One of the key features of my website lifeandsoulpromotions.co.uk was reviews. I reviewed many new releases from R’n’B, Hip Hop, House, Soul, reissues, and a good number of independent Soul Releases. There are far too many reviews to cover them all so I will pick and choose mainly from the Independent items, as there is now much more awareness than there was back then in the late 90s to mid 2000s. Most of these I have had to recover from a web archiving side as I do not have the source data any more. Thankfully most of not all is retrievable like this.
The main menu looked like this, but there were many submenus from following the links. I had some guest reviewers from time to time. Mark Candle allowed me to replicate his Modern Musings, Colin Dilnot, Grooving with John Nightingale and Rob Life of Breaking Bread.
Selected Reviews from the old site
Cafe de Soul were emerging as a UK outlet for Independent Soul with a fine series of carefully selected compilations and one or two artist albums. Nigel Bird and Vijay Mistry were the main drivers behind this enterprise from 2001 to 2005/6 ish. It is a shame it came to an end but a lot of good was done selecting and identifying new artists. A selection of those covered as follows:-
Cafe de Soul Volume 1 - CafeCD05
This is exactly the kind of album that fits this site championing lesser known independent soul artists, some are showcased on other Cafe de Soul albums, some are tasters of maybe some things to come. One thing that does shine through is the quality of the material, thus proving that it is out there if you look.
Delilah Harris 'Lessons in life' - strong vocal over a smooth neo soul outing. Well constructed and hopefully a taste of more to come from NYC based Delilah.
(John Adam and Delilah Harris when we met in New York)
Remi 'Heat of the night' - mellow grove with sax lilting away in the background, catchy and soulful.
Joseph Diamond ft Jesse Robinson 'Only takes a minute' strong strong vocal, a bit Luther in style, and well to the front on this groover. Excellent cut, best on the album for me.
(With Joseph Diamond in his Manhattan apartment, Joseph has now sadly passed)
Darrius 'Blissful' - from the album, more elsewhere on the site about this one.
Leena Conquest ft Roy Ayers 'The Breeze' - good feedback coming in for this one apparently. Downbeat, jazzy and soulful, with guest the great Roy Ayers. Strong cut which builds throughout as the vocal takes over and the vibes get stronger.
Harvey Hubert 'Let's be done' - A classy track from an artist new to me.
Dianne Johnson 'Call me up' - introductory track from Dianne, and there should be more to come. A polished performance on this catchy little stepper. Could be some remixes on this in time I suspect.
Marqo 'Absolutely Nothing' - written produced and performed byMarqo. He's the second artists within a few weeks that I've seen described as a male Sade! Don't agree with either actually but this is a top cu5t. Emotional well performed, builds and builds to a classy conclusion.
Ski Johnson ft Tony Terry 'Sailing' - debut single from saxophonist Ski with excellent vocal by Tony Terry
Nanette Maxine 'Don't take me for granted' - mellow intro before the sultry lead comes in over a dead slow beat
Nichelle 'Nothing remains the same' more elsewhere but this is space'y and mellow.
Joseph Diamond ft Carolyn Dyer 'Hold onto you' - Carolyn Dyer features on this second Joseph Diamond track. Fine jazzy cut but it would have to go some to match the other track
Chandaleigh 'Bright Sunshine' - Also out on a single this one and you can see why. Typical of many groovers on the modern soul scene, slow intro and then the beat kicks in. Catchy chorus hides a nice voice. Good cut.
Remi 'Coco Bella' More fine Remi to conclude.
A very good album introducing some Independent Soul gems and including several exceptional cuts. Good luck to these guys and can't wait volume 2 - well done Nigel.
Darrius - CafeCD03
Licensed out of Seattle. Written (mainly) and produced by Darrius Willrich. He of course sings but also does all the keyboard work.
The album is mellow and jazzy and Darrius's vocal has tinges of Stevie Wonder, the opening track 'Blissful' illustrating this to the full, with a nice sax break by Reggie Commodore.
