MODERN SOUL and R'n'B REVIEWS
Scroll down for reviews of the
following:-
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Matisse – the five frame interlude - Blackwood |
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LJ – Sho-Nuff – CoolJoe Records |
Maya Who – Maya Azucena |
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SounDoctrine – Perseverence – The soundtrack to a non existent movie |
Alison Crockett – On becoming a woman |
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The best of Chris Jasper – With Love |
Tiffany Laing – The Return - |
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Shadiya – Share my World |
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Mari – A little misunderstanding - Butter Baby - EP |
Capri – Earth Songs – BoogieMan |
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Superloop – Baby Be Mine, This Life, Happy Daze |
Clay Hammond – I kissed her gone – desert Sounds |
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Mari – A little misunderstanding - Butter Baby |
Lamar Thomas -Living for you |
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Take My Hand – Various |
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Reviews Index - Reviews
Matisse – the five frame interlude – Blackwood
http://www.blackwoodentertainment.com
http://www.blackwoodentertainment.com/matisse.html
Some soundbites can be found at the above address,
all oldies fans check the video too!
This is a couple of years old now, recorded in
2002, but it is new to me and for me it;s one of the better things that I have
hear for a while. Matisse out of Toronto where he can be found regularly
gigging with his band. There is a mix of styles in the five tracks and they are
all well structured and slickly produced and he has an excellent voice. From a
very current feel but also much respect to the old.
Frankly I kinda like all
the tracks (which is pretty unusual!) from the smooth tones of Little Things,
Cooked Food is maybe a bit more neo (in a Musiq kinda mould), U were right is a
great ballad, Weekends more upbeat and traditional soul, Lady being a ballad
also in a more traditional style.
I am told that new material is forthcoming and there is a hope that Matisse will be in the UK in March 2004. I'm certainly going to be looking out for it.
LJ – Sho-Nuff – CoolJoe Records
www.cooljoerecords.com Cool Joe Records presents a new outfit from Atlanta LJ. This is their debut album Sho Nuff. Cool Joe is driven by Teddy Astin who has and he through his Tough Act Promotions is driving this project forward in a slick and professional manner.
LJ are Lou Harris and John Harden, two young college students who have put together a great first CD. The project is Urban or R'n'B in nature but it is slick, clean and fresh with vocal harmonies and lyrics from an earlier soulful era.
12 tracks on the album plus a bonus of the title track Sho Nuff. The whole album is fresh clean and upbeat and the vocal harmonies are as good as you'll get these days. Kicks of with the uptempo Sho Nuff, commercial fast paced in an R'n'B style with catchy hook and pumping, though could still be harder, bass. Although an upbeat party song it is sung and not shouted or rapped, particularly good is the bit in the lower register. Fro's gives props to the old skool both in lyrics and delivery. Reminding me a bit of a Norman Whitfield production.
The boys do seem to excel in the ballads, Neva gonna change being the first, yet retaining the modern R'n'B style. Nice track. Often by track 4 in a new album the tracks start to get weaker, and there has been much comment that CD's are too long these days and quality suffers. However this one kicks on with no real diminishing of quality. Tonight keeps things going and maybe even gets better.
The Realest is harder with fast paced rap and beat, yet it is not overdone and never seems menacing. Throw it up, also appears on the CD single, and is for me the first track that tries to compete with the powerhouses of Global R'n'B and Hip Hop, but it's more in the line of an LLCool J than the heavier side. As it's been given the 'single' shot it would appear that this is the track pulled out as being the most relevant to get attention. I wouldn't disagree with that strategy, but there is better material than this.
Take Fortunately for example, also on the CD single, a wonderful harmonic love ballad, well sung and a powerhouse Slow Jam. The track of the album if one has to choose. Of the upbeat tracks I actually like Busy, it has that low key R'n'B vocal, R'n'B beat yet underlying that it's quite funky. The structure, though not particularly the delivery, of Why reminds me of Stevie Wonder around Songs in the key of life.
