Donald Sheffey has already impressed us over recent years with sets full of real soul, mellow vibes and toe-tappers. 2011 sees another release that will not fail to make a strong impress. This twelve-tracker sees a more rounded, more confident and – dare I say – smoother Donald Sheffey. The set, entitled “Between You And I” is more than a romantic patsy – more like a deeper, vocal / musical covenant between Donald, his writers and producers and you and I, the listener. Oh, and there is dynamic here and mutual transaction. It’s obvious that Donald and the gang have put their heart and souls into this album and many tracks elicit from us warmth, joy and definitive, solid appreciation. Vocally I am still as impressed as I was on first hearing his voice; his warm, resonant vocal quivers with the timbre of either George or Louis Johnson. It’s this silkiness that makes the set a real winner. Fans of Y2K real soul will melt into the lullaby-like “For Your Love” which gets more and more essential on each play. This is independent soul that really has some solidity to it. A real treat is the slightly Latin “Gifted” with a sumptuous backing and gorgeous sax, dreamy keys and lyrics that are positive and heart-warming. Written by Soulchoonz’ very own Di-Lee and features keys from from legendary Producer Tony Camillo, and sax solo by Scott Grimaldi. If you’re tired of the drab, grey and wet weather and long for warmer days...then hit track 2 and dream along to this!
This is the album I have been eagerly awaiting. "Slow Down", played on radio by Ralph Tee and included on Soul Togetherness 2010 is, for me, one of THE standout tracks of 2010. We've not had to wait too long for a full album from this massive talent, and I am sure that there will be something for everyone on it. The hit song is included here as you would expect but in a slightly remixed and extended form. It's lost THAT special fluid 1980s flavour, perhaps, from the original version for me and that's still not important. Why? It does, though, have extra haunting synths that are really, really tasty. STILL the song is a monster and this is EXACTLY the type of soul / R&B record that I want to hear in 2011. Record companies, are you listening? No, I thought not. Where I compared this groove to the sadly missed Luther Vandross, on many tracks we hear echoes of the vocal facets of Gerald Alston, Al Johnson and even Brian McKnight in the vocal arrangements.
The Euphonius Suite is a mix of various styles, all of which are music to the ears. Fans of Impromp2, Skalp and Jon B should find this set really in their comfort zone. Musically we are talking Impromp2 territory with an emphasis of a funky, warm Fender Rhodes filled summertime early '80s vibe. For some there may be too much reliance on rap BUT this isn't the brain-dead, finger-pointing, booty-shaking sort. Think classy with a Patrice Rushen / Freddie Washington vibe with the slab bass, soaring sax and warm keys. This set should have been in my hands in the summer, albeit typically brief. On the first track, Jameil lays out his stall. "Classy" says it all really. Sweeping aside who he calls the 'booty rappers' Jameil's guest rapper is Charles Lane and the vibe is SUPERB! You cannot fail to get into this groove, you really can't. The sax here is almost in Ronnie Laws' territory. Soulful rap with real spirit, and expertly laid down to boot. I really have all the time in the world for material like this that strikes a good balance and embraces genres...as long as it's done well. Jameil and his colleagues have certainly done that..
SounDoctrine by virtue of name and artwork may fool you into thinking that it's some rubbish rap / Hip Hop album along the likes of D12 or something. Well, thankfully, it isn't. Billed as Funkjazzfusion, this album represents a number of talented artists who collaborate on a set of quality soul tunes, jazzy instrumentals and contemporary - yet not crass - R&B efforts. A few names on here are familiar to us all - Carlton J. Smith, Marlon Saunders and Jere B to name a few, and other lesser known names work together to deliver a fine set of independent soul, funk and jazz tunes. Jere B is the man overseeing this project, and 14 tracks have been created for your listening pleasure. Sets like these have helped make 2010 a very good year for our music.
Since Eric Benét stepped out on his own we have been treated to some awesome work and, like other 21st Century soul artists such as Kem, have been allowed by their Major label masters to create what they do best - soul music, and NOT what the homeboys – those not even born in the late 1980s, or were still in diapers - want. This rates as Eric's most consistent and essential set to date. On here Eric relates to us his true soulful nature and his healthy love and respect for the sweet Philly soul sound. It's blatantly obvious that Eric is a fan of the likes of Thom Bell. He has worked with his team to create a faithful representation of that idyllic sound but in a 2010 setting and my only regret is that he has not worked with Thom Bell himself...I would give anything to have this great man make a return to the recording studio and the likes of Eric Benét would be ideal a vehicle for his talents.
