Category Archives: Reviews

Sometimes the gap between the release date for that coveted CD can seem so distant. Sure I have other selections to hold me over but I’ve been teased with the pending release of the Politik for quite some now. Almost a year to be exact. It’s enough to make a music fiend go postal. Fortunately, the anticipation has paid off and the Politik is finally in my possession. Who is the Politik? New Zealand born and now London resident Mark De Clive Lowe and Bembe Segue, that’s who. Mark has become adept at merging his jazz influenced background with soul, funk and broken beat. His last CD, “Tides Arising,” is proof of that and should be picked up if you don’t have it already. Bembe is one of the most sought after vocalists in the UK today. Having worked with Bugz In The Attic and 4 Hero, among others. On the Politik, Mark and Bembe build on the foundation they created from “Tides Arising” and the “Freesoul Sessions”, the latter being their weekly jam sessions with several other musicians. The chemistry between them is evident on “Moonlight Feat. Blu”. The combination of Blu’s superb rhyme flow, Bembe’s complimenting vocals and Mark’s keyboard wizardry make this one a highlight. “Money” is another pleasing track that has an irresistible groove, great synth work and Bembe’s soulful vocals. On “Mistaken” and “She’s Gone”, Mark slows down the tempo and creates gorgeous melodies that gives these songs a richness and character that will remain with you well after the song has completed. If you picked up the import, “Black Sun” is another treat that you’ll enjoy. It’s one of their first singles but didn’t make the US release. Don’t feel like you need to pick up the import for that one. You can check it out on the Politik myspace page. Bottom line, this is a very good CD with thirteen tracks that fuses the improvisational techniques of cosmic jazz with soul and broken beat. Simply put, this will have your head nodding from start to finish. Refreshing and enjoyable.

Jiva: Day Into Night [Solunari Music]

If you enjoyed “Sun and Moon”, Jiva’s first CD then you’ll simply love “Day Into Night”, their latest. Here, Jiva builds on their formula of soulful compositions with touch of bossa nova rhythms. Khari Simmons, the founder of Jiva, places an emphasis on live instrumentation. Each member of the group is very talented in their own right, with a number of them having outside projects of their own. The result is a vibrant, refreshing offering of soul music with no boundaries that will quench your musical thirst. “Sol E Lua” (which is Portuguese for Sun and Moon) is a wonderful song with a samba rhythm that displays awesome percussion work by Forrest Robinson. “Better2gether” is another pleasing track that relies on the vocal harmonies of Brenda Nicole and Chantae Cann as well as Khari’s fine synth work. “This Love” features the lovely vocals of Rhonda Thomas. Rhonda was the featured vocalist on “Stars” and “I Realized”, the hits from Jiva’s debut cd. This upbeat soothing jam is bound to be a winner as well. “Understand” also features another great vocalist, Alex Lattimore, who really shines here as well. Jiva shows here that they have no plans of succumbing to the sophomore jinx. In fact you could say that this disc is even stronger than the first. The one issue I had with “Sun and Moon” was that the remixes filled out the end of the disc. Especially when I had already owned those remixes for months. Therefore, I always skipped over them. No such problem here. This is simply a great disc that you’ll enjoy from start to finish. It’s quality records like this that remind you why you love music in the first place.

Ledisi: Lost and Found [Verve Records]

remember clearly the day I walked into a now defunct record shop and saw a cd by an artist I had never heard of. The disc was literally jumping off the shelf and sending subliminal messages like : “Buy me! You may not know me but once you hear me, you’ll be hooked on me. I’m a songstress who can really sing and write my own lyrics as well.” I tried to resist but eventually I gave in and purchased “Soulsinger” by Ledisi. Needless to say, my risk turned out to be my reward because Ledisi’s debut was one of the best releases of 2000. That was followed with “Feeling Orange But Sometimes Blue”. An album that displayed her skills as a jazz singer but also offered some soul tracks as well. Fast forward to 2007 and “Lost and Found”, her debut on Verve Record that captures the sassiness and raw emotion that her fans have become familiar with. On the opening cut, “Been Here”, Ledisi makes you feel as if you are sitting in the front row and she has just entered the stage. This song is just a tease but a sign of good things to come. The track “Joy” finds Ledisi singing about all the love she has for her man over a bubbling mid-tempo beat. Ledisi slows things down a bit on “In The Morning” where she get can’t let go of the man who goes in and out of her life. One of the most powerful songs is “Lost and Found (Find Me)”. Ledisi yearns for someone to bring some joy in her life after enduring so much pain. After years of struggling as a independent, it’s Ledisi’s time to have her music heard by the masses. “Lost and Found” will move her far beyond cult status. Recommended.

