Eric Roberson: Mr Nice Guy [Eric Roberson music]
There are many male soul singers out there whose vocals can make your heart melt but few possess the lyrical ability and the vocal dexterity like Eric Roberson. “Mr Nice Guy’s” songwriting skills have served many artists well such as Jill Scott and Musiq, just to name a few and his latest release is filled with a few tracks to groove to but more so to romance to. For starters, the title track is a mid-tempo gem with a thick bassline that speaks to all the good guys out there who seem to wind up with all the wrong women. “Summertime Anthem” is exactly that, good vibe dance happy tune aided by hip-hop pioneer Chubb Rock. “Picture Perfect” is the highlight however, a warm and mellow tune that expresses the love in his heart for the lady in his life, with a little help from rapper/vocalist Phonte. “At The Same Time” is another winner, a melancholy groove with heartwarming chords. Overall Eric delivers a strong soul record filled with heartfelt lyrics that is cool enough for the fellas to rock and endearing to the ladies as well. This could very well be the record that grants him the recognition he truly deserves.
The Baker Brothers: Time To Testify [Record Kicks]
Over the course of six full length albums, The Baker Brothers have demonstrated that they can pack a solid one two punch with a killer rhythm section and a hip winding funky horn section. On their seventh full length release “Time To Testify”, they continue to keep the pedal to the metal with an assortment of stripped down soulful grooves. The group starts out with a bang with the revved up “Statement Of Intent”, with the band contributing backing vocals as well. “Make Your Move” finds them slowing down the tempo into a sizzling laidback groover that displays impeccable rhythm guitar playing. Collectively the band displays strong vocal harmonies on several cuts but it is the instrumentals that really stand out for me. For instance “Roll It” kicks off with some irresistible rhythm guitar strumming followed up with some serious funky drumming. And there is the silky soulful “The Young Patter”, which was featured on “The Mo’ Record Kicks Act II” compilation, the band lays down a nice groove and horn section gets down and dirty with the funk. “Snap B” is a definite keeper that has a catchy vocal chorus but also displays some greasy Hammond B3 organ playing. This is another strong effort from one of the tightest bands in the modern soul movement that is certainly worth checking out.
Various Artists: Americana-Rock Your Soul [BBE]
BBE has been very busy dropping a number of quality compilations and there are many that demand your immediate attention, “Blued Eyed Soul and Sounds from The Land of The Free” however isn’t one of them. This compilation of soft rock and soulful grooves courtesy of Zafar Chowdhry and Mark Taylor provides a few moments of enjoyment starting with Eric Tagg’s “Living off the Love” and Tender Leaf’s “Coast to Coast” which features a nice falsetto voice floating over a nice rhythm guitar and keys. In addition, Midnight Flyer’s “I Just Want To Love You” is a nice soft rock soul tune would’ve been spiced up if left in the hands of, say Shuggie Otis, of whom it reminded me of. Instead it starts out with a little fire and fades with a fizzle. After that you’re left with tunes like “Can’t Hide Love” by Jaye P. Morgan that will make no one forget the EWF original. “I Got the Feelin’” is symbolic of most of the tracks here: a mediocre soulful pop tune with good intentions but doesn’t have the grooves that will make you want to play it again. I got the feeling that if you’re looking for quality soulful sounds you will find plenty of alternatives within the BBE catalogue that will live up to the billing.
Jill Scott: Light of the Sun [Warner Bros]
By all accounts, “Light Of The Sun” feels like a breath of fresh air for Jill Scott and that is good news for us. After all this is her first record on her new label, Blues Babe (Warner Bros), and the opening track “Blessed” is evidence that she is in good spirits. Jill opens up with “Blessed” a smooth foot stomper with strings in which she gives thanks for the blessings of her family, particularly her newborn son. “So In Love” featuring Anthony Hamilton is a lush feel good up-tempo tune with an infectious groove. “Missing You” is a slow grinding ballad that is the kind of tune one plays repeatedly when they’re yearning for that special someone. “When I Wake Up” has a nice jazz fusion vibe and is warm and sublime. Overall “Light of the Sun” is a much stronger record than her previous release though not quite on the level of her first two albums. Then again, those two are classics by my definition. That said there is plenty here to keep you engaged. This is certainly a strong disc filled throughout with stellar production, heartfelt lyrical content and quality recordings to satisfy longtime fans and encourage newcomers.
Jill Scott: From The Vault [Hidden Beach]
Whenever someone releases a collection of songs from their musical archive one has to wonder whether these are hidden gems or songs not worthy to see the light of day. In the case of Jill Scott’s “From The Vault”, these are definitely songs that merit your attention, not a small feat considering that she has recently “Light Of The Sun”. “From The Vault” features songs from her tenure at Hidden Beach and there are a bunch of quality recordings like “Wake up Baby”, s bluesy tune with tasty rhythm guitar and organ riffs. “Running Away” is another winner, a mid-tempo Rhodes inspired groover. “Comes to Light” might be the strongest track here, a gentle ballad with a gorgeous melody. Overall this isn’t an album I would listen to from start to finish but there are four or five songs that are worthy of repeated listens. If you’re a die-hard Jill fan you may even add a few more.