Deodato is a legend...his own work, his Latin pieces and his Funk offering with the likes of Kleeer in the 80s are sublime. I was overjoyed to see this, his new album, and what a corker it is. Full of blinding midtempo numbers with plenty of real rhythm and beautifully warm keyboards. Listening to this is, I'm sure, melting the 6-odd-inches of snow that I can see from my window! With this album, Deodato draws upon a wealth of vocal talent to bring his already vibrant songs and melodies to extraordinary life. It's thanks to this man that we have the best vocal work from Al Jarreau this side of his "All I Got" album in 2002. Al Jarreau gives us a top-draw performance on no less than three songs, "Double Face" both as an ordinary mix and a radio mix, and with the talented group Novecento and their lovely vocalist Dora Nicolosi on the gorgeously sexy "I Want You More". The famous scat is prominent on the aforementioned effort that almost spans 6 minutes. Surely this is the best midtempo Mr. Al Jarreau has given for years! Al is vocally strong as ever, undeminished and still very much in command of a song as he was 35 years ago. An international treasure, we surely have the man at his 21st Century best here.
Having a healthy respect for Z Records and all things Dave Lee is a good starting point when talking about new music from the great man and his label, and this new set from this amazing UK group based in Leeds. No longer do the Great Cities of the US have monopoly on great music. That they gave up many years ago. Influenced by legends such as Herbie Hancock, Patrice Rushen, Bob James, Quincy Jones, Bruce Swedien, Rod Temperton, Michael Jackson, Pfunk, Eddie Henderson, George Duke, Pleasure, Prince, D'Angelo, Jimmy Smith, Brian Auger, Dexter Wansel and others group members Rachel Modest (vocals), Johnny Heyes (guitars), Jay Irving and Simon Moore (drums) deliver a KILLER album of soulful, upbeat boogie tunes that whisk us back to the early 1980s yet still have their roots firmly in 2010 and all things Z!!! One of the best albums of 2010 I can do nothing but heap praise on this set. Today's yester-now sound fused with storming basslines, soulful vocals, real instruments and more grooves than you can shake a stick at, "Pure Gold" serves as an apt title for this remarkable album.
This superb Jazz set was issued, originally, in 2004 and provide my first ever contact with the SUPERB Schema Records. This was an instant love affair, and one that continues to this very day. A label of high esteem and quality we can be rest assured that nothing lacklustre will be unleashed on us from this strong, strong label out of Milan. Roll forward to 2010, and in their wisdom Schema have released this set again, but this time as a double CD with new, bonus cuts on disc 2 as well as alternate versions of songs such as "Wanin' Moon" and "Nefertiti". Some songs were - shock! horror! - only released previously on the dreaded vinyl so appear here properly for the very first time in crystal clear CD quality. We deserve no less, us connoisseurs! These songs, "Bohemian's Dilemma", "Waltz Of The Sirens" and an extended version of my all-time favourite, "Kind Of Sunshine" appear and thank heavens to Betsy for it too with it's extended and frenetic percussion and horns. If you're not familiar with this set, then I highly recommend a listen as I know that fans of Mario Biondi, Was A Bee and Alessandro Magnanini will also love this. My favourite song remains as "Kind Of Sunshine". Man, when I first heard this song I had a proper bonafide Adrenaline rush! Playing this loud the latin percussion, hectic percussion and Fabrio Bosso's Fred Wesley-ish trombone solo truly nailed it for me big time and having a slightly longer version is a real treat too.
This man is no stranger to us, and if you have rightly supported the excellent trio, Lov'N'It over the past year then you are indeed already familiar with this man's silky, soulful delivery. Having worked within the music scene here in the UK over the past 14 years, Winston has garnered a lot of kudos and respect and so smoothly steps out , carrying the torch for UK soul music with this, his new single "The Warmth Of Your Love". Available to download from iTunes, this comes in two versions: a shorter edited version and an extended mix. Of course, where quality is concerned we are not left wanting and what I'll do here is focus on the extended version which I think will be the version we will all plumb for.