Emily King: East Side Story [J-Records]

“East Side Story” is the debut of twenty one year old NYC native Emily King. On this fourteen track offering, Ms. King wrote or co-wrote all of the songs. The exception being the Bill Withers classic “Ain’t No Sunshine”. Like Withers, Emily is comfortable performing with her acoustic guitar for her audience. I know this from seeing her perform about a month ago. However, this is not just an acoustic album. As evidence by the opening track “Walk in My Shoes”, a funky bass heavy track that talks about “getting to know me for the person I am”. As you listen to the first and second verse, the Diana Ross classic “Love Hangover” comes to mind. “You Can Get By” is another winner about a woman keeping faith in a rocky relationship. Emily reflects on a variety of subjects throughout her debut and also provides some social commentary on greed among big corporations on the acoustic song “Business Man”. While some folks have been comparing Emily to people like Alicia Keys and Norah Jones. It’s clear from this disc that she is very talented enough to carry her own weight and blaze her own trail. Overall, “East Side Story” is full of well crafted songs with gorgeous melodies. Simply an enjoyable listen throughout. Emily’s songwriting abilities and gentle voice ensures that she should be around for a long time.

Talib Kweli: Eardrum [Warner Bros]

What a journey it has been for Talib Kweli. Ever since he and Mos Def hit the scene as Black Star, followed by collaborating with Hi-Tek on Reflection Eternal, the expectations have been high. While there have been some shining moments (Quality) and some lackluster moments (The Beautiful Struggle), the feeling has been that Talib hasn’t released his best yet. With “Eardrum” he may finally silence the critics. The first item that struck me about “Eardrum” was the number of songs. Twenty to be exact. Usually, when an hip-hop artist drops a cd with twenty plus songs, there are about seven to ten songs that could have easily been purged. However, I’m pleased to note that “Eardrum” is not only very enjoyable throughout but it’s surely one of the best hip-hop cd’s this year. The track “Country Cousins” displays Talib’s affection for the south while holding his own on the southern delivery as well. The Will I.Am produced “Hot Thing” is a banger that should garner him plenty of airplay without alienating his core audience. The Pete Rock produced “Stay Around” finds Talib rapping about all the suggestions people have for him when they see him in the street (Talib, you should rap about this, you should rap about that, any more suggestions, yeah you in the back, you should rap on beat, you should rap more street). You can just imagine how often that happens. What happens often here is satisfaction from a disc seems to have a little something for everybody. Whether flirting with the ladies along with Kanye on “In The Mood” or asking the heavenly father to deliver him from temptation on “Hostile Gospel, Pt.2” (which I favor over Pt.1), the result is a consistent and focused effort. After months of delays, Talib delivers with arguably his best record to date.

Alison Crockett: Bare [Sol Image]

Devoted followers of the underground soul movement certainly are familiar with Alison Crockett. Her debut “On Becoming A Woman” was one of the highlights of 2004. She followed that with a remixed version of the aforementioned in 2006. On her latest release, Alison has crafted a intimate, acoustic arrangement that will have you wishing you were seated at your favorite restaurant with your significant other, immersed in a night of great music. Alison serenades you not only with her deep and exquisite voice, but she’s equally comfortable at the piano as well. As evidenced on the moving ballad “How Deep Is Your Love”, Alison’s jazz singing background is on display. On the romantic “We Are”, where Alison sets the mood with the opening verse (I’m in the mood for expansion, seeing my love in new ways, you came along and went with me, for a trip exploring). Alison’s lush vocal arrangements creates a warm and peaceful atmosphere. The bubbly “So Sweet” has Alison in a joyful mood reflecting on a gentleman she has just met. On Sade’s “Love Is Stronger Than Pride” Alison picks a song that sounds as though it was written for her and does a fabulous job. This is a diva who has proven she can sing in any genre and doesn’t have the exposure she rightfully deserves. “Bare” is indeed a romantic journey and Alison has extended an invitation to anyone willing to take the ride. I’m certain that you won’t be disappointed.

Maya Azucena: Junkyard Jewel [Purpose]

Brooklyn native Maya Azucena first put her name on the map in 2003 with her debut “Maya Who?!”. A great blend of soul and funk highlighted by a dynamic voice you would not forget even if you tried. For those in the know, it was quite obvious how talented this woman is. Finally, we have “Junkyard Jewel”, an acoustic album with a solid band to provide her with a raw authentic sound. In this setting, the music is stripped down and the feeling is more personal. You get the impression that Maya reached back into her musical roots and pulled out hymns that have played a part of who she is today. The vibe has a folk feel to it and evokes all sorts of emotions. Be it joy, pain, spiritual or blues. It’s hard to really zero in on tracks that stand out because the entire disc flows very well. However, “Runaway blues” really left a impression on me with the strong vocal harmonies laid out. The performance on “Wash Over” is downright stirring with violinist Tarrah Reynold’s persuasive melodies. If that wasn’t enough, she puts her stamp all over Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. Want to hear a beautiful voice in it’s purest form? Make room for some quiet time and give “Junkyard Jewel” a listen.

