Born and raised in Harlem, Vivian Sessoms is a woman who eats, sleeps and breathes music. Working with legends such as Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, Sean "P.Diddy" Combs, and Sinead O'Connor Vivian has been able to capture and apply what she learned to create her own style. After meeting up with multitalented producer and songwriter Chris Parks, they both present their debut album: Albright feat. Vivian Sessoms "Sunny one day"; a 14-album track showcasing Vivian's strong vocal talents.
As one listens to this album, you will easily hear and appreciate Vivian's voice and her passion for music. Tracks such as "Ghettoland", "Heroin" "Oh baby" and "Tainted" showcases her powerful voice. Other tracks such as "Searchin", "Dunno What" and "Sunny One Day" all help enhance Vivian's voice and the overall quality of this album. There is a noticeable maturity in this album through her lyrics which one could only expect from such an artist. Furthermore the maturity and sophistication of her songs help convey and drive this album and tracks such as "Love can turn you around" and "Love You" help to exemplify this. What is great about this album is that none of the songs are depressing or heart aching which seems to be one of the unfortunate rules that R&B artists tend to use today when producing their songs. All the songs talk about love, life, and happiness and not about why did I fall for this person or why I hate them so much. Negativity seems to drag people down and Vivian and Chris clearly shows the opposite it. What is also great and important to know is that this album is not just about Vivian. This album together is both produced and written by Chris and Vivian so listeners can enjoy not only the lyrics from both of them but also the music they both produced.
The album on a whole is great soulful ensemble with great lyrics, excellent production and of course a superb vocals. The passion and drive Vivian has in each song clearly illustrates to the listener how much devotion she has into music. This might explain why a number of listeners may not have heard of her because the music industry lately has been saturated with artists who sing repetitive formula lyrics and depressing topics instead of positive uplifting material.

Dwight Barrett [Just Soul]

Modest and humble as he is, Eric Roberson uncontrollably continues to attest to his listeners that he is a soulful gifted artist whose lyrics penetrate the minds of those who listen to him. Eric Roberson was nominated for a BET Award which is not only the first for Eric, but was also the first for BET to nominate an independent artist. Even though he lost to the late legend Gerald Levert, this has not affected Mr. Roberson nor his music. He still illustrates the soul and passion that his listeners adore. Eric Roberson now comes out with his latest album entitled "Left" a 14 track album of new material.
"Left" begins with the horn groovy track "Music". From this point Eric takes his listeners once again through a journey of his is personal thoughts, feelings and soulful confessions. He discusses about his love relationship on the head banging track "Been in love" featuring Phonte from Little Brother. He does a duet with fellow musician and friend Algebra Blessett in the acoustic felt track "Iluvutoomuch." He flirts with a girl he sees in the ever so smooth soulful "Pretty Girl." Eric teases his listeners by doing another cover of his song "Couldn't hear me over the music" from his previous album. Interestingly he ends his album with "The Smoke signals-Man who had it all" an almost popish rock track with electric guitars. Though this track does not necessarily fit in with the general music theme of this album, it surprisingly is done well.
Eric is a gifted writer and story teller. His songs evoke such vibrant thoughts amongst his listeners that often the listener will literally stop what they are doing to absorb Eric's words. Eric Roberson's "Too soon" is one example that does this where he tells his girl that he is not ready for commitment and that "it's too soon to say I love you"; something that a lot of male listeners would probably agree with. "Pretty girl" is another good example where the listener can literally imagine Eric walking on a street seeing an attractive girl, approaching her and saying "Pretty girl, do you always use your smile to get your way?" Eric's voice is flawless and his ability to sing falsetto is appealing, soulful and not overpowering and raspy.
Want to hear music that makes you happy yet makes you emotional at times? Want to hear lyrics that make you think and reflect on your own experiences? Want to hear an artist that has the ability to take you into his world and examine his soul and mind and leaving hitting the repeat button on your CD? Eric Roberson's "Left" might be the answer for you.

Dwight Barrett [Just Soul]

I just knew from the CD title “Spoken Word Soul” that without a doubt it would conjure thoughts, soothe the soul, make you groove and put you in the mood. And that’s what this record does. It puts you in a chic, cool and eclectic place listening to a jazzy funky band with a soulful vocalist invoking sweet thoughts. Shades of J has a smooth and seductive style with great vocal range.
How artistic and talented to combine both spoken word and music together. This is a display of her enormous ability as an artist to produce creative soulful music. Her delivery is incredible. The words grab your attention with her thoughts and conviction, giving meaning and truth. The word deliverance is persuasive and gripping. Vocally, she’s a gem with a hint of Vesta, Chante Moore and her own unique sound. On top of the wonderful words and voice, the music is awesome. Musically the tracks range from soulful R&B to jazz with both slow and mid tempo instrumental grooves that flow with the words and vocals producing soulful, hypnotic tracks for your listening pleasure.
With the combination of spoken word and music Shades of J goes beyond giving you music, word and song. She gives you a part of her in both a poetic and musical fashion. Sharing her gift with us, leaving food for thought and tunes that will without a doubt make you groove is an artist that is destined to become a talent that will be sought out and appreciated by music lovers around the globe.
The CD is full of great tracks with the highlights being “Seek The Truth”, “The Kiss…The Email Thread, “Under The Influence”, “Stirrin It Up” and “Searchin”. Just from the track titles gives you the anticipation of lyric bliss for your listening enjoyment. “Spoken Word Soul” speaks to you. This is definitely a must have for your collective. Undoubtedly, we’ll hear more from Shades of J.