Fed4Real is the alter-ego of Frederico Manuel Nomo Fernandez and following his recent soulful offering, "Funk Temple", this young gentleman dishes up a real treat in the jazzy form of Jazzylicious. Born in 1981, it's wonderful that someone of this age is making great music such as this. Having a real ear for tunes as well as being a singer, film maker, actor and fashion model this chap has more strings to his bow than you can account for. Fredrico really has the knack of a great jazz performer. Take, if you will, a listen to the immaculate crafting of "Paradise" which contains all the elements of a quality vocal jazz recording. Laid back, chilled and sounding as if this was cut live in one take, the vocals are dreamy, almost melancholic and eminently attune to the music that he has created. I think the word we're looking for is 'atmospheric'! The melody and attunement of vocals reminds me of the same pattern as Keith Washington’s "Kissing You" - and a perfect song for a candle-lit dinner. Upping the tempo is the title song with some keys tasty enough to remind us of Lonnie Liston Smith and piano that would have Bob James nodding in assent.
Dr E is a relative newcomer on the scene yet carries with her a wealth of experience that is indeed enviable in today's climate of ever-younger, mass-produced and incision-sharp marketing techniques. With a pretty countenance, a vocal style that leans towards the Erykah Badu / Billy Holliday school of vocals and abundant with a sense of fun, grace and sass we have a set that works on the party areas of the soulful brain as well as giving us a jazzy twist and element of stylistic swish! I warn you that some songs may not be immediate, and that's OK - we are conditioned these days as we live in a time of immediate gratification. Songs such as "Dance To My Song" when given a few spins edge under the radar and hit home. This, to me, is clever and a sign of something and someone with a little more to offer than many today. "Halle Berry" for instance is a lovely sax-filled swayer that is clever in picking up the down-to-earth themes that India.Arie is so good at and, let's face it, tells things as they are. Dr E is one of those artists who scribes a good song and lays it down on the line. Doing this soulfully and with class is a good thing and you will not be disappointed!
The evergreen rena Scott has waited over 5 years to deliver this, her new album, but every moment has been worth the wait. I would say that for me at any rate, this rates as her best, most dependable, solid and consistent set in YEARS. To be fair, I don't think any track is going to disappoint you and that said i do have my favourites on here - and these are manifold. Rena Scott's instantly recognisable vocals are deployed heavily here in wonderful unison with some seriously sexy, chilled and sublimely soulful arrangements. Like other great female vocalists such as Susaye Green, her voice improves with age and hearing her expert pipes atop haunting and sensuous efforts such as the opening song, "Each Day Is Better". The swishing beat, the haunting synths and cool keys are droolsome and I could imagine fans of Susaye Green's recent work with Portrait's Michael Saulsberry. Loathed as I am to confront cover versions, Rena works magic on the Emotions' "Don't Ask My Neighbors" and Maze's "Joy And Pain", making these haunting, refreshing and flavoursome songs fit in perfectly with the flow of the new material.
Unique Records delve into their inventory for a worthwhile compilation of tunes that does not compromise on style or quality. These tracks are new, or fairly recent at least BUT could easily fool many four-to-the-floor buffs as being unreleased Northern monsters. Who would have thought that they would still be making music like this today - but I, for one, am glad they are. We have such a diverse landscape of sounds today in the broad church of soul, funk and jazz that anything like this is welcome. I have never understood those who refuse to acknowledge anything past 1969, or before the '90s, or even those millions who have no idea that R&B isn't a recent phenomenon. This set represents quality, and born from a quality label that has been on the scene for an amazing 22 years. You'll recognise a few tunes that I've waffled on about of recent years such as "Lean On Me" by Al Supersonic & The Teenagers and Glen Anthony Henry's early '70s styled set, "Relax And Love". The aforementioned hit is included here on glorious CD, and from the latter we have the awesome songs "Fired Up" and "I Don't Know". Delicious enough, but that isn't it. Of course not!