Generally the music is strong, as is the production and the delivery. It is good to see something so vibrant and I hope it breaks through. The synergy seems to be there and as a unit it comes over well. I just wonder whether when it comes to the crunch the vocals will be individual and distinctive enough.
Great first album, that gives a glimpse of some great potential in the competitive R'n'B world, but Atlanta is hot right now,and with the backing they've got i wouldn't be at all surprised.
Maya Who – Maya Azucena
http://mayaazucena.com/ http://www.mayawho.com/
Well track four Like no Other just blows me away. In the Uk we have a term Crossover, very basically 70's soul of a mellow quality easy groove and less frantic than it's previous 60's belters. Well the first 2 and half minutes is pure crossover, then it gets funkier and gospellier (new word that!) the tempo rises the organ kicks in and builds to crescendo. Excellent.
And the rest isn't bad either. The opening track is upbeat anthemic good time uncomplicated and infectious and sets the pace. Right Way is mellower more neo but still retains a chorus harking back to the old school. My All also is funky, soulful and uplifting in a catchy old school vibe, singalong and good fun.
Too Much Still is much more modern in it's structure with bassy hip hop beats and sassy vocals. G-Hetto is again hip hop driven, a fun call and response eulogy to the good things that take place with Spirit Child on the rap.
Searchin is an organ driven blues ballad emphasizing the strong vocal abilities and versatility.
Get Ya Self Up is a short laid bare neo thing but in that bag Walk for miles is much stronger both in lyric content and delivery, nice track.
Concluding with an 'epic' soul ballad All is fair in love. Quite often albums conclude with this kind of track and it doesn't always succeed. This one kinda does but I think I prefer some of the previous tracks as they are more 'fun' and this comes across. Good to see however that Maya can still deliver on the serious stuff though.
Album also contains an interesting video interview.
All round this is a top album from an independent artist who will go on to great things I feel
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real |
windows |
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1. Do You Really Wanna Party |
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2. Right Way |
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3. My All |
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4. Like No Other |
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5. Too Much |
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6. Still Searchin |
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7. Get Ya Self Up |
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8. G-Hetto |
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9. Walk For Miles’ |
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10. All is Fair In Love |
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Alison Crockett – On becoming a woman
Two things strike me about this Cd is the clarity and strength and freshness of the voice and the 'live' feel. The album is strong, soulful, and pretty original. I certainly wouldn't put it in a neo envelope. Having seen Alison live this album reminds me of a great show and I would probably go so far as to say the live performance exceeds the CD.
The opening track is gospel laden, strong and a sign of what's to follow. The material changes in style to degrees but the songs, production and vocals are consistent throughout. 'When I think of you' is one of the best tracks with a haunting quality in the harmonies, yet allowing some free expression in the lead.
'What we do now' again is simple in structure, stripped bare yet jazzy mellow. With only a bit of tweaking and imagination this could be one of those strong stripped down R'n'B cuts. Nice track. Crossroads again just bass and drum (programming) but is mellow and jazzy. A pattern emerges in that the last two tracks and I'm gonna come, Olive, and Nappy were recorded in the same place and have a similar kinda vibe. Brother Teddy has a major hand in the arrangements. I particularly like I'm gonna come whereas goes a litle off track for me.
UR has a strong live feel, the band back in full swing. Quite typical of the mix is the drumming which is quite prominent and Acid Jazz/ Drum and Bass leanings. Sensuous and seductive vocals and harmonies on the top track of the album. UR and the opening two tracks and Oil and Water all have the 'band'. The latter track is more frantic and doesn't do it for me.
You know what happens and Like Rain are the third 'styling' again giving a live feel, recorded at Electric ladyland and featuring Teddy on Guitar and synths. Generally these two tracks have a more lush feel, more professional feel to them. More neo I suppose and less emphasis on a drum pattern. Although I have picked a top track this pairing are really quite beautiful.