'The waiting is over' is more uptempo with a good beat and some nice keys. 'When she comes for me' allows Darrius to expose the range of his vocal ability.
'Corner Store' is a mellow jazz sax led instrumental. 'My unceasing love' - wow this is Stevie again! - a mellow meaningful ballad. 'The sooner you know', throbbing bass and mellower vocal overdubs on this track, actually written by bassist Marvin Shields.
'Mad Nights' closes with an uptempo more free style jazz workout.
A solid album of this genre containing some good tracks, there is a good feel about it in that he sounds as if this would sound exactly the same out on the road, not manufactured and stylised vocals and good arrangements.
Nichelle - Language of Love - CafeCD04
UK release including the best cuts from Nichelle's two albums Relations and Millenaire.
Cafe de Soul gives us the following information - 'In her career as a singer, Nichelle Colvin has contributed her expertise to a variety of local hit projects. Combining a blend of gospel and r&b vocals on jazz and hip-hop rhythms, making her soulful style unique and promising for the millennium and beyond. Some of her influences are Rachelle Ferrell, Anita Baker, Phyllis Hyman, Erykah Badu and Angela WinBush. Nichelle has worked with producer Vaughn Halyard who has produced artists such as Janet Jackson on "Black Cat" and Johnny Gill "Wrap My Body Tight" remixes. Nichelle has also worked with Tody Welford on the Billboard WINNING "Hold On". Tody Welford played bass for Shalamar with Howard Hewett and Willie Lee played guitar for the Temptations.'
This album starts with 'Language of love' which has almost choral vocal arrangements. 'Sentimental Brush' is more instant and more upbeat, spoken intro into a strong R'n'B/Soul groove.
'The Man' is downbeat , srong jazz vocal over pleading lyrics. Nichelle wrote all of the cuts on the album, one or two co-written by James "Chameleon" White III who also produced all but one of the songs, and is clearly a major contributor, influence and collaborator with Nichelle.
'For the love of you' has a more chugging kind of rhythm and 'What's the most important thing' has an urban beat-y feel with rap intro and a vocal reminding me of Minnie Riperton.
'Inside' is a beautiful track, deep and thought provoking, self analysing lyric. 'Tears from Heaven' is mellow but strong in vocal. 'Millenaire' the title track of the second album and appears to be some kind of homage or introduction to 'Chamelion' - it does have a nice groove.
'Nothing remains the same' is also featured on the compilation, keyboard intro into a lilting easy thoughtful vocal. 'Show some attention' another floating piece from the first album. 'Inner Pain' from the start when you hear the thunderstorms you know that this is gonna be something slow and hurtful, it is but the vocal isn't quite so instant and concise but trying to capture the mood.
'Picture that' is one not produced by Chameleon but there is no discenable difference, maybe slightly harder rhythm and a neo soul feel. 'For Love' is beatier, bit more uptempo but again that easy floating vocal and sax-y sound. A nice cut that could get a remix maybe. 'You must give way' concludes the album.
I do like this album, it is well written, well produced and well put together. It covers a variety of styles but overall it has a kind of space-y, trippy feel and Nichelle's vocal eases in and out over strong and personal lyrics.
