October 07 saw the release of the debut Anticipation the debut album from Jua, from Upper Marlboro, Washington DC, whose vocals make a nice to your album collection.
The album begins with Higher where Jua is giving hope to a woman who has been hurt and disappointed by past relationships, and telling her how his love can take her higher. The nice bass and gentle groove make me believe this is a single in the waiting to be released. Jua delights his listeners with mid tempo tracks and a few ballads on this 15 track album, which is very good for a debut. Jua’s vocals never disappointed me on any of the tracks, whether he was singing falsetto like Maxwell or just soothing you like Luther Vandross. It is clear he has spent time refining his voice and working on his craft; his ‘Best Choral Member’ award, and work with the Blackbyrds have not been a fluke. Unfortunately there were a couple of times that the production of the songs let him down, and did not do him justice. This album is definitely for the lover of good vocals and serious lyrics about love and relationships, there are no hip hop beats, booty bouncing or club anthems on this album. One of my favourite tracks is Push it Further where Jua is tempting his date to stay after dinner, let’s just say listening to that track had my mind racing and a big smile on my face. Temptation has Jua affirming that he is not about to mess up his current relationship by being enticed by his ex- that witch! Whilst Every Time has Jua affirming that he will be there every time his woman needs him, and how he has so much to share with her. The title track Anticipation is a gentle upbeat song about how he is looking forward to meeting this girl and all the plans he has for her, and how he has been thinking of her since they last met up. Lost Paradise shows the other side of Jua, where he is singing about love which has turned sour by betrayal, and he is bitter. Jua wraps up the album with what is my favourite track of the album, a cover of the classic That’s All. Jua shows he can sing jazz as well as soul; a truly amazing song. Overall a good debut album from an independent artist, and I believe with the right backing and slicker production Jua can go really far.

Richard "Ricardito" Ashie [Just Soul]

"All of Me" is the debut album from an exciting new singer Michael Ashanti that you may want to keep a close eye on people. Born in New York but a world traveller from the age of 7, "All of Me" is a collection of songs which I do believe encompass many of his musical influences and cultures he absorbed as he was growing up around the world. The CD kicks off with "Cry", a tight track with Michael asking his woman whys she wants to make him cry. Don’t be deceived by the subject matter though, Michael is not a whimpering wet mess in the corner asking this, he is in full control and making her know that this can’t go on, and she shouldn’t think she can find someone better than him. He reassures her that he can be the man that she wants to be; and listening to the track I believe him. The next track "Let Me Go" reminds me of British artist Don-E, who is one of the Don’s of British Soul. In it Michael tells his woman “If you need me then keep me, but it don’t need me let me go”. Now before you start thinking this CD is album man and woman relationships I assure you it isn’t. There is a refreshing upbeat track called "Hold On" which is a true delight to listen to. Michael sings about holding in during the hard times, and reflects on some of the blessings he has. It’s a beautiful inspirational track, with some very good choral backing vocals too. Another favourite track is "Stranger (You Never Know)" in which Michael reflects on his dad telling him not to talk to strangers, but now he’s a grown up it’s a stranger that his given him the most love. It really reminds me of Rahsaan Patterson’s "Where You Are", especially the beautiful acoustic guitar, amazing harmonies and groovy finger snaps. His first single "Again/Contigo Yo Naci" is a re-fix of the Billy Preston and Syreeta classic ballad "With You I am Born Again", with a reggae beat and some real nice Spanish raps courtesy of Sooso. For those who like things a little slower Michael turns up the heat with "Crossing the Line" which is about thinking about someone close to you and then seriously considering taking things further. I personally felt the title track "All of Me" was not as strong vocally or production as some of the other songs on this album, which is a shame as the song is about Michael giving himself totally to his partner as he has full trust in her and he can truly be himself. Overall this is a good debut album for this singer/songwriter. Other good tracks on this CD include "Fathers Anthem" which celebrates all the fathers out there taking care of their children and being great role models, and encourages them to keep it up. Also "The Sun will Shine Again" is a song of hope and inspiration to victims of recent wars and disasters around the world.