Polyrhythm Addicts: Break Glass [Babygrande Records]

Alright. I know I’m a little late with this one. I actually have been banging this one for quite some time. For reasons in which I can’t explain, I’m just now reviewing it. Shame on me. Now that I’m finally writing this, I’m also trying to determine what kind of punishment would suit the crime of not sharing with you a very good cd. Now, a little history. The Polyrhythm Addicts, consisting of DJ Spinna, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Apani B and Mr Complex dropped an album back in 1999 called “Rhyme Related”, to critical acclaim. Afterwards the group disbanded. Eight years later, Poly has reunited. Apani B has been replaced by the fiery Tiye Phoenix. Their new release, “Break Glass…” is so refreshingly good on so many levels. For starters, the beats. Nothing recycled here. DJ Spinna keeps the listener locked in with creative samples to quench your musical palette. Listen to “Reachin'”, a bumpin track where Pharaoh Monche stops by to assist. Lyrically, Shabaam and Sahdeeq step up to provide clever wordplay and cover a variety of topics. As for newcomer Tiye Phoenix, mark my words, you’ll be hearing a lot more from this MC. She’s the truth! On “Ugly World”, she drops the line (You like to take my kindness as a weakness, you taking my vagina as a weakness, you should take it from my rhyming, I’m a genius). She goes on but you need to hear the rest for yourselves. On “Revamp” Poly pays respect to the art form of hip hop and that it doesn’t need to take a back seat to cookie cutter nonsense that dominates the airwaves today. “It’s my life Feat Phonte” is easily one of my favorites. An irresistible beat combined with a little singing from Tiye Phoenix (Yes! She can sing too). This one is simply one of those feel good hip hop joints that you will have on repeat. “Goin Down” is probably my second favorite here. A laid back beat that is another winner as well. Unfortunately, it appears as though people are sleeping on this disc since it has been out for a few months. Here’s hoping that you will not do the same. A lot of folks have been comparing this crew to the Fugees, for obvious reasons. However, the Poly has their own flavor. Each member can rock the mike and do it well. In a year in which we’ve been blessed with a nice collection of real hip hop, you need to add this to your top ten list. Definite Satisfaction.

Panacea: The Scenic Route [Rawkus Records]

If you’re like me, you look back at the mid-nineties as the golden age of hip-hop. This was a time where the music was at it’s creative peak. There was such diversity that even the groups you didn’t like, at least you respected them for what they brought to the table. When I listened to the Washington D.C. based duo Panacea’s latest cd, it reminded me of the early days of the Native Tongues when they regularly put out quality work. The aptly named “The Scenic Route” their third disc, is a blissful ride of soulful grooves from start to finish. Producer Kyle Murdock does a masterful job of fusing jazz with funk and soul atmospheres. While Jason Moore takes the music to another level with his thought provoking and witty rhymes. On the track “Pops Said”, Jason kicks rhymes of the some of the advice his pops imparted on him. “Square 1” is another banger that will have your heading nodding for sure. Raheem DeVaughn stops by to assist on “Flashback to Stardom”. Raheem’s falsetto fits in perfectly between Kyle Murdock’s beat and Jason’s Rhymes. “Katana” is has a lazy laidback groove accompanied by a soothing rhythm guitar throughout. Jason spits a rhyme about a girl that stays on his mind. “Drop me a line, you’re all in my mind”. Kyle has created a sound that is soulful and euphoric. I can’t get enough of listening to this disc. The kind of hip-hop that springs positive vibes and takes your mind to other places. Having enjoyed their last release “Ink Is My Drink”, I’m simply loving the “Scenic Route” I know you will too. Highly recommended.

Electric Conversation: Communication [Futuristica Music]

A few months back, when I was listening heavily to the Basement Soul compilation, a song that really stood out for me was “Dancing” by Electric Conversation. Unfamiliar with the group, I did some research. I discovered they’re from France and releasing their debut very soon. I also found that they’re on the Futuristica label created by Simon S of Break Reform. This was clearly a sign of good things to come since damn near everything coming out on Futuristica has been pure heat. With enormous hype already built up for this disc, was I setting myself up for a letdown? Absolutely not! “Communication” is the rare disc that just gets better with each track. Electric Conversation has crafted an excellent collection of soulful hip-hop infused songs that just melt your heart. The title track “Communication” has all the ingredients of hot buttered organic soul. “Vibe Change” provides more of the same as vocalist K-Ro sings lead while Oz provides the vocals on the chorus. Both songs provide that cosmic soul vibe. What’s great here is that E.C. have managed to create soulful electronic music that is warm and intoxicating. In addition, fellow members of the Futuristica family like Deborah Jordan and Rep Life stop by to bless the disc as well. Everyone should know Deborah from “Silhouette Brown”. Her gorgeous vocals on “In My Mind” take the song to another level. Rep Life lends his superb rhyming skills to the song “Cosmos”. Now there a couple of songs spoken in French but the music is so undeniably good that it hardly matters. You’ll find yourself nodding to it anyway. Hands down if you’re a fan of futuristic soul with a touch of hip-hop and Electronica, you need this in your collection. A must have.