Maya Angelou | Caged Bird Songs
by Peggy Oliver
Unquestionably, Maya Angelou stands as one of the most influential poets for the human race. Graced with an extraordinary touch that could gently sway one minute and fiercely attack the next, Angelou (who passed in late May of 2014) championed for urban social injustices and other pressing issues with her mighty pen.
D’Angelo and The Vanguard | Black Messiah
By Peggy Oliver
It’s been awhile – maybe a little longer than awhile. Alright, how about summing up D’Angelo’s fifteen-year return to the recording fold by quoting from L.L. Cool J’s larger than life rap classic, “Don’t call it a comeback.” Yet, despite a fourteen years recording absence since D’Angelo waxed Voodoo in 2000, do not mistake the fact that his career path falls more into the sabbatical mode, as he took a break for five years between the aforementioned sessions of his major commercial successes, his 1995 introduction, Brown Sugar (including the smash title track and “Lady”) and Voodoo (“Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”).
Dionne Warwick | Feels So Good (Bright Music Records)
by Brent Faulkner
Once a musician has become a music icon and has veteran music status, that respective musician’s legacy has been cemented forever. For Dionne Warwick, her stature as a preeminent pop/soul icon has long been secured and her latest album Feels So Good does little to alter that.
Maysa | A Very Maysa Christmas
Shanachie
by Brent Faulkner
An adjective that best describes Baltimore singer/songwriter Maysa (Leak) is versatility. Incredibly gifted possessing nothing short of a beautiful, angelic-sounding instrument, Maysa is a magnificent musician. A mix of soul, jazz, and R&B, Maysa offers a “little bit of this and a little bit of that.” Classically trained sporting a classical performance degree from Morgan State University, Maysa is definitely the real-deal.
Kandace Springs | Kandace Springs EP
Blue Note Records
by Brent Faulkner
From the first time the listener hears the music of Kandace Springs, there’s something immediately special. The singer/songwriter has given us a glowing first impression upon a numerous people, including Prince. If that isn’t enough to awe itself, Spring’s EP Kandace Springs EP should definitely do the trick and provide the ear with something truly alluring.
The Stanley Clarke Band | Up
Mack Avenue Records
By Peggy Oliver
(Advance Review | CD to be released on Sept. 30th, 2014)
The more a musician sustains a career with a level of shear excellence, the bigger the increase of impressive musical colleagues at one’s disposal. At this point in his illustrious career, Stanley Clarke can thoroughly enjoy the fruits of his labor. In his association with jazz fusion pioneers Return to Forever and the rock fusion trio Animal Logic (though only for two albums), film and television soundtrack contributions (Soul Food, Romeo Must Die, i.e.) and collaborations with rock, pop, jazz and R&B’s elite, including George Duke, Clarke remains firm to his high integral artistry who has managed to balance the mainstream market in his forty-plus year journey.
The Walls Group | Fast Forward
By Peggy Oliver
When it comes to family affairs, gospel music has witnessed a great share yesterday and today. From the longevity of The WInans and The Clark Sisters to families who have recently made strides, including Forever Jones, nominated for two Dove Awards in 2011 and sister duo Mary Mary, who have carried the millennium on all Contemporary Gospel avenue, the industry can add a young quartet in the mix.
Al Jarreau – My Old Friend: Celebrating George Duke
(Concord Records)
Album reflection by A. Scott Galloway
Al Jarreau’s tribute to George Duke, his longtime friend and one-time partner on the jazz club stages of San Francisco, has been one of 2014’s most anticipated CDs. The eclectic project – with three sets of producers – works best when Cousin Al is pushing his creative envelope or indisputably touched with pure raw sentimentality.
Dianne Reeves | Beautiful Life
Concord Music Group – 2014
by Peggy Oliver
Sometimes the element of surprise conceived by the creative minds of musicians remind me of the hook from an inspirational pop hit: “Everything is beautiful in its own way.” Growing up versed in jazz but always willing to cross musical boundaries, Dianne Reeves completely invested in whatever genre she could adapt to her inimitable vocal style.
Sheila E. | ICON
Moosicus (2013)
Review penned by Brent Faulkner
After a hiatus of more than a decade, multitalented veteran musician Sheila Escovedo –best known as Sheila E. – releases her latest album ICON via Moosicus, an independent label based in Germany. Icon proves to be a captivating album showcasing Sheila E.’s tremendous musicianship and eclecticism at work, although its availability solely is an import in the U.S (as of yet).
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