Barbara Fulton [Just Soul]

UK funk jazz band Down To The Bone isn’t really a band per say. Down To The Bone actually consists of music enthused gentlemen by the name of Stuart Wade - who produces and creates his music - with the help of fellow jazz musicians. What Wade likes to call “the good groove” music, Down To The Bone brings forth their album “Supercharged;” an 11 track CD showcasing funk and jazz all blended together. The album begins with its self-entitled track “Supercharged” and follows with other groovy tracks such as “Funkin Around” and “Parkside Shuffle,” as well as guest appearing tracks such as “Electric Vibes” with legendary funk jazz musician Roy Ayers and “Shake It Up” featuring Corinna Greyson. The funk acid jazz sounds of Down To The Bone bears a lot of similarity to fellow UK acid jazz bands such as Jamiroquai and The Brand New Heavies, which a number of listeners will attest and enjoy. The musicians in this band play off each other, which creates a tighter sound, some acid jazz bands can lack. Tracks such as “Cosmic Fuzz” and “Smile To Shine” compliment this tightness. The album also seems to take the listener through a funk journey ride making it perfect driving music. A number of tracks on this album are done quite well, however certain tracks such as “Electric Vibes” featuring Roy Ayers seem to stand out a bit more. Roy Ayers ad-libs and together with his infamous xylophone, blends extremely well with the band and might attest and produce a subjective liking towards “Electric Vibes” - making it one of the more favorable tunes on the album. This does not mean though that all the other tracks on the album are mediocre or not as superlative, in fact, it means the total opposite. Supercharged will also make the listener envision they are at a live venue seeing the band perform. The instruments played on each track are clear, crisp, and enjoyable to the listener and they never overpower or clash with each other. The album is no doubt enjoyable and listeners will find themselves nodding and feeling “supercharged” after listening to some of these funky acid jazz tracks. Down To The Bone is one soul band from the UK that everyone internationally should look out for.

Dwight Barrett [Just Soul]

Guyana born Nhojj wrote, arranged, produced, recorded, mixed and performed all songs on this, his 12-track sophomore album. Track one entitled “Hold on” gently rocks you into a soulful meditative/trance-like state, setting the spell-bounding mood of the album, with subtle reggae rhythms, enticing you to listen to the words in the song. Funky second track “Free” follows, which speaks of him wanting no more disillusions or regrets, just wanting to be free with Nhojj’s falsetto voice peaking and flowing throughout the song. “Peace” speaks of wanting that ever-elusive peace for our children, yet often struggling to achieve it ourselves. This is where Nhojj reminds me of the young Michael Jackson. The track almost comes to a conclusion mid-way through, as he speaks slowly, calming the mood, and then re-emerges to enthral us with more heart-pouring, distant spiritual grooves, gently fading to an end. “What r u begging for” simply says, what is important in life, is to find out what you are begging for leading into a stand back reggae track entitled “The Beggar’s Cup” - having a Jason Miraz meets Bob Marley feel to it. “Fighting for Love (The Warrior’s Song)” follows simply saying the title lyrics in this short piece. “Lost/Found,” with the recognised words of “I once was lost, but now I’m found” is sung, along with the guitar played in a Spanish style, yet the track has a distinctly French feel, with tapped out beat being hypnotic in its essence. “U” includes the lyrics “you are my light, my day and night, you are the wind, you are the rain, wash me make me whole again.” A laid back track with intoxicating words. “I Miss You” is a simply beautiful song, which drops you into silent moments; capturing your imagination and making you step into the mind of Nhojj and hear his thoughts. You have heard of spoken word, this is unspoken word (music for the imagination), ending with harmonies. “Love Again” is an a capella, harmonised hymn-like poetry track, which lasts for just fifty –seven seconds. We are introduced to the performance and poetry of Nhojj in “A New Me,” a spoken word poem, which Nhojj incorporates in to his live shows, as well as his CD’s. “Someday” is a reggae coloured ending to this intriguing album. The album is relaxing, has a gospel feel, sends out peaceful lyrics and is inspirational due to its simple production, giving it an overall organic feel with minimal music accompaniment. Listen to the album and you get an essence of this gifted artist called Nhojj. Well recommended.

Tracey Cope [Just Soul]