Track listing:-
1. Save Me
2. When I Think
of You
3. What We Do Now
4. Crossroads
5. U R
6. I'mgonnacome
7. You Know What
Happens
8. Oil and Water
9. Like Rain
10. Alive
11. Nappy
Bio below from www.cdbaby.com
"Alison Crockett is a Brooklyn based vocalist,
pianist and songwriter whose style is 'steeped' in a deep Soul tradition, with
generous helpings of Jazz and Blues. Taking her cue from divas of the past and
present such as Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Donna Summer, Diana Ross and Sarah
Vaughn, this Brooklyn, New York based singer/songwriter and pianist is destined
for greatness.
Alison Crockett decided early on, that a career in music was to be the path she
would travel. Piano was her first love. "It just called to me. I still
feel like a pianist who sings." However after winning several local vocal
talent showcases during her high school years, it became quickly apparent that
her voice was a rare gift. Alison honed her vocal skills at Temple University
in Philadelphia, PA and then a masters degree at the prestigious Manhattan
School of Music. As she says, "I set out to be a craftsman; someone who
could mold and shape music like a sculpture." Throughout her school years,
Alison continued to build her reputation and gain a loyal following by
performing regularly with notable local and national artists in and around her
Washington, DC home as well as in Philadelphia and New York.
While living and performing in Philly, she met up with dj/producer King Britt
(formerly of Digable Planets) and recorded the now classic, Season's Change for
the groundbreaking Sylk 130 recording, When the Funk Hits the Fan (Ovum/Sony
Music). She was also featured on four other genre bending tracks on the album
including the first single, Gettin' Into It. Billboard loved her "throaty,
diva-styled vocals."
After touring with Sylk 130, Alison relocated to Brooklyn, NY, where she
currently resides. Almost immediately upon her arrival she began working with
hip hop/jazz pioneer Greg Osby at the Knitting Factory for the 1996 What Is
Jazz Festival, and at the Clef Club for 1997's Mellon Jazz Festival. In 1998,
she was invited to participate in the prestigious Thelonius Monk Institute Jazz
Colony in Aspen, CO, where she appeared on the same stage with jazz luminaries
Nnenna Freelon and Herbie Hancock.
After hearing her work, Geoff Wilkenson , co-founder of the UK based acid jazz
outfit Us3 (noted for their 1994 world-wide smash "Flip Fantasia (Biddy
Biddy Bop)" ) became convinced he was hearing a young legend on the order
of his heroes Shirley Bassey, Dianna Washington or Dianne Reeves. He embarked
upon a feverish search to track her down and request that Alison became Us3's
first lead singer. Upon her acceptance, Alison traveled to London to write and
sing on the album An Ordinary Day in an Unusual Place. "I learned a lot
about writing on that record," she says. " Geoff had ideas for songs
that required me to come from certain thematic places that were not as natural
for me. I really enjoyed the challenge and I'm proud of what I did." The
first single, Get Out, immediately shot to the top 10 within a few weeks of its
release in Japan. In support of the single and the album, Alison toured
extensively in Japan and Europe with the group.
Throughout her time on the road with Us3, and back in New York, Alison
continued to write, perform and work on a number of interesting musical
projects -- always trying to grow, while bringing her unique sound and
soulfulness to each new musical venture; often under the pseudonym Diva Blue.
Almost overwhelmed with creative energy and song ideas, Alison could hardly
wait to begin working on a project that would showcase the new music she was
writing.
Now it's time for the world to experience Alison's singular vision as a solo
soul artist. She's currently putting the final touches on her first solo
recording, On Becoming a Woman. She describes the songs as a cross between Jill
Scott, Meshell N'degeocello and UK broken beat visionaries 4-Hero, but make no
mistake, it's pure Alison Crockett!. Alison solely composed all of the music
and lyrics on the album. Her brother and business partner,
multi-instrumentalist teddycrockett, handled production. She is also
collaborating with dj/producer Landslide (hospital records UK) and with the up
and coming Brooklyn based drum'n bass producers, Mathmatics adding soul to the
UK breakbeat and drum'n bass scenes. The future indeed looks bright for this
emerging talent!
