With a fusion of acid jazz, R&B and funk, this Canadian band are fast making a name for themselves across the globe. This, their debut album, was released in 2006 and has been making a lot of noise in UK, Europe, USA and Methodology’s homeland Canada. The album is 50 minutes of live instruments, great vocals, good writing and an overall appreciation of music. For people missing Jamiroquai then check listen to the title track, celebrating how no earthly element can match the relationship the singer has with his partner. With a touch of Fender Rhodes it brings the sound of 70s lounge music in sync with the fun of the mid 90s acid jazz scene. Or check out the track entitled Live which celebrates life, and I assure you it will have you moving before you know it. For people recently seduced by Robin Thicke’s Lost Without You, you must check out My Strength; I defy any woman that claims she would not breakdown if her man plays her this song. This slowed down track further highlighting Kamil Andre’s vocal abilities, is about a man wanting to be vulnerable and become a better man, and just appreciating the strength that his woman brings into his life. The standout track for me on this album has to be Getaway; it is the perfect song for any time of day in the year. Featuring alongside Kamil on this track is Janell Monique, a performer in her own right (she also happened to write the song too). A simple guitar and piano intro builds up to a climax of keyboards, guitar, drums, horns and sublime lyrics about just getting away from it all. The closing track Once Upon A Time will again have you on your feet, but listen closely to the lyrics and you will hear it’s about a man not too pleased with how his relationship; but hey if the music is moving you who cares that he is harking back for times past. Whilst many artists are turning to computers and borrowing samples, Methodology keep things fresh and alive all the way through this album, and you can tell that on stage their performance will be electrifying. This is an amazing album, so don’t sleep on it people. Pick it up “relax you mind, free your thoughts, let you hair down and getaway”.

Richard "Ricardito" Ashie [Just Soul]

Kendra Ross is a well-rounded diverse individual. Born in Pittsburgh but residing in Brooklyn, Kendra Ross is a singer, songwriter, social activist and aspiring cultural anthropologist. To top this off she has worked with artists such as Kanye West, Eric Roberson, Talib Keweli and Faith Evans just to name a few. With all of this underneath her belt, Kendra Ross comes forth with her debut album “New Voice.” - A fifteen-track album illustrating Ross’s music talent and also allegorically showcasing her passion for jazz music. A number of tracks on this album are heavily jazz orientated giving it that extra underground urban feel that works and blends extremely well.
Ross does an immense job maintaining the pace and tempo in her album, with tracks such as “New Voice” “I got U" “I’m So Okay” and “Send Me Somebody To Love”. Ross has a nice duet song with Eric Roberson in “Why Can’t U See?” and slows it down a bit with tracks such as “You Made The Difference.” Ross ceases to bore her listeners and instead entertains them with her vibrant sound. Her voice is superb and soulful and her lyrics are fresh, original and real. Not once does she need to fall on the bandwagon of complaining, bitching, bragging, being egotistical and negative. Even though Ross is a social activist, she does an excellent job on concentrating on her music and perfecting her voice to her listeners while at the same time showcasing her thoughts and opinions.
Kendra Ross’ “New Voice” is an album that listeners will enjoy from start to finish. She’s entertaining, soulful and is passionate in what she sings.

Dwight Barrett [Just Soul]

Valarie Adam’s 15-track self-titled CD is brought to us from RetroSoul Recordings, the CD being in the style of a nostalgic/retro vinyl album, complete with background crackling noises at the beginning. Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, in the midst of artists like Dionne Warwick, Sarah Vaughan and Whitney Houston, this lady has a sassy, powerful voice to be proud of. The lyrics are personal, reading like the pages from her diary. The CD features the hit singles “I Think Of U,” “Do U Remember” and “C’Mon On Over” and treats the cover of Anita Baker’s 1983 track “Angel” with the respect and emotion it deserves; the A Brothers and the Saints providing extra vocals. There are no lyrics in the cover; it is a shame as I always enjoy reading the lyrics as well as listening to them. Crazy track “Freestyle Pt. 1” (Introlude) starts the CD followed by two of the above hit singles. Jazzy track “Back ‘N The Day” sees Valarie reminiscing about not having a care in the world as a young child. “Give It A Little Time” is smooth and mellow with charming backing vocals, the lyrics setting the boundaries of love, time, respect and abstinence. Girls track “Any Ol’ Day” follows and funk-filled ad-lib track “Freestyle Pt. 11” (Interlude) is next with some hard-hitting drumbeats. “Why Can’t We” asks questions of the community like “why can’t we make each other happy and live in peace & harmony?” 48 second “Heavenly Val” (Interlude) moves you swiftly on to the sweet and mellow groove “Angel” followed by the Sexy third hit single “C’Mon Over,” sending your pulse into a downward trend, giving the CD a relaxed feel. Passionately sung “Almost Famous” has Valarie recognising and singing about the gifts with which she was born, her sweet voice being one of those gifts. Beautiful “Because Of U” adds a clear dash of soul, these last couple of songs really suiting Valarie’s vocal style and emotion. Funky up-tempo penultimate track “I Thank U” is gospel flavoured with Valarie recognising the affect her parent’s up-bringing is reflected in her own life today. “Why Can’t We?” (Retro Mix) ends the CD, guaranteed to keep your heads popping to the funky bass. An independent artist with passion and powerful vocals, I look forward to hearing more from this lady in her solo career and also being able to read the lyrics from the next CD cover.

