Eric Benet | Self titled
by Peggy Oliver
When an artist bears their soul in concert or in the studio, their devoted fans will quickly soak it up like a sponge. Crafting powerful, profound music is an arena that Eric Benet takes extremely seriously since the day he struck a mighty chord in the urban market twenty years ago with his solo debut, True to Myself.
Aziza Miller
The Journey of Love (EP)
(Lind Mill)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
Keyboardist/Composer/Singer Aziza Miller has produced a tight 6-song EP of laidback songs that float in that space where Caribbean Jazz and Latin Soul mingle, dance and make love all day long. “A Brand New Song” is a groove reminiscent of Tania Maria that starts off instrumental then at the very end opens up into a vocal affirmation that can start one’s day on a sunny note.
Dave Hollister | The MANuscript
Shanachie
by Peggy Oliver
There are just a handful of R&B artists who simply cut to the quick with every story they tell and every emotion they express. Dave Hollister knows how to work the live stage and the stage he sets in the recording studio with reality scenarios about romance and relationships, which provide plenty of musical meat (and seasoning for that matter).
Jacnique Nina
“Invincible”
(Siren Fire Music Works)
A Song reflection by A. Scott Galloway
Los Angeles’ siren of sultry Miz Jacnique (pronounced “zha-NEEK) Nina kittenishly crawls back into your eardrums with a flutter she calls “Invincible,” a self-penned song about all the sexy ways she plans to show her gratitude for getting a second chance to love someone from whom she hastily walked away.
Anthony David | The Powerful Now
Shanachie
by Brent Faulkner
There is no sugarcoating it. Singer/songwriter Anthony David [Harrington] is among of most soulful R&B artists in the game. David possesses a superb vocal tone – he excels at delivering tender ballads as well as electrifying with his emotionally-charged grit.
Incognito
In Search of Better Days
(Shanachie)
A Record Reflection by A. Scott Galloway
Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick is easily among the most prolific men in modern music, particularly within his specialty niche of acid jazz/club/quiet storm. Between his solo CDs, outside productions and, of course, his work as leader of the collective Incognito, he is also a generous giver with projects usually no less than 14 solid tracks apiece.
Leon Timbo | What Love’s All About
by Peggy Oliver
In this wide world of accomplished singers who strongly represent the urban music game, there are still many voices waiting in the wings. Whether joining in worship with Jason Nelson or jamming with R&B sensation Tyrese, Leon Timbo has always exercised his artistic passion with inviting stories and a warm lush baritone.
Fantasia | The Definition Of…
RCA
by Brent Faulkner
Look up “the definition of” underrated or underappreciated in the dictionary, and a photo of R&B diva Fantasia will be found. The best way to characterize her is as a fiery, passionate soul vocalist with an anointed, distinct set of pipes.
Najee | Najee’s Theme
by Peggy Oliver
It is hard to fathom that thirty years have passed since the single “Najee’s Theme” and the supporting album blazed the R&B and jazz charts, which for a debut recording was a remarkable accomplishment in itself. Thanks to a series of demos through New York session work, Najee already had material at his disposal, along with a decent budget from Capital/EMI – a sweet package deal that eventually resulted in his first platinum record.
Jeff Beck Roars into L.A. For Week of Classic Cars and Legacy Music
Event & Concert Reflections by A. Scott Galloway
On Monday night, August 8, `round about 6pm, English Blues-Rock guitar legend Jeff Beck hooked a right off Sunset into the parking lot of Mel’s Diner (location for George Lucas’ `50s nostalgia classic “American Graffiti”) in a 1932 Tudor to greet fans that had plunked down $500 in advance for a signed copy of his jaw-dropping new coffee table photo album/autobiography, “Beck01.” Heavy on pics (over 400 rare and unseen) with choicely edited 20,000 words of text, the tome is the ultimate big ticket souvenir for fans of Beck detailing his meteoric ascension in the world of rock guitar, his passion for classic cars and the colorful cavalcade of characters he has encountered along the way (from Albert Collins to Stevie Ray Vaughan). It was a casual yet exclusive burgers-n-beer kickoff event of two stellar evenings in Los Angeles that culminated in a star-studded commemorative “50 Years of Jeff Beck” concert at the Hollywood Bowl on Wednesday. Following this feting for what is only meticulous Genesis Publications’ 99th book since 1974, Beck roared back onto Sunset with two girls – one on the passenger seat, the other in her lap – into an intense Tuesday of rehearsals for the once in a lifetime gig.
Jeff Beck with 1932 Ford Tudor and his book, Beck01
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