Recordings:
US3 - "An Ordinary Day In An Unusual Place" - Toshiba/EMI &
Universal Records
King Britt - "When the Funk Hits the Fan" Ovum/Sony Music
Blue Six - Beautiful Day - Naked Music/Virgin
Alison Crockett - Nappy - Wah Wah Records UK
Landslide feat. Alison Crockett - It's Not Over(single) - Hospital Records
Oba Funke - Transatlantic Audio 2, Freedom - Dynamite Joint Records UK
Cafedge - Nappy - Handcuts Records Japan
Aphrodisiac - Alive - INFRACom Records Germany
Alison Crockett - Love Will Return(Single) - Decibal Records
C&M - Music For the People (single) - Step Ahead Records
Suburban Chi - Lonliness (single) - Northcott Records"
SounDoctrine – Perseverence – The soundtrack to a non existent movie – http://www.soundoctrine.com/ - alternative Christian Funk with a splash of Jazz
The album kicks off with a powerful funky jazz instrumental (pretty much) called Incipience, keyboard driven, the raw production sets the tone for the rest of the album. I would ask you all to check the website and readthe many fascinating stories and anecdotes behind each track. Click the memories tab and then each track as if you were going to play it and go beyond the track details.
Power features Carlton Jenkins on vocals backed with Janis Jones, 'The Prophetess' Janet Write and B.B. Bentley, who give the 'Gospel Wail!'. A strong beat, almost a house beat, with strong vocals. Angela Harris takes lead on Kolorz, a soulful poem of togetherness, harmony and understanding.
Yoyo is a funky saxophone jazz thing, James Herod on the saxes, also an excellent slapping bassline. (in my) mirror features Gail Harris more of a slow ballad and a great soprano sax behind it.
nohoour is one of the highlights, great pleading vocals by Bea Bea Bentley supported by the gospel sounDoctrine choir – know who you are. The pace picks up with Lisa Taylor, a bit of a soulful dancer keep movin, with a nice clean mix this one could go some. bloodline features Janis Jones emphasising a variety of influences with a bit of a neo feel.
Stilphil, another instrumental interlude, organ and sax. Tracee brings the pace back down again on lovin u only. Lisa Taylor leads on Every knee, an interesting piece quite contemporary in its beats, and Lisa is fast becoming one of my favorites on here, soulful yet with a harmonious sweetness to it.
inside out, Jan Jones again with Angela Harris also prominent is a building gospel piece. Closing in epic style both in delivery and in message, under the shadow with Janet “The Prophetess” Write: Lead, Adlib and Trio Vocals, Janis Jones: Adlibs and Trio Vocals and Tara Amill: Trio Vocals
Jere B is the main musical force behind this album that has been available for a couple of years now. On initial play I confess to thinking that the raw production left the album lacking, but it does grow on you and it has an uplifting, as you would expect, feeling. Plus the 'live' feel is something that is often lacking on some unemotional independent fodder these days. Some excellent musicianship, songs and performances.
Tiffany Laing – The Return – http://www.singtiffanylaing.com/ www.spiritmusic.co.uk
This is wonderful stuff, one of the top albums of the year from the wonderful Tiffany Laing, the Queen of Gospel Soul, and who am I to argue with that tag.
Kicking up with a glorious upbeat, uplifting track the Return which I am sure will go down very well in the UK. Most of the rest of the album is less upbeat and more spiritual, and offers a perfect setting for such a wonderful voice. For those who maybe would shy away from a gospel album, in this case don't, if you like Soul you'll love this. Then again there are other more secular influences I am is a jazzy based slab of neo soul up there with the best.
My all is a slow building passionate strong ballad. That Tree is melodic, catchy yet deep, a mellowy jazzy back great and the vocal style (out of the chorus) sort of reminds me of Billie, gentle yet the power and strength comes through. No greater love is another style, acoustic, sweeter more balledic vocals, the passion is tangible. Fly away takes us more back into contemporary jazzy soul territory and is definitely one of th ehighlights.