Push: Retrospective 1987-2004 [Pushband]
When the acid jazz movement emerged during the late eighties you had groups like The Brand New Heavies and the Young Disciples, among others leading the way. While those groups have either been on hiatus or simply disbanded there is one group that is still carrying the torch and that is the collective known as Push. Their latest record is filled with rhythmic soul and tasty grooves that only a cohesive band can deliver. Their disc starts out on an energetic note with the organ grinding horn blaring “Stomp”, an instrumental crowd mover rounded out by a tight rhythm section. “It’s Over” a mid-tempo tune with mellow Rhodes is a nice cool down track to recharge before from burning up the dance floor. “Lay It On The Line”, perhaps the strongest tune here is another scorcher aided by sparkling electric guitars riffs and the unmistakable vocals of Seal. While there aren’t any tracks that will do knock you off your feet but “Retrospective” is a solid recording throughout from a band that knows how to lay down a groove.
Orakel: When Time Doesn’t Know Itself [4Lux Recordings]
Orakel, the Austrian collective’s debut is a cosmic groove odyssey surrounded with delicious nuggets of electronica and hip-hop samplings. Their hypnotic melodies will have you locked in immediately with the opener “The Gate” a spacey synth flavored intro filled with astral soundscapes and the wordless phrases of Dwight Trible. Trible appears again with uplifting vocal melodies on “Recreation Song”, a mellow jazz-funk slow burner. “Suo Do Futuro” finds them shifting gears from a jazz fusion vibe to a down-tempo electronic gem that features vocals from Vilja Larjosto. Dorian Concept stops by to provide additional keys to the dreamy “After All”. Overall this is a stunning release filled with impressive compositions reminiscent of the seventies jazz-funk period as well as future electro grooves that will certainly provide immediate satisfaction. This is the kind of release that already has me wondering, what will these guys do for an encore? This is sure to get plenty of burn until then.
Various: Mad Styles And Crazy Vision 2 – Compiled & Mixed By Louie Vega [BBE]
With so many compilations dropping week after week it’s easy to dismiss a number of them but when the name Louie Vega graces one you have to take notice, for good reason. For “Mad Styles & Crazy Vision 2” spans the wonderful world of House music of the various styles of the last thirty years. Few people thought that House music would stand the test of time but not only has it shown staying power it has continued to evolve, thanks to the growing number of talented DJ’s and artists who stay committed to the music. There are tracks that take you back to the early days like Todd Terry’s “I’m Your DJ”, representative of the raw underground deep dish sound that filled many clubs back in the late eighties. There’s the pulsating disco flavored sound of Peven Everett’s “Inspiration” that will surely get your heart racing. Black Coffee’s “We Are One” is filled with bombastic percussions and uplifting lyrics. If you’re feigning for some tribal house you can’t go wrong with Phil Asher’s “Textya”. Josh Milan’s “Your Body” is a delicious slice of soulful rhythmic vocal house with tasty horns and percussion. With Forty two songs plus a continuous mix of all songs you be hard pressed to pass this up. This is a must have if you’ve ever felt or wish to experience the spirit of house.
Tom Trago: Iris [Rush Hour]
Amsterdam’s Tom Trego picks up from where he started with his debut; the disco flavored “Voyage Direct”. With his latest release “Iris”, he has enlisted an array of likeminded artists to enhance his eclectic soulful dance infused arrangements. On “Being With You” Tom flips the Smokey Robinson classic into a futuristic synth flavored club jam. “What You Do” is an electro soul gem with a wicked groove and fellow DJ Tyree Cooper fills in as the official hype man mid-way through the track. Om’Mas lends his vocals to the eighties inspired euro dance tune “So Cold”. With other notable appearances like Oliver Day Soul and Meikbar, “Iris” will certainly quench your thirst for twisted synth flavored dance tracks.
Tipper: Broken Soul Jamboree [Tippermusic]
“Broken Soul Jamboree” is the creation of British producer Dave Tipper, who is no stranger to composing brilliant electronic music. With this release, he has arranged a batch of dreamy down-tempo gems that meshes elements of Indian, classical and electronica into a cinematic odyssey that is tailor made for late night lounge sessions. Some of the highlights are “Big Question Small Head”, a head nodder filled with infectious beats, a wicked bassline and clever use of the mandolin instrument. “Class 5 Roaming Vapor” is an ambient down-tempo gem due to the multi layered chord arrangements. “Royal Dragon Sire” is filled with dreamy cinematic soundscapes and is simply chill out music at its best. Tipper’s orchestral arrangements and live instrumentation make “Broken Soul Jamboree” essential listening. For those looking for electronic music that pushes the boundaries, you’ve come to the right place.