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Just Norwood
  Just Norwood  
  Recommended if you like:
- Avery Stafford
- Ola Onabule
- Michael McDonald
- Luther Vandross
 
Review
Norwood Young 'Just Norwood' [SoulChoonz]
 

The opening line to this rich CD says “Father, help your children... and don’t let them fall by the side of the road, and teach them to love one another” and sets the tone for this uplifting soulful album. Norwood Young starred in the Broadway production of Dreamgirls and toured with the jazz collective “Pieces Of A Dream.” Norwood starts the CD, released in the summer of 2007, by singing Lionel Richie’s “Jesus Is Love;” a powerful, gospel track. Continuing with the smooth flowing “Queen Of My Life” produced by Darryl Ross, a song with the warmth of the old masters of yesteryear, which is seldom captured today. “Eighth Wonder Of The World” follows and has a romantic guitar accompaniment. A lovely track (and first single from the album) - be prepared to be taken on a journey to the Eight Wonder Of The World – LOVE. Moving on to “Easier Said Than Done” which features a duet with Jennifer Holliday (Grammy Award winner from the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls,) a beautiful track reminding me of the musical qualities in Ola Onabule’s voice/meeting Michael McDonald’s distinctive tones. Stimulating “Sexual Amnesia” took me to another galaxy, listen and you will know what I mean, it will enchant. The heartfelt and moving “I Can’t Fool Anyone” is a pleasure to listen to about a lost relationship and not being able to hide feelings for that person or to let go. “Would You Be Mine” has Norwood singing about asking for someone’s hand in marriage, with piano, violin and choir contributing to this soulful track. “Take Me Home” is a ballad, with much love to give, saying his lady makes his life complete and brings him joy. “Breaking Up (Is Hard To Do) with classical violin intro tells me if you do cover a song, to do it in this moving way – a beautiful interpretation of the original, the violin playing an important, poignant part to the track. Synthesized “You’re The One For Me” follows then on to “No Way, No How” with the lyrics “will I ever lose my treasure, please don’t leave me ever; accept my apology as there will never be a life without you”. “Everytime You Go Away (I Cry)” is co-written by him and Scott Cannady and is given justice by Norwood’s expression and emotion in his singing. “Feed His People” brings attention to the starving people and features American Idol runner up & friend Trynce with pleasing guitar work within the track. A fine example of work shared, with Norwood writing/co-writing 8 of the tracks on the album with the tracks not written by him continuing the warmth and love, with which he evokes. Norwood has a rich, mature, musical and heartfelt voice. For the over 30’s – you will love this album – for the under 30’s it will teach you what real music is about. If you like romantic ballads, goose pimple Old School classic soul with meaningful, lyrical content; buy this thirteen-track album - a worthy addition to your collection.

Tracey Cope [Just Soul]

All About The Music
  All About The Music  
  Recommended if you like:
- Incognito
- Methodology
- Marvin Gaye
 
Review
All Star Collective 'All About The Music' [SoulChoonz]
 

Ever put a CD in your stereo and from the first 4 bars you just know that the CD is going to be amazing? Well The All Stars Collective All About The Music is truly one of those albums and it has some of the best music I have heard in recent years. Like a breath of fresh air this ten track album has live instruments, live singers, and I doubt any of the tracks will be getting a Soulja Boy remix soon.
Some of the finest musicians got together and produced this album filled with great vibes, uplifting lyrics, and an amazing showcase of artistry that needs to be heard by all. The title track is sang by Jocelyn Brown who pays tributes to musicians of old, and celebrates how music can change your mood and have you dancing the night away. On Remedy Hamish Stuart sings soulfully about how after trying everything else, the only remedy he needs is his lady and to have her by his side. Hey Listen Up has a beautiful groove, reminiscent of Marvin Gaye’s Mercy, Mercy Me, and Roy Hamilton just adds his gentle vocals to ice the cake. A tender track about how he wants his friend to become his lady, as he expresses all the feelings he has for her; truly divine. Other stand out tracks includes Star, which features the vocals of Cuttie Williams and guitar solo of Jim Mullen. Beautiful Day which starts as an enticing Latin melody before breaking into a heavy guitar and percussion chorus is all about although everything in the world being sunny and exciting Klaus White is unhappy because his woman is away from him. Time Will Tell which features the vocals of Angelo Starr closes the collection. The moving ballad asks us to think about what is going on now and the implications it may have in the future.
I personally found every track on this album full of energy and exuding quality. There is also something satisfying to know that each of these musicians are seasoned professionals and recorded everything lice. Whether its Jim Mullen or Chris Newland’s guitar solos, Matt Clackett’s soaring flute, or the vocals of Jocelyn, Hamish and Roy, or indeed any of the 15 other musicians on this CD, I assure you that any one that appreciates quality music will not be disappointed with this CD. In the words of one of the tracks, with this CD “Yes I’m satisfied I’ve got all I wanted”.