Brand New Reason really picks up a storm, uptempo, catchy, acoustic rhythms, a touch of R'n'B, great track and streets ahead of some big sellers in the pop R'n'b market, and my this is Gospel! Sista! Is a beat driven gospel trio featuring Lariland and Nysa Shenay giving power to the Sista!hood.
Mary Jane is more funky – some people overdue the styles, but here everything seems to work. There is nothing really overtly gospel to the album, at least for the casual listener, but Psalm 91 is the nearest, with organ and mini gospel choir harmonies. Closing where we began on the uptempo Free, another strong soulful track that will go down well in the UK.
A beautiful, powerful, provoking, soulful album, thoughtful, well produced (got this far without mentioning Lew, that can't do!) taking influences from all around by the key to it is Tiffany's vocal talent and expression. And a word to for the songs which are all sung with belief and passion.
Press Release -
This is the new sophomore release from the Queen
of Gospel Soul, Tiffany Laing! Her new cd "the Return", is an 18 song
personal invitation into the life and ministry of Tiffany. Written entirely by
Tiffany and produced by her husband Lew, Tiffany addresses a variety of issues
close to her heart, such as worship, introspection, marriage, and sisterhood,
all in her fresh, unscripted, and unassuming way. Recorded from Jan to July
2003, Tiffany has assembled an array of multi talented musicians and vocalists,
like bassist/producer Andrew Gouche, Myron McKinnley (Earth Wind and Fire),
Nysa Shenay, Laython Armor, Mark Allen Felton, Les Butler, and her band, the
House of Isreal, to bring forth her best cd to date.
"The project is so great" says Eric J Chambers of the WORD Network
and San Diego's 98.1 FMs "the Jazzspel" radio show.
"Husband and wife have tag-teamed for a knockout project. If it were a
boxing match, I'd have to stop it in the 3rd round with "He Lovez
Me". No Contest! The song, and cd, are already no.1 at the Jazzspel".
About the concept of the cd, Tiffany states "This is for the lost sheep
that are like i was. But God said if you return unto me, i'll return unto you.
There's nothing you or I have done that will not be forgiven. So lets
return!"
"the Return" is a 12 Tribes Musical Empire release and is now
available. Please visit www.singtiffanylaing.com for booking info, touring
dates, and lots more regarding Tiffany and her music.
1. Intro
2. the Return
3. He Lovez Me
4. I Am
5. My All
6. Yashua (nterlude)
7. That Tree
8. No Greater Love
9. Lew and Tiff (nterlude)
10. Fly Away
11. More (of You)
12. Brand New Reason
13. Wisdom (dedicated to Louise Laing)
14. Sista! (feat: Lariland an
Nysa Shenay)
15. Mary Jane (feat Corey
Red)
16. Words
17. Psalms 91
18. Free
The
best of Chris Jasper – With Love
Put out by Chris on his Gold City label and available from www.goldcitymusic.com
The overall reflection I get from the album is the sweetness of Chris's voice. Somehow from this it sets the vibe of the album which is laid back, mellow, soulful, reflective, loving, warm. That said there is a touch of gospel, a touch of soul from the previous era. Featuring songs from the life of Chris's Gold City Records in the post Isley period, not sure when, maybe 10 years ago.
Exotic Lover is such a track with assistance from wife Margie and also Vaneese Thomas. Undoubtedly the cream cut, easy vibe, light familiar voice, the kind of ballad that still hits home in this R'n'B dominated time.
Like I Do again features the familiar sweet vocal, catchy hook but not quite so strong in my view. This cut was one of the early Gold City cuts and got some exposure in the UK.
Margie is not exactly uptempo but has a heavier beat, and gospel feel in this eulogy to Margie, when one might expect, given the subject matter, to go downtempo. Bit old skool to with an EWF feel to the vocal chorus. Don't Take Your Love Away is one of my favorite cuts, midtempo and again with an older feel to it.