Premier British labels Dome and Expansion featured heavily including:-
Dome
Dome Cookin' – a second helping of hot soul platters
Taylor – In the Mood
Incognito- Can't get you out of my head
Seek – Talk about it
So Good So Right – The Best of Brenda Russell
Tasha's World
Southern Soul Cellar 2
Full Flava – Colour of My Soul
Incognito - Who need Love
Andreus - Street Troubadour
Donna Gardier – Hom
Southern Soul Cellar – Various
Angela Johnson - They don't know
D'Influence presents D'Vas
COOLY'S HOT BOX - TAKE IT
SOUL POWER - VARIOUS ARTISTS
DARWIN HOBBS - EVERYDAY
EXPANSION RECORDS
Jabari Grover – When I’m with you
Love is Gwendolyn Joy
Soul Togetherness 2004
New Soul Heaven
Byron Woods – In the land of smooth
Imprompt2 – The Definition of Love
Phyliss Hyman – In between the heartaches – The Soul of a Diva
Frank McComb – The Truth
Soul Togetherness 2003
Niteflyte ft Jean Carne – If you believe in love
Jean Carne - Collaborations
The Spirit of Philadelphia
Soul Togetherness 2002
Best of Tashan - A Retrospective 1986 - 1993
Kloud 9 - On Kloud 9
Denise Stewart - Decide on me
Peggi Blu - Livin on love
Bob Baldwin - For You
Soul Togetherness 2001
Ali Ollie Woodson - Right here all along
Khani Cole - Lifetime
Sandra St Victor - Gemini: Both Sides
Soul Togetherness – Various
Leon Ware - Musical Massage
Maysa Leak - The Bottle
Lenny Williams- gotta lotta luv
2001 Soul Odyssey - Various Artists
Gary Taylor - Under the Nightlight
Bobby Thurston - Sweetest piece of the pie
Robbie Danzie - (Love) Undeniable
Gerry Devaux- Front of the line
Maysa Leak - The Bottle
Sometimes I hear this and I think it's great and other times I think why do we need another version of this. Certainly going down well in the clubs right now.
Robbie Danzie - (Love) Undeniable
This is a beautiful 4 track EP. Interestingly each track lifts the tempo a little, starting with Undeniable being a mellow groover with excellent vocals and lyrics. Gotta Work lifts it a bit. Then Carried Away probably my favourite in a midtempo dance groove and Summer with a slightly harder edge. All in all cool and soulful.
Lenny Williams- gotta lotta luv
Ever popular and readily available in the UK
Gerry Devaux- Front of the line - Expansion
Probably one of the most played sounds over the last year or two. Still a guaranteed dance floor filler.
Selected Reviews
Kindred the family soul - Surrender to Love - released 2 June 2003
Singer songwriters, husband wife, Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon are Kindred, hailing from Philadelphia, home to Jill Scott and a hotbed of new soul artists.
The pair cite Womack and Womack, Donny Hathaway, Roberta Flack, Chicage, Moody Blues, Steely Dan as influences this album draws from them and more. This is and will be one of the albums of the year period. Classic soul whether your bag is old school like say Ashford and Simpson or new like Jill Scott. Quality oozes throughout both in delivery, production, writing, instrumentation (backed by their own 10 piee band), soulfullness, whichever which way you look at it.
The album kicks of in style with the feel good title track Surrender to love, modern feel, vocal interplay, midtempo vibe, kick on. Rhthm of life is the track, out first on 12", that's been hitting the dancefloors particularly the King Britt Remix. In fact the album version, though midtempo, doesn't come across a sbeing too danceable.
'Far away' is a wonderful ballad, reminiscent of those old school George Benson ballads. We (feat Ursula Rucker), the beats change somewhat here, more dreamy, more poetic with monologue, spoken word. Stars is an exceptional sensual ballad of the old school with some wonderful 'wailing' in the distance! I am (ft Jazmine Sullivan) picks it up again, uplifting and powerful and the next to get the dancefloor treatment I would suggest.
One of my favourites is Meant to be, it is funkier and brassier than some, and with a hook that will have you singing along. There are changes of pace and changes of style but they are all performed and constructed with expertise, and it makes for an intersting and complex album.
I do like the upbeat ones and we are back on a funk tip, real hard edged, old school, chant driven funk with Spread the World. Don't wanna suffer though is a bit too fast I would say. Party's Over (ft Flo Brown and Malik B) is funked up current R'n'B
Hidden away at track 25 (I hate that!) is the remix of Rhythm of life.
Sometimes I am not a fan of duets because they often get to dreamy for me. This however is an exception, just plain good soul music, era past, era pesent, era future it doesn't matter - enjoy.
