Category Archives: Reviews

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.

Reg Dancy

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“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.

Reg Dancy

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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.

Reg Dancy

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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.

Reg Dancy

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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.

Reg Dancy

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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.

Reg Dancy

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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.

Reg Dancy

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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.

Reg Dancy

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It seems that some of us do have a heart that goes beyond living for the music, or the money to be made from it. This is great, particularly regarding the meaning, thoughts and intent on releasing this digital only album – thanks to the vision of Hiro Ishioka, KSS’s A & R man also behind the recent success of instalment 2 of Toyko Calling series. Full of poignancy; lyrics flow with sincerity that is undeniably driven by an innate faith as demonstrated on Diviniti’s soul electro stacked ‘The Reason’. As is Kenny Bobien’s inspirational and emotive falsetto signature mark that makes sound the basic of the original hymn ‘Let Us Adore Him (Come O Ye Faithful)’, adding a sense of meaning so strong even this MP3 generation can get to grips and fall in love with it. Equally gorgeous and made for those deeper house dance floor gatherings is the instrumental percussion consortium of ‘Silent Night’ – so well produced by industry house keyboardist Eric Kupper, it’s never sounded so fresh. Sparkling and glittering not only to set disco lights off all over the place, but made with the season in mind – to be cheerful, as the Afro rhythms and jamboree come alive in piano playfulness on Jihad Muhammad’s ‘It’s Holiday Time’. Noticeably, there tracks that might only get airtime during the holidays, whereas some have been so cleverly crafted and worded it won’t matter what day or time they’re played. That said, with so many stand out tracks including those of DJ Spen, Joi Cardwell, two vocal offerings from Chris Bran aka Ananda Project and the opening from Stephanie Cooke reminding us why and what we get into spirit of it all for; Jesus, family and peace. We can all indeed be spoilt for choice; Christmas can be in the house all year round.

Marcia Carr

Fourteen cuts tracking vibes and differing yet collective sounds have set an overall tone quite distinctly British, yet fittingly encompasses of these individual acts hereditary roots; spanning genres of jazz, reggae, gospel, Afro, funk, drum & bass, soul and so much in between. This long awaited follow up (the label’s this LP) showcases the talented troupe of DJ’s, vocalists, MC’s and producers birthed out of the now 6 year old club night: Broadcite Basement Sessions. An air of political incorrectness is broached on the smoothly inspirational but almost flippant flow of Leon Williams featured on the Ceramic (aka DJ Magic) produced hi hat sparked and rolling sythn patterned broken track. His big bass line track ‘Body Shock’ bounces and jumps up with masses of hi hats and drum kit loops, a huge puller for club floors. Magic’s third contribution ‘Feel The Rush’ ably assisted by the blued-eyed Black man Colonel Red is an intelligent broken creation. ‘That Touch’ (Tempo) hints at seedy bedroom talk with blended minimalist tech house. Contrastingly, Soundbwoy Killer gets tech-twisted with a slightly darker dub element set off by lashing beats and a suitable MC vox sample. Method Unique’s bashement club rhythms and popular key synths of ‘Superstar’ could easily make the UK Top Ten chart. Should that prove to be hampering for anyone’s underground charismatic style, two class offerings from up and coming young bucks called Souled; a jazzy tech beat laden ‘What Reason Do I Have To Go Back’ or the vocally energised soulful house offering ‘Waiting’ featuring Incognito’s Joy Rose are guaranteed to please any discerner of the good groove. Speaking of which, Altered Natives assembly of techy effect inserts, some inspired booming beats and the odd, unmistakable grunts from the late James Brown on ‘Tribute’ rounds up this session, that is insightful, inclusive, brimming gloriously with optimism and quality (except for a couple of tracks with unnecessary expletives) reflects a part of club land which is all about community, talent and contribution with soul feeling – the UK album market needs more projects like this.

Marcia Carr

The title is the Arabic translation of the word ‘metaphor’ with the brothers this time joined by percussionist Yousef Hbeisch. Terrific at this year’s Womad and developing all the time, weaving intricate improvisations around traditional music, from their Palestinian homeland. Superb musicians and CD.

Graham Radley

Another terrific new young band rooted in tradition but exploring the future with equal enthusiasm. Songs by Karine Polwart (thaney) and Ar Williams (Fishing In The Morning) sit alongside material sourced in Scotland, Cape Breton, Ireland and Galicia. Very good.

Graham Radley

To celebrate one of the world’s finest musicians as he approaches his 80th birthday, next year, Network put together this 2 CD package of old and new. Djivan Gasparyan gave his first public performance on the duduk (Armenian flute which was mainly played by shepherds) 60 years ago, He has gone on to tour the world , play on many film soundtracks (Gladiator etc) and win many awards including the Womex Lifetime Achievement Award. There are several exclusive new recordings here but I think my pick would have to be the 2005 recording with Michael Brook featuring Djivan plus Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan – pure magic.

Graham Radley

11 remixes of 7 tracks opening well with Yossi Fine’s dubby 3rd Bass Remix of ‘Ma Hine Cocore’. The tracks all let the original shine through but take them in very different directions- so the purists likely to be up in arms but that’s their loss. My two favourites are DJ Center’s funky jazz take on ‘Sangare’ and Nickodemus’s afro funk take on the same track. Adventurously good.

Graham Radley

Double CD of some of shenai master Bismillah Khan’s most important recordings between 1959 and 1989. The first CD is “with Party” whilst the second has two tracks from the 1959 film “Goonj Uthi Shehnai” plus some collaborative work with V.G.Jog and with Vilayat Khan. Superb, Indian classical music at its finest.

Graham Radley