, the list of singers that can authentically swing between the Pop world and the Jazz world is a short one highlighted by Aretha Franklin, Patti Austin, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Nancy Wilson (retired) and the late incomparable Natalie Cole and Teena Marie.
Darien Dean | Departures
by Brent Faulkner
Soul music is alive and well – don’t let anyone tell you any different. Darien Dean proves this on his latest project, Departures. Dean isn’t a household name by any means. One reason is because Departures represents the artist’s first project released through notable music platforms.
Damien Escobar | Boundless
by Peggy Oliver
For a much gifted musician as a Julliard graduate while barely a teenager, Damien Escobar was ready to showcase the violin in a hip-hop/classical element with his brother on a weekly national TV talent search.
Don Bryant | Don’t Give Up on Love
(Fat Possum)
by Brent Faulkner
Sometimes, truly great musicians are unsung heroes. Often, the frontman or the full-time solo artist tends to get all of the love and all of the praise. Still, there are extremely talented songwriters, producers, and background vocalists who help to craft some of the greatest records and album.
Norman Brown | Let It Go
Shanachie Entertainment
by Peggy Oliver
The musical dexterity of Wes Montgomery has inspired many contemporary jazz guitarists through the years despite his early days as a hard bop musician. One of many musicians who gravitated to this icon was Norman Brown, a huge turning point in studying and performing jazz, despite his earlier influences and interest in Jimi Hendrix and the Isleys.
The Baylor Project
The Journey
(Be a Light)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
Married musicians vocalist Jean Baylor and drummer Marcus Baylor have created a captivating “project” that meets at the 3-way intersection of Jazz, Gospel and Legacy. Brimming with aural snapshots of their individual roots and the sacred space where they come together, it is a very unique album that soothes the soul and takes some standards into sumptuous realms of mistiness.
Brian Owens & The Deacons of Soul, Soul of Ferguson
by Brent Faulkner
Soul is a term used far too loosely in the current musical climate. The style has been bent tremendously to encompass all things R&B, BUT everything doesn’t fit the mold or the spirit. Some self-proclaimed soul artists don’t maintain the sanctity of the music.
Phil Perry | Breathless
Shanachie Records
by Peggy Oliver
What entails the success and stability of musicians are those who simply stick to what they artistically know best no matter what the record buying public may dictate. In other words, those who stay true to their truthful calling can carry their career many places that eventually lead to staying power in the industry along with a loyal fan base and consistent radio following.