Charlie Wilson | Just Charlie
By Brent Faulkner
Charlie Wilson is one of few classic R&B stars who still has a sense of ‘relevance’ in an R&B market dominated by ‘trendiness’ and ‘gimmickry.’ Wilson is the consummate talent who could make even the weakest material sound nothing less than ‘magnificent.’
Chrisette Michele | Let Freedom Reign
By Brent Faulkner
On her third effort, Let Freedom Reign, R&B singer Chrisette Michele alters her formula slightly, but for the most part she simply makes another consistent R&B album that feels notches above the gimmickry that has come to dominate more ‘contemporary’ R&B.
Ronald Isley | Mr. I
by Peggy Oliver
When I was asked to review Mr. I from Ron Isley, how could I pass up an opportunity to spend a few minutes talking about an already soulful legend in many people’s minds. I also happened to witness Mr. Ronald Isley being serenaded at the 2010 Soul Train Music Awards for his contributions to the urban music community.
El DeBarge | Second Chance
By Brent Faulkner
Sixteen years away is like an ‘eternity’ in the music industry (maybe even two). With an industry even more cutthroat and conniving than before, the standard one or two year hiatus artists take in between LPs turns out sometimes to be too long as a ‘new trend’ in music develops extremely quickly. The main problem is the ‘staying power’ that newer artists have – it seems more limited than the veterans.
Paul Brown | Love You Found Me
By Peggy Oliver
For the past fifteen years, many in the contemporary jazz community turned to Paul Brown for his production, sound engineering and composer. From Al Jarreau, to Boney James, to his major guitar hero, George Benson, Brown brought his very keen ear behind the boards.
Freddie Jackson | For You
by Brent Faulkner
Freddie Jackson exemplifies the great, “old-school” R&B/soul singer. Jackson comes from a time (the 1980s) when the adult contemporary R&B style (“grown-folks R&B”) was dominant. The sound from that era could be characterized as ‘hushed’ and ‘sensual.’
Amber Ojeda | Here I Am
By Brent Faulkner
There is nothing like hearing a promising new singer who can be defined as ‘genre-bending’ by nature. Upstart Amber Ojeda exemplifies the title of ‘genre-bender’ with her strong first effort, Here I Am, a nine song set that is consistent from start to finish.
Walter Beasley | Backatcha!
By George Strand
Something can be said about this guy.
Contemporary Jazz has something in music that can stand envy to all musical genre’s. A legacy of true heart and soul musicians from over the years, who stood the test of time perfecting their talents on any particular instrument: Sax, Trumpet, Bass, Drums, Harmonica, Piano, Keyboards, Trombone, etc…etc..etc…You name it. And dropped some of the most heartwarming, stimulating tracks on vinyl from over the decades.
Gail Pettis | Here in the Moment
by Peggy Oliver
When a jazz singer revisits a standard that has been tackled time and again, it is quite the task to express their musical personality without having to alter the integrity of the original. The experienced jazz vocalist should set the tone for his or her self and their accompanists to create a colorful musical canvas for their audiences.
Wayman Tisdale | The Fonk Record
by Brent Faulkner
Wayman Tisdale was another ‘shining star’ who was ‘gone too soon.’ Although an extremely talented former professional basketball player, Tisdale was equally talented as a multi-instrumentalist, who focused on the bass for the most part. Sadly, in May 2009, Wayman died after a stint with cancer. What did not die was Tisdale’s legacy. Experimental project The Fonk Record (featuring Tiz & The Fonkie Planetarians) is an album that showcases Tisdale’s restless creativity as a musician.
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