The First Time, a hit ballad from the second album, Time Bomb. Forever is also a great ballad, one of the best, even if a little predictable on the lyric front. Most of the songs are all love ballads, they are well structured, well put together and of high quality, Deep Inside, for example and it easy to see how some of his ballads get picked up and covered but one day someone's gonna get hold of one of these, give it the works and give Chris hopefully more sustained success that he deserves.
Chris of course is extremely talented on keys/synth and most of the album just features these kinds of arrangements. There is nothing wrong with them and I appreciate the constraints of, particularly, independent product but sometimes I wish there was just a little more, a little more depth, a slightly bigger sound, because the songs and the voice can surely take it.
As we approach the tail end of the album It's Workin' funks it up somewhat with a heavier bass line, increase in tempo, which is maintained in the better Hit On You. Closing on a high with two great dance numbers One Time Love and particularly Nobody but My Baby.
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1. Exotic Lover |
Shadiya
– Share my World – Te'naj records www.tenajrecords.com
Another solid and consistent album from Shadiya, her sweet
lilting voice delivering some songs of strength and some songs of love. This
album gets the thumbs up from me and I hope it reaches new peaks. See the
interview elsewhere on the side.
Great start with Testin Me, beaty in an R'n'B way, yet sweet
vocals. Even better is Fool for you, again quite a heavy beat giving it a today
feel but the vocals give props to Floridan soul days go by. Even though I knew
where it came from I'd not really connected this as coming out of Florida., and
thinking about it it it does have a feel of the old hey day of Florida soul,
maybe a Betty Wright or a Gwen McCare influence or two.
Yi Yi Yi changes things dramatically, sort of Drum and Bass, it's
only a short interlude but interesting – as often these things are not. Then
back to the norm, impassioned love story, delivered in a more husky, or
whispery really, style, Bit by love. Candle light, and you can see the story
progressing, both lyrically and as the pace slows down, vocals getting deeper
and more soulful, and where will this lead to........Bedroom a real strong
quiet storm ballad. Staying downbeat with When Love calls. The title track
Share my world, another quality ballad, frequently promising albums drop of at
about this point but Shadiya is still hitting on you strongly. Never knew opens
with an old style rap monologue and is in fact a duet with Brian.
The album then changes somewhat, away from a love theme, and onto
personal experiences and believes, starting with Momma. The most interestingly
Life and Times, an observation of the state of the world, and finally a
respectful Ancestors. These last three songs are strong, particularly Life and
Times, yes the world still goes wrong, and we shouldn't need songs like this to
help us see it, but thankfully we do!
Tracks - Testin Me – Fool for you – Yi Yi Yi – Bit by love - Candlelight (intro) – Candle light – Bedroom (intro) – Bedroom – When Love calls – Share my world – Never knew – Momma – Life and times – Ancestors.
Mari
– A little misunderstanding - Butter Baby – EP –
A proper EP release available from Lamar Thomas
at tantmusic@evenlink.cam. Written
and produced by Lamar and Judy Thomas, arranged by Lamar and Patrick Adams,
remixed by Lamars Snr and Jnr.
4 mixes of A little misunderstanding, a song I've extolled the
virtues of before and I'm not going to change my mind now. The full slow groove
mix features rap by Smiggz. At the risk of being repetitive Mari's trained
voice is so powerful and the sensuous slow jam mix hit's the spot every time.
Qua;ity soulful delivery, well produced and deserves attention.
A remix of Love Me right and the original mix is included. Again
strong vocals and sparse remix, lazy sax and old skool disco string rhythms.
How come love won't come (2 step mix) – I love this remix, again flavors of the old skool, probably thanks to the Patrick Adams connection. This sounds out of it's time but is commercial enough one would have thought to be captured by someone. Perhaps though it doesn't contain enough of today........but I like it and I am sure the modern soul headz will too.