Tracey Cope [Just Soul]

Melissa Young is a beautiful Atlanta native with a voice reminiscent of a hot summer day in the south. Just up the Road is her debut album, packed full of songs about love and relationships, and the bits in between. The opening track Just a Girl has Melissa proclaiming she is a girl in a crazy world and she’s got to be loved. On one level it sounds like a song to her man making it clear that she is not other women, she is just who she is. On a deeper level I wonder could Melissa be singing this song about society in general, and this could be a women’s anthem for those tired of trying to conform to what society dictates they should look and act like. However we soon learn that Melissa is not a girl at all, but truly all woman, especially as the grown and sexy trumpet slips in the second half of the track. Mr Shonuff is a sexy and jazzy track where Melissa gives vocal admiration for the good looking, well trained, ‘make ya mama proud’ man she wants. If you want to make your man feel proud and appreciated, this is the track to put on. It’s About You is a nice mid tempo track written by Anthony Hamilton, in which Melissa sings about revisiting things and places she shared with her ex, and how her life is all about him. Not a bunny-boiler track in the least, just a laid track about how she thought they’d get back together, but she realises it was just in her dreams. An even better track about reminiscing is Funny in which Melissa sings about how life changes how even as great as she and her ex were they broke up and he has moved on. She shares the good memories she has about it, and sounds almost like she is wishing him good luck. The stand out track on this album for me was Rock with Me which is about taking the next step in the relationship, and the anxiety of whether the person will be there for you after or will it be hit and run. A beautiful melody on what is a real and delicate subject for many; Melissa will bring a smile to your face as you song blast this from my stereo. Other tracks to check out are Silver Buttons about damaged children, and how they sell themselves short in one way or another for silver buttons, and how she feels their pain. Just up the Road is about going through good and bad times, and strived to continue because heaven is just up that road. Overall it is not a bad debut album for Ms Young. Her voice on CD may lack the soul of Aretha, Gladys Knight, or even a Betty Wright, but her songs show a maturity and her voice has a plaintive quality and southern charm that will definitely grow on you. Get this CD and make sure you catch her live; I’ve heard she is amazing in concert.

Richard "Ricardito" Ashie [Just Soul]

When you thought R&B and true soulful music was dead by today’s commercial sugar coated R&B music that music industry seems to sprinkle on everyone, there are still some artists out there who maintain their soulful roots and sing from the heart and not from the direction of music producer to earn the big bucks; Ledisi is one of those artists.
Ledisi comes out with her latest album, “Lost and Found” which showcases her devoted, impersonal lyrics. From start to finish, Ledisi forces her audiences to hear what she has on her mind and in her soul and does a superb job on doing so. Bearing similarity to Jill Scott’s first album “Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Volume One,” Ledisi starts off the CD by breaking the fourth wall and talking to her “audience”. Once she breaks down the fourth wall, Ledisi entertains her audience. Tracks such as “Joy,” “Alright” “and Get To Know You” serve as nice R&B head nodding tracks. Ledisi of course slows it down with soothing mellow tracks such as “Think of you,” “In the morning” and “We are one.” Ledisi even gets a little funky with “Upside Down” where her sound and vocals might remind listeners of Chaka Khan.
Ledisi not only sings but tells a story to her listeners which one can easily envision. “Best Friend” for example talks about Ledisi being in love with her best friend that she has known since she was 13 and he was 14 and it is now tearing her apart. “Get To know” is a nice warm track that talks about Ledisi meeting a man who says he “wants to get to you know you better” which Ledisi finds appealing and attractive.
Ledisi’s “Lost and Found” is a great album on many different levels; great lyrics, great soul beats, and excellent production. The only thing that you will be lost in is in her soulful voice and words, which you will find very appealing.

Dwight Barrett [Just Soul]