Richard "Ricardito" Ashie [Just Soul]

Around 10 years ago, at a time when most people still believed an artist needed a major record label to give them consent to be an artist, Ola Onabule became an independent artist. Ola has admirably gone on to release his eagerly awaited 6th studio album on the Rugged Ram Record Label (September 2007) with the opening lyrics from the first track “Never Know” - “smart brother with an afro, like a halo round his head…” All songs written, arranged and recorded by Ola, at the Casa Del Funk Studios, London and executively produced by Maria Avgoulis. Using a medley of fine musicians who deliver a top-quality soulful and funky sound. Relaxing track 2 “Where The Past Goes” follows then the title song “The Devoured Man” which speaks of the corruption of people in power - “a wink from temptation…that devalues a man.” Giving us an insight to compromise, for shameful, individual gain. “This Fool Again” is where Ola exceeds in his music, with his strength, calmness and depth of voice, an easy-listening ballad with soothing percussion and melodic piano accompaniment. Funky “Groove To The Lie” follows with voice distortion then an introduction on CD to Ola’s scat, hitting the high & low notes in the “Miracle Obstacle.” “Truce Baby” sets you swaying to the ‘Ola Groove,’ as he tries to work on a compromise, middle ground, rather than fight, with Ugo Delmirani on keys. Track 8 “True Friends” is a stunning song; an expressive track that captures you with the vibe and sincere way it is sung. Exclaiming the words “Get On With The Living!” The band working tightly together to create a pleasing sound (which when sung live by Ola, I know would be even more outstanding due to the warmth and depth of his powerful live voice.) Ola, at ease and getting lost in the moment, feeling the beautiful guitar work of Mark Johns, who makes the guitar ‘talk’ alongside Ola’s meaningful lyrics. “My Other Prayer” is about being proud and happy with life, saying, “go where you will, you’ll always be where you’re meant to be.” Disbelieving and thankful of how uncomplicated life is, with things somehow just working together to make for a smooth ride. Base filled track “The Detail” is next - a song about twisted aberration. I love the rhythm on “Who Are You” the CD closing with the strong, passionately sung final track “Back Home”. Which comes to terms with stubborn truth, acceptance and how one is perceived, no longer trying to change it but saying “life now, is wherever I breath,” - a beautiful soulful ballad. The CD consists of mainly mid-tempo songs, to ballads, with Ola incorporating politics and social awareness in his lyrics. I started this review commending Ola being an Independent artist, striving to get his voice heard through the rocky terrain of the music business, spending numerous hours no doubt, gliding through the musical jungle with the help of people around him, cutting through the under-growth with his art and creativity with eloquence and grace. Rewarded by knowing he never has to compromise what he believes in, to create powerful tracks like “The Devoured Man”, “True Friends,” “Back Home” and wonderful melodies that accompany them. If the UK had an award category for Soul Music, this artist would definitely be up for an award with this album. This is an inspiring CD of sweet soul-filled music, sung with deeply felt passion and meaning. A must buy for your soul collection.

Tracey Cope [Just Soul]