Capri – Earth Songs – BoogieMan –
"A new era of British Funk - No samples, no effects and no nonsense – featuring Benson J Walker's soulful blues tinged vocals, the Capri horns Joel Purnell (Sax), Simon Nixon (Trumpet), Simon Puglsey (Trombone) all held together by the tightest of rhythm sections – Dan Woodward (Drums) Matt Windler (Guitar) Chris Donnelly (Bass) Joe Tatton (keyboards) and Jack Foster (Percussion)"
This EP dates from 2000 and features All in the mind, Juke's Groove, barbarella and car chase on Phoenix Avenue plus a CD Rom application of artwork, photos and short film. Subsequently two 7" vinyl releases on their own label – car Chase and Boogie Man. The latter is the title track of a forthcoming debut album due for imminent release – check www.caprimusic.co.uk for info.
Thus far I have to say that I prefer the instrumentals like Car Chase and Boogie man where they demonstrate that they can cop a groove. The later cut demonstrates a funky togetherness over and above that shown on the earlier cuts, anticipating therefore that the forthcoming new album will be worth getting. Juke's Groove is also a well funky get down. The band is tight and they are getting some great reviews around the funk circuit for their musicianship and funky get down. Barbarella, with it's fast pace and catchy chorus harmonies, has the feel of 60's mod soul.
The video The Decoy is quite fun too. Old TV style chase of a previous era, driving around in a Capri, of course.
Clay Hammond – I
kissed her gone – Desert Sounds,
A well known name in soul circle and therefore this project will
be picked up because of that and lovers of, particularly, Southern Soul. What
would you expect, quality songs, soulfully delivered, distinctive voice, old
school type soul and blues. Well you get all of that, a good solid album within
it's particular genre. I don't think that it is going to open up any fresh
markets but that Bluesy vocal is well worth getting hold of.
Contributors to the album include Pete Peterson (production),
Eric Smidi Smith (Writig and production) William Bell, Louis Ragland, Billy Ray
Charles (writing credits), and Leon Haywood (in song and just by being close I
guess!)
The easy Southern Memphis grooving style tunes for me are the
quality cuts – the title track for example and a beautiful mix of harmonies on
'I like the way you dance'. Clay's style is kind of easy yet pleadingly
soulful. And the closing, slower, I can't live without you. For me these are
the three top tracks on the album.
We get a bit more bluesy as one would expect on some tracks like
'break me off', typical southern soul territory (lyrically that is) 'Wife Woman
and Hoochie', the humorous 'Viagra' and Bad Boy.
Personally I'm not too struck on the more upbeat songs like Leon
Stole my freak and New Line Dance but they probably serve a purpose (an in
joke? And part of the show maybe?). Bit of country! On I don't believe you.
'Whip that loving' I like, bit more upbeat, harder vocal edge, distant horns.
Superloop – Baby Be Mine, This Life, Happy Daze
Keith Binner, formerly of the Dope Smugglaz, sent me these tracks
to review. I was, of course, familiar with Baby Be Mine because it has been
getting massive plays up and down the country in the Modern Soul rooms,
including mine in Weston.
The track only appears on a limited 12" and Superloop are
looking for a deal so, all you labels out there, start fighting because there
is something fresh here.
There are many influences in evidence but the thing that I felt
most was the warmth of the production. It has the kind of depth that you used
to find on vinyl, less clinical than most everything you hear these days. Of
course, you wouldn't get this warmth without the feelings from decades of soul
coming through. You can see 70's, 60's and 80's soul permeating through in
these tracks and that order is deliberate to coincide with each of the 3
tracks.
'Baby' is mellow but groovy, catchy but not necessarily instant.
I'm not particularly struck on the vocal (Sarah Puzzar), it's a bit shrill but
it does fit in nicely on the layered production. The production gives it a big
feel, a feel of horns and strings and a Bensonesque guitar. Listen to it or
dance to it, sure sounds fine to me.
'This Life', more uptempo, more beaty and more of a 60's feel in
the vocal (Sarah again I assume) which for me is much better. Great hook and
words of optimism. The roots of classic soul are merged effortlessly with a
today beat.
'Happy Daze' introduced almost a disco groove, hints of Nutbush,
happy bouncy, complicated yet uncomplicated. Tis a shame the summer is over,
maybe next year.
