MODERN SOUL and R'n'B REVIEWS

Shabazz -Better Day -FER

This is a really excellent CD. Starting of with a mellow R'n'B 'Get my groove on'. The same groove continues into 'Fall in love again' but Shabazz's voice is further extended. 'Always on my mind' is a great soulful ballad.

After the reprise we pick it up with the superb modern soul of 'Tell me you love me', a beautiful and melodic groover. 'Never gonna let you go' also is a commendable track. We soon go back to what most of the album is smooth and mellow modern R'n'B and the album glides along, as there is hardly a bad track. Quality delivered and produced. 'Everybody's Special' grooves along - is it soul is it R'n'B - who cares!

'Have a good time' is another soulful gem that is picking up plays. 'Share our lives' is a dead slow ballad. The album concludes with the Shabazz (group's) outing 'Glad you're in my life'

This album is getting big plays on the UK Soul scene and a huge big up to the people who have got this album out.

All words and music, bass and production by Omari Shabazz, an exceptional talent. Haven't enjoyed a male CD so much since Jaheim. Just get it no excuses - link here FER

Jamie Hawkins - Elektra

From a promo to the forthcoming album this starts with a remix of Lost my Mind - a top tune which I understand is going to be a single. 'You're the one for me' is a Stevie style (and its easy to see where the comparisons are coming from) song - nicely mellow and nicely delivered - like this one. 'Tell Me' is a soulful ballad. 'More and more' is also a good track.

If these selections are anything to go by - and the props on the cover - this guy is going to go huge though I have heard that this might not hit the streets - which would be a travesty.

Tayste - Be Still - Tayste Records

Out of Texas Tayste are a three piece R'n'B vocal outfit - and this album stands above much of the stuff that comes out by big names on big labels. The album is consistently good and there are no real dud tracks at all, which is a testament to Harlon Bell's (Golden Boy) talents. I don't know much about this but I would guess that if it had been cut elsewhere - not denigrating Texas but it hardly has a reputation for being the centre of the Soul Universe - it could have gone big.

"Tayste" are a family group with two brothers and a cousin, each a minister's son. They won a competition at an early age which inspired them to move to Houston and seek a studio to record in for a demo tape. By 1993 Golden Boy stepped up to lead the group with his creative force leading toward their goal.

'Be still' is R&B with a universal appeal. The lyrics cover relationships, love, and sex. I would recommend that the album is played loud. Standout tracks for me are '469 - do me' and 'Are U lonely' but all of the album is well rounded, well produced and well delivered. It's been out for a bit now so it doesn't look as if it's going to be picked up by the majors or get mass appeal which is a shame because it's certainly a lot better than some things out there.

Golden Boy - Give it up - Tayste

Golden boy who is Harlon Bell of Tayste is a multi-talented singer/songwriter/producer working tirelessly to claim his niche in the industry of entertainment. Energetic, charismatic, and creative describe this young artist.

Mainly performing urban music, which concentrates on subjects from the bedroom to the streets. Golden boy delivers his versatility in such a way that his music will be appreciated by a wide range of music lovers worldwide.

His current effort is a maxi-single titled "give it up", which clearly displays his versatility. With five different mixes and a different vocal style on every song, golden boy is determined to prove that he is a complete artist.

Writing all styles of music, but mainly urban r&b/pop, this young artist has big expectations. On this single he also showcases his rap skills. Golden boy writes some of his lyrics with a subliminal metaphoric messaging style.

The name golden boy, doesn't just derive from his skin complexion, but is paralleled by his desire and attitude to be great. What makes him unique is his own sound, lyrics and the ability to constantly reinvent himself as an artist.

(Background info taken from Golden Boys Press Releases)

Lamar Thomas - Too Many Bitches in the Temple - Thomtay Radio Only CD release

'It states no 'dis'repect to women. It states no political position. It states the truth about whatever country you live, in the free world. It's about me. It's about you. It's about all of us.'
These are the words of Lamar Thomas about this song taken from his current album. This is a Gil Scott Heron/ Curtis Mayfield spoken Rap type thing, thought provoking lyrics with Lamar's take on things.

LEROY MARTEZ - FEELS SO GOOD - EML ROCKFORT

LeRoy Martez from Seattle cuts a well produced mellow adult orientated Soul Album. The songs are all written by Leroy in conjunction with mainly Erik Michael Lech but also 'Nudie'. The album is warm and melodic and the quality of the writing comes through. Of course, perhaps it should because LeRoy's Uncle Thom is none other than the legend Thom Bell.

Leroy as part of LeRoy & Casey or Bell & James were accomplished writers having written for the likes of Elton John, Johnny Mathis, Temptations, Spinners, O'Jays and Lou Rawls, plus having a number 15 pop hit in 1979 with 'Livin' it Up Friday Night.

Top tracks for me are the title track, and 'Used to be good lovers' which is enhanced by a video on the CD which also helps bring the story of the lyric home. 'All my life' is also a nice cut, as is 'need a little love'. In fact as I write this having listened to the album several times now it seems to get stronger. The voice is mellow and in the same style as say Gary Taylor or even Dennis Taylor. Real Love picks the pace a little and is a good modern soul groover.

All in all a more than worthwhile album and with all the right breaks I think we could here more from LeRoy - let's hope so.