As 2010 draws to a close we embrace yet more soulful magnificence, and yet again we have Ralph Tee and Expansion Records to thank for this latest of gems to hit the streets. "Colors Of Life" is the third set from legendary Producer Preston Glass, and following on from the collaborative "Music As Medicine" set we are treated to what I personally feel is a much stronger and essential release. Themed on colours, I can, without hesitation, recommend this set and suggest that you order a copy ASAP. In all we have 19 tracks and many of our most cherished and favourite artists sit comfortably with new talents, all gelled together by the expert oversight of Preston Glass. There are many highlights, and the set kicks off with three of the strongest tracks you will be hear at the time of writing. If you like a cool steppers groove with the benefit of Johnny Britt on trumpet and Preston himself on guitar, then look no further than the first tune, "Olive Branch". Our vocalists are Sharon McMahan and Laundon Kendricks and their harmony is MAGIC. The haunting synths, courtesy of Tomi is little short of sublime, and if I've played this song once I've played it a dozen times today alone.
Another top-draw release from Ralph Tee and the boys at Expansion; one i didn't expect to receive nor expect to be so darn good! From the US we have a mighty collaboration of artists headed by the aforementioned Tom Glide, who's roster of talent includes vocalists Tim Owens and Orlando Johnson, and musicians as strong as Byron Miller, Larry Dunn, Patrick Green, Alex Al and James Gadson amongst many others. bar a few ballads this set is mainly uptempo and party orientated, perfectly in touch with the best of the best sets from the UK and Europe at the moment. This is an exciting project to both receive and listen to and it warms the cockles of my heart to see so many notable names on board from the US making proper music that will certainly make your senses sing! I am especially pleased to hear Tim Owens in action again...his 1991 set for Atlantic boasted numerous cream cuts and the promise of future classy releases. Unfortunately as the decade progressed the homeboys took over and any shade of quality was ditched for whatever urban tripe MTV favoured that month. Yet here he is, alongside Orlando Johnson doing what he does best - making crackin' music.
One cannot look at, nor listen to, this album without feeling incredibly sad. Incredibly sad, yet heart-warmed that this special album actually happened. We have, in 2010, lost two of the all-time greats: Willie Mitchell and now Solomon Burke. This album is remarkable in that after 35 years of trying, the two legends finally made it into the studio together to craft a beautiful album of southern soul that only Willie could produce, and Solomon could deliver. Recorded between 2008 and 2010, this album will appeal to anyone who loves either gentleman and if the style of Al Green's latest set - or Even Anthony Hamilton, come to that - is to your taste then you will equally love this. One o the strongest, most emotive cuts on offer here is the opening song, "Oh What A Feeling". It's slow, lazy, southern style is peppered with unhurried live drums, understated real strings and a thoughtful, bluesy guitar. Solomon at 70 is - was - as powerful and remarkable now as he was back in the early - mid 1960s and one can hear a lifetime of experience mingled in with that vocal swagger. This is the stuff of legend.
There have been a number of solid, essential albums over the past few years...albums that take you by surprise; grab you totally with mind, heart and soul and is uncompromising in soul and quality. Albums by the likes of Jazzanova, Liquid Spirits, Paul Mac Innes and T.B.O.I., Basement Soul Band, Richard Earnshaw and so on have been such recent monsters and so I am proud to add another modern day monster to the list...Matti Roots' sublime "Beatroot" set, due for release November 22nd. EVERY track is superb, well crafted and laid down with love. A young, British artist previously known for his remix work - Justin Timberlake springs to mind - this is an artist that many connoisseurs may regard with caution and choose to pass over. MONUMENTAL ERROR! Being of that nature I easily could have looked at this and turned up one's nose but one listen had me hooked within less than 30 seconds.
Dare I say it, but I'm not the greatest fan of Thelma Houston but still to this day love her 1985 smash "Hold Me So Tight" which was, of course, a classy production from Jam & Lewis when they had their own special, magical sound. This two-fer will definitely appeal to fans of the Lady and for me the CD only really starts on track 11 which is her latter LP, "Never Gonna Be Another One". For these ears the 1980 set is too listless and weak and Disco-fied and seems to be quite messy production-wise. The 1981 album hits the ground running with a sax-filled, funky guitar lickin' midtempo called "Never Give You Up" which is SUPERB! This is the material that suits Thelma Houston well, and it towers over the previous year's meagre offering. Tracks like this make the whole reissue more than worthwhile and yet again I cannot thank the Funkytown Grooves chappies enough for making this type of material available on CD.