Superloop consist principally of Keith Binner, Dope Smugglaz leading man and longstanding friend Matt Barker, and I hope will be hearing more from them. We certainly hope to on this site.
Mari – A little
misunderstanding - Butter Baby
Released on 8 June 2003 from a 7 track Pop Soul And Dance
Project, on Butter Baby Records out of Thomas and Taylor Works tantmusic@evenlink.com.
A little misunderstanding is a deep and heartfelt ballad, simple instrumentation
(but still complete with horns and acoustic guitar) and mellow backing allowing
the vocals to dominate. And the vocals are superb, and oh so powerful. Now if
you thought than Soul Music did not exist in the year 2003, check this. Nice
one, Mari.
Love Me Right is also powerful but in a different way, certainly on the R'n'B mix. More upbeat, more horns, great backbeat. As with quite a lot of Lamar's productions they are current but there's a lot of old skool in there as well. Once again the trained voice of Mari is relaxed yet crystal clear and full of feeling.
Lamar Thomas
-Living for you
This is the radio promo CD single of Living for you,
taken from the new album No Dreams Today on Thomtay 2540 released on 1 July
2003 – tandtmusic@evenlink.com.
A catchy midtempo ballad with all the hallmarks of Lamar Thomas's recent material. Catchy enough yet soulful too, sort of a melodic gospel chorus. One day the market will catch up with what Lamar is putting out or come round again to give him the success that he deserves.
Take My Hand
(Music for Weddings)– Various Artists
A new compilation from Compendia including new material from
Kloud 9 (Thank to you guys for sending me this) and also a variety of new artists
– Claudius Craig, Da'adra Crawford Greathouse, Denise Walls Allen, Daryl Coley,
Roger Ryan, Chris Willis, Lisa Shipman, Desmond Pringle, Wendy Moten.
Some useful links www.darylcoley.com , www.desmondpringlemusic.com, www.kloud9.com, www.wendymoten.com.
As the title might suggest this is a selection of slow, mellow love songs, quiet storms. Accompanying the album is a small EP thing featuring Kloud 9 (Everything about this love), Claudius Craig (Always), and Denise Walls Allen (I'll still be loving you).
Concentrating on these three cuts first, Kloud 9 are remembered from their Expansion release reviewed elsewhere on the site. There is also an interview with the Duffie brothers which I guess we ought to update. This track written by Kendall Duffie is mellow and catchy enough to stay in your head, a cooling summertime tune with delicious vocals.
Claudius Craig is a new artist, and it sounds as if this may be the start of some very good material. It's certainly going to be interesting to see how he evolves outside of the confines of this particular project. Good Soul voices are few and far between these days, or are certainly not evolving because of the current trends in musical direction being followed. Claudius's voice is a little bit Stevie. Denise is also new to me and her offering is a gorgeous soul track cut with the assistance of Mark Kibble of Take 6.
Forever by Da'adra Crawford Greathouse for me showcases a great
powerful range-y soulful voice. I look forward to more as I can see a strong
Southern Soul or Gospel album. Daryl Coley's voice is steeped with a gospel
feel on Whispers of my heart, great harmonies and piano over a strong vocal. This
track doesn't illustrate whether he can really let go like a Rance Allen
but I bet he can! Here and now by Roger Ryan is
a long keyboard instrumental.
Now, Chris Willis is a powerful ballad that builds and builds
until it is engulfed by some Isley like guitars, Only you by Lisa Shipman is a
sweet feminine ballad, sweet but distinctive and soulful vocal nice harmonies,
nice cut. Desmond Pringle showcases a strong vocal on Covenant of Love, a bit
Luther in style, as it moves effortlessly through the ranges, one of the better
tracks in my view. Next is produced by the aforementioned keyboardist Richard
Ryan, This feeling I have is love by Wendy Moten, another one that builds.
A strange or at least different subject matter for a compilation, but it does at least allow some very soulful voices to come through.
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