Will be appearing at the Jazz Cafe in July so look out for that.
Metropolis – The Voyage – T
A stunning album, much awaited and well worth waiting for. One of the R’n’B soul albums of the year for sure. Successfully merging urban vibes with old skool sensibilities to present a conceptual and essential album.
From the hypnotic beats of ‘just move‘ that linger long into the head there is a realisation of soemething special. There re at least 5 tracks that will keep the dance floor buzzin ‘hit tha door ‘ a mellowish r’n’b cut, ‘play ya game’ a modern soul dancer of the kind the UK love, ‘lovin you’ similarly of appeal to the Uk and already proving so, ‘kick it’ a bit more formulaic in the r’n’b sense, and the title track ‘voyage’
’soul train’ complete with James Brown sample is a thumping old skool, modern beat item. ‘dance all night ‘ has more hip hop backbeat. ‘good man ‘ is a driving song that I like a lot .
Also some great ballads like ‘drunk love’ and ‘crazy love ‘ but none better than the epic ‘found you‘, a summery easy feel, complete with strings.
The quality never lets up with ‘closer to light ‘ being another top cut. ‘summertime ‘ continues the summer feel. ‘time of your life ‘ is another one that I like , catchy, old feel nice harmonies.
‘watchin you ‘ and ‘be my girl’ are down as bonus tracks, meaning what I don’t know except maybe thay were just good enough and had to be fitted on. They are!
An enormous amount of material that the 4 guys have put together for us. It’s an album that everytime you play you hear new things, it’s the type of album that you can play all the way through and also one that you will finfd your own personal standout tarcks and go back to them. Great stuff. Something for everyone, the new generation who want to move on to something more soul, yet stil retin ‘credibility’ and to any older ones who think that no great music is being made any more. It is and it is here!
Tracks - 01 welcome to the city , 02 just move , 03 hit tha door , 04 soul train , 05 dance all night , 06 play ya game , 07 lovin you , 08 good man
09 kick it ,10 drunk love , 11 city of metropolis , 12 crazy love , 13 found you , 14 closer to light , 15 voyage ,16 summertime , 17 time of your life
18 story to tell ,19 watchin you ,20 be my girl
Quedon
Well I have to say that the day this arrived and hit my car CD player it wasn’t one of those quick click through CD’s, from the opening bars of Always In My Head (Southern Girl) I just had to hear this the whole way through. Still now a couple of weeks later I still love it to death. Southern Girl is a strong mellow R’n’B ballad taken through on the strong vocals and when they falter a tad the vibe carries it through.
When You Come Around is more upbeat, great use of sample, and hip hop integration. Not as pumping as a club R’n’B anthem but good enough for the clubs. My Fault is a tune where the vocals excel, downbeat slow jam, but great beats, mininalist and allowing the vocals to top, and one of the picks of the album.
Alone is a bit more traditional, more old skool soul ballad, than R’n’B ballad, complete with Isleys feel.
Speechless is tailor made for UK dancefloors- midtempo and easy vibe, catchy. Hard To Please is back in R’n’B territory. Love Song is another great old dkool ballad with hints of the 5 stairsteps ooh Child. My Friend, My Lover, My Wife concludes with a bit of personal!
Love it pretty much all the way through – recommended.
Tracks;1. Finally (Intro),2. Always In My Head (Southern Girl),3. When You Come Around,4. Never Meant To Hurt You (Interlude),5. My Fault
6. Alone,7. Speechless,8. Hard To Please,9. Love Song,10. My Friend, My Lover, My Wife
Terrell – Carlela’s Reign
The standout tracks for me are I Had It Hard a funky groove with a storyline along the lines of Patches or Papa was a rolling stone, that kind of thing, a life telling groove. Better Than is a dead slow dirge ballad, again about growing up, tough lyrics. Getting Over You is a heartfelt slow jam, which is where much of the album sits, but this one does it for me because it is the best vocal performance. Life is a midtempo groove and probably the one that the Uk particularly would go for.