If you are expecting to hear a contemporary R & B album, this CD is not for you, but if you enjoy soulful, heartfelt, inspirational roots music, André De Lang’s 2007 album “Homecoming” is just what you are waiting for. This is an album borne from a journey of life - the past to the present with Andre looking back on his life’s story. The fourth track “Hallelujah (I’m Alive) reflects this and almost has a country feel. Given a guitar as a birthday present by a friend with the words “go write that song ” it became the inspiration behind this deeply personal 14-track CD. André has written all tracks with the exception of track 3 and thirteen. From opening the CD cover with Andre’s smiling face on the front, it instantly sets the mood for this uplifting album which starts with “The Spirit Song;” An incredibly powerful native American sounding track. I know not what he is actually singing, but it doesn’t detract from the impact – which is spiritually thought provoking, making you want to play it in the mountains of South Africa, as you watch the sun go down. “Awe Mama” gives praise to his Mama, in a spiritually elevating song, which also gives thanks to The Father, incorporating African sounds. “Same Ol’ Story” has the lyrics “I am yearning in my soul…give me comfort, make me whole..” The words of someone who is lost, knowing there is more and wanting it deeply, with the harmonica lending emotion to this heavy- hearted track. I always enjoy a good male duet and track 5 “My Music” does not disappoint. Featuring Cecil Mitchell whose voice blends soulfully well with the voice of André as they sing the lyrics “this is the music, my song, finds me when I’m all alone, in the silence of my home, the yearning that’s inside of me…makes me sing,” a simple song being raw and natural in nature. I can imagine André sat up in the middle of the night, with his guitar and a need to make music and write such lyrics. “One In A Million” with André’s African deeply felt words is another beautiful track. The album title track “Homecoming” features Lefifi Tladi, with African lyrical poetry, in this up-tempo, happy track and all those beautiful African sounds. “Hymn For The Pacemaker” simply features André’s vocals, a grand piano and a Hammond in this praising song. “Love Is” follows with the words “let love rain upon the nation to the point of saturation”. “Thula Mama” – meaning be quiet mother, acknowledges the influence and love of his mother. “African Child” again featuring Lefifi Tladi follows with a short African poem. “Strength In You” is a song about everyone needing a friend to lean on with the lyrics “when my light has gone from my eyes I know you will lead me home”. “Die Stem Revisited” (meaning ‘The Voice’ – which was the Afrikaans national anthem used during the apartheid years in South Africa), has Andre lending his interpretation, with a soothing bit of harmonica. The CD ends with “Tshoha, Tshoha” meaning ‘wake up, wake up’ in the South African language of Seswana or Tswana (English translation). A mainly instrumental track with the stunning sound of the alto sax, acoustic guitar and subtle accordion ending with the singing of the title lyrics, tshoha, tshoha. The album transports you to Africa, gives you a feel of André and his culture and even has a French flavour at times, using musicians who really seem to feel the passion André had in mind when making the album. The CD is a celebration of life, with hopes and aspirations for the future and refreshingly uplifts and inspires. An original. Well recommended.

Tracey Cope [Just Soul]

It seems lately that a number of older R&B artists from the past are now releasing albums. Though this might appear as rejuvenating to many listeners who adore their older R&B, some listeners might question if some of these old skool R&B artists are really producing material because they still have the passion and drive in them or are they desperate to stay alive in hopes that people will still remember them despite the fact they hadn’t released in album in well over 10 years. In 2002 R&B singer Gregory Abbott who was famous for his 80’s “Shake you down” released the album “Eyes whispers, rhythm, sex…..”
The title of this album might sound a bit risqué but it’s far from that. Gregory Abbott says that his album is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the September 11th attacks however some listeners might find that hard to believe when his album title that sounds more like a line from a Harlequin romance novel. Gregory Abbott seeks to capture his audience with mellow nice tracks such as “I Like What You Do” “Eleven Eleven” and “Rhythm, Rhyme.” There are some tracks however that seem to clash with album. Tracks such as “Handyman” which uses that same harmonica style used 80’s hit “Shake down” and “He Said She Said” which sounds more of New Jack Swing song from 1991 though both sound good might have the potential of distracting the listener because of its dated sound.
One thing listeners will note is that Gregory Abbott still has the same strong distinctive voice that he had when he first popped in the charts in the 80’s. He uses well known signature “well-oh well” adlib in a few of his tracks which are just enough to make them nostalgic and pleasing and not overkill and desperate to the listener. Despite a couple of tracks that might not grab the appeal to some listeners Gregory Abbott’s album is still a keeper and one to keep in your collections.

Dwight Barrett [Just Soul]