Richard "Ricardito" Ashie [Just Soul]

Kingdom Falls
  Kingdom Falls  
  Recommended if you like:
- Prince
- Jamiroquai
- Raphael Saadiq
 
Review
Nate James 'Kingdom Falls' [FroFunk]
 

A subtle piano intro leads you in to “Outta My Head” the first song on Nate’s sophomore fifteen-track album, with a little kick skipping you in. Executively produced by Nate and Anthony Hamer-Hodges. All tracks are written or co-written by Nate, who was awarded the “Best Soul Act” at the UK Urban Music Awards in London 2007 after his previous years nomination in this category. At first I was a little surprised when I heard the CD as it is much more ‘techno’ than his first, more experimental, merging soul with electronica. However, Nate’s distinctive vocals are constant and remain evident throughout with catchy tunes and big production. Once again, Nate lending two pages of his CD Cover to give thanks to friends and family, a very thankful person which I noted on his debut album. “You Got It Wrong Interlude” is the second track merging in to “High Times.” The 37- second track “Ruminate Part 1” takes you in to the powerful album title track “Kingdom Falls”. Then on to “Back To You” followed by the most soulful and memorable track on the album “Choke” - guaranteed to touch the inner you with the Liverpool Session Orchestra adding appropriate depth and meaning. Christian Badzura’s jazz arrangement of “Wonderland” with trumpets by Martin Smith ebbs and flows, in this up-tempo groove ending with the 35 second “Ruminate Part 2.” Funky and appropriately toned down “SMF” is a sound where Nate feels at ease, relaxing in to the flow, to track eleven “Thinking ‘Bout You” having Nate realising needs must be working overseas, but he can’t stop feeling lonely and thinking about his girl when he’s far away from her, with soulful and funky additional vocals by Vula Malinga. Finger and palm snapping “Just Say Yes” and don’t say no, sees Nate taking it kind of slow…to “LA Dreamin” an orchestral beat driven track saying time is so elusive, don’t let anyone hold you back. The penultimate track “ T H E R A P Y” is about choosing which way you want to go in a relationship featuring the soulful voice of Emily Friendship, completing the CD with the funky psychedelic 55 second “Ruminate Pt 3.” Nate has a vast back-catalogue of songs and I look forward to a more settled 3rd album with eager anticipation. The CD feels a little too long and over-experimental, however Nate is an artist to keep watching and listening for – music for music lovers. Check the album out and see for yourself.

Tracey Cope [Just Soul]

Jazz Handle
  Jazz Handle  
  Recommended if you like:
- Erykah Badu
- Macy Gray
 
Review
Lene Riebau 'Jazz Handle' [Drycastle]
 

Lene Riebau the Danish songstress from Denmark hits the mark with her debut CD “Jazz Handle”. Lene is a noted author, performer and composer, co-writing all the tracks on “Jazz Handle”. She performed as lead and backing singer with various cover/tribute bands in Denmark before the making of her debut album.
I love the CD title that speaks to her talent to blend soulful R&B with jazz. As a lover of music and in the business of exposing great music from around the globe to listener, I had a good feeling about this offering once I heard the first track “Up Up Up He Goes”. Her vocals are reminiscent of the great Billie Holiday and even modern day Jazz/R&B vocalists such as Eryka Badu and yes the very unique Macy Gray. But Lene has her own distinctive sound and style. Every time I listen to the record I’m blown away by her voice, clever lyrics and music collaboration. “Jazz Handle” is definitely a must have for your music collection. I can’t say enough about it. Just looking at the track listing will peak your interest to listen with great enthusiasm. For instance “Suitcase Blues”, Yesterday But Not Today”, Doing Nothing” and “Walk Before I Crawl”, which is my favorite because of it’s truthfulness and musical deliverance. Lene Riebau, along with her soulful talent no doubt has the Jazz Handle.

Barbara Fulton [Just Soul]

A Beautiful Mess
  A Beautiful Mess  
  Recommended if you like:
- Bjork
- Erykah Badu
- Lalah Hathaway
 
Review
Ra-Re Valverde 'A Beautiful Mess' [Ra-Re Valverde]
 

When someone says they have sung or written with artists like Rahsaan Patterson, Jill Scott, Lalah Hathaway, or have performed on the famous Sugar Water Festival, you know that this is no wannabe singer but someone who is skilled in what they do. After years of either writing or singing behind others Ra-Re Valverde has released her first project entitled A Beautiful Mess, and if the title doesn’t make you curious then the CD will. The album is a collection of 14 eclectic songs carefully put together to make the listener pay attention to the music, the voice, and the journey the album will take you on. Outside The Box is the first track, and on it Ra-Re sings about living outside the box on cloud 9 and being happy about it, not wanting to be down on the ground with everyone else. In Love Will Ra-Re duets with Peter Hadar on a beautiful song about whether the other person would leave if they do not measure up or have enough, when reality it’s the little things they do for each other that they truly appreciate, like knowing someone needs them. Love provides understanding and security for them, in short Love Will. In Superhero Ra-Re is having the last laugh as the man who left her for someone else realises his mistakes and turns to her to literally save him like a superhero. Anyone who has been in that situation will be cheering as Ra-Re explains she can not be his superhero, as when she supported him before he thought she was draining him and took off. My favourite song Complicated is funnily enough the one that is most diverse vocally. Set over a jazzy and seductive melody Ra-Re in a heavily disguised voice sings “Just like any other morning - we're not talking again. It’s a new day, same old story much easier to be lover's than friends. So now tell me where did it all get so complicated tell me when will we ever make it?” The juxtaposition of tortured thoughts over a gorgeous beat is truly amazing. Other stand out tracks on this CD are the All The Things, Till U Come Home, and May B I’m the 1. For people that only know Ra-Re through her work on stage or through her collaborations, this is album may not be what you are expecting. Don’t get me wrong the familiar voice is there, as are the choice of keys and vocal arrangements; however this is an experimental project, which takes various forms, giving Bjork a run for her money. One thing that is consistent throughout the album is the quality of the song writing. Ra-Re is insightful and “right on point” on many of her views on love and life. Pick up the CD, sit down, listen hard, listen well, and then really enjoy.

Richard "Ricardito" Ashie [Just Soul]

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