As regards the other tracks, Thick Girls is a ballad. My Life has a different feel, more acoustic, but I guess that’s not surprising when I tell you that it is a duet with India Arie. Carlela Spoken is the intro to the touching track Finally. Sunshine is more choral with a larger chorus against a strong lead.
The remaining tracks switch between those with a choral vocal arrangement like For the Love of the People and straight slow jams like It's You, Smooth Groove,
Clearly a personal album both in terms of growing up and relationships.
Tracks: 1. Intro,2. Life, 3. Thick Girls, 4. My Life, 5. Carlela Spoken, 6. Finally, 7. I Had It Hard, 8. Better Than,9. Sunshine, 10. Hero, 11. Ill Treat You Better,12. It's You,13. Smooth Groove, 14. Getting Over You,15. For the Love of the People, 16. Better Than (live)
Zascant – For Women Only
http://www.zascant.com/
Zascant are Alonzo Scooter Powell Jnr and Anthony Johnson III and this album is on a love tip, slow jams, seductive soul, whatever you want to call it. With a pedigree in old skool soul this is coming from an era of classic soul and that kind of quality is stamped all over it.
so fine is moderately upbeat, glorious harmonies, and from this point you xpect something special. place of peace doesn’t let you down with a powerful piece of gospel. please stay is another sumptuous midtempo ballad. sunshine is sparser, instrumentation more prominent (as opposed to the harmonies), yet there is a memorable summery hook.
sexy sexy is as upbeat as you get, 80’s style, moderately funky and does sound a bit dated. who is it is harder all round, lyrically and musically, more Bill Withers than Barry White.
Back to loveland to close can't deny the love and cream, the former being the best of the two.
An interesting and enjoyable album, it’s good to see albums take this direction with old skool sensibilities. Certainly will appeal to those who grew up through that, but I’m not sure about new markets, we can only hope and wish well.
Tracks: 1. so fine, 2. place of peace. 3. please stay. 4. sunshine. 5. sexy sexy, 6. who is it, 7. can't deny the love, 8. cream
Stanley James – All of my Life
http://www.stanleyjamesmusic.com/
A thoroughly professional and well constructed album, updating the best of previous cuts, complete with interludes, stories and anecdotes. The personality of the Household name shines through – this is well produced and contains some great songs, none more so that the cut that had the UK buzzing recently Kinda Girl (feat. Thugz Nation). Be Together was the other cut that was the feature of the UK PA’s, leving people leaving humming the catchy hook.
Stanley, has his heart in Soul Music, and he excels on the Slow Jam - Stop Pressin being one of the best examples, sparse, cut down, vocals controlling.
Recut from before include the personal Love Beat the Hell Outta Me love, or outta love, story. Takin It Back is the most upbeat and old skool funky, great track. Shine a midtemp R’n’B ballad, Gone Away is a killer ballad – one of the top cuts on the album, Everythang (feat. Turbo) and also Im Not the One complete the ‘polished up ‘ cuts.
Didnt Mean to Turn U On is more current clubbing R’n’B, one if hardened up, could go in the clubs. She's Pissed is slightly different in style, still R’n’B but something a bit more menacing to it. Im Still Lovin U is lyrically a bit more optimistic.
Imitations (skit) is good fun, comedy sketch! It Might Be U (all of My Life) is classic soul ballad territory, stretching and extending Stanley vocally. Feelin Her concludes with another top track.
Up with the best of the year.
Tracks:- 1. Why I Do (intro), 2. Kinda Girl (feat. Thugz Nation), 3. Baby's Dad, 4. Stop Pressin, 5. Love Beat the Hell Outta Me, 6. Cascade Bubble Bath
7. Be Together, 8. Church Sangin' (skit), 9. Takin It Back, 10. Didnt Mean to Turn U On,11. Gone Away,12. She's Pissed, 13. Im Still Lovin U,14. Imitations (skit), 15. Shine, 16. Everythang (feat. Turbo),17. Im Not the One, 18. It Might Be U (all of My Life), 19. Weekend Thang (feat. Hope), 20. Feelin Her
21. No Worries (outro))
Dirty Soul – Street Soul
Found it’s way to me via Mike Ward, thanks, one of the best albums coming my wayof this kind for a while. Young refreshing strong Street Soul of the Jaheim kind, better than Urban Mystic that kind of thing. Out of Hearsay Records in Atlanta and solid from start to finish. There’s R’n’b beats, R’n’b choruses, hip hop breaks but the overriding power lies in the soulful vocals
No matter is the track that is getting plays, a strong old skool soul ballad and it is quality, but there is much more to this album I am not sure which I prefer but it’s so good to have such a refreshing album.
My Way gives signs of the quality of the vocal. Strickly Pimpin by the title might lead yo to conclude that its full of bling bling hip hop but nothing could be further from the truth, catchy chorus over the already familiar vocal style. Sippin has very current beats infectious chorus again, with te vocals brought down.
Weak is acoustically led, more in John Legend or lyfe Jennings territory. Middle of the day is more upbeat and is the most contrived so far.
Down into slowjam territory on Inside, one of the weaker tracks. The catchy Wet picks up slightly and Game takes it right into clubland.
Closing on a quadrupet of love ballads Dirtythang, Love Grow, No matter, Show, all good but No matter is exceptional
Tracks:- My Way, Strickly Pimpin, Sippin, Weak, Middle of the day, Inside, Wet, Game, dirtythang, Love Grow, No matter, Show You.
Darien - If these walls could talk
Not sure when this is due to drop but is one well worth waiting for. A solid album all the way through with several danceloor friendly tracks.
Just can't wait kicks off in an upbeat style with handclaps, guitar riffa and easy singalong chorus. Gone I guess is more R'n'B dancefloor friendly but still contributing to a strong opening with powerfull beats.
Composure is another top track with excellent instrumentation and an old school feel and one of the top cuts. Where its at, also heavy on the beats and strong on the vocals and a latent hammond organ weaving in and out.
Showya kicks in with a powerful bass and a lazy hypnotic vibe. My Door mellows it down somewhat, an immaculate ballad. Sail Thru is a mellow Stevie esque ballad with a fine trumpet break.
Love Revolution again with strong instrumentation builds into powerful track with lots going on. Nowhere I like a lot, heavy beat, funky organ, laid back vibe, string samples, great guitar work, great vocals.
Saturday is reminiscent of a fun day in the summer just hanging and vibing on the streets. All kinds of things is a funky singalong midtempo ballad, again hammond is prominent.
If these walls could talk, the title track, is an acoustic ballad, allowing appreciation of the vocals and the lyricism, and as it gathers pace it builds into a very prominent track.
An excellent album, very well produced with many top tracks and heartily recommended
Tracks - Just can't wait, Gone, Composure, Where its at, Showya, My Door, Sail Thru, Love Revolution, The Road, Nowhere, WSRD 33.3FM, Saturday, All kinds of things, If these walls could talk, Seasons
http://righteousmusicmedia.com/
http://righteousmusicmedia.com/darien.htm
http://www.myspace.com/Darienonline
Posted 28th October 2008 by mike ashley
Jarrard Anthony - Diary of a Messenger
Jarrard, Julie Dexter and myself @ISMS2008
Review - This album only available at gigs and by download from the links below. Jarrard's previous albums are both different and diverse, the first (to paraphrase greatly) is more straightforward neo soul, the second being conceptual and off the wall - so his work is always interesting and challenging. And so for a man who carries his guitar all the time and everywhere (or at least pretty much every time I have seen him) and is on standby for any opportunity at any moment, it is probably only right and proper than the next thing would be an acoustic set.
This set therefore allows you to hear Jarrard at his rawest best, uncomplicated, yet strong. A couple of the songs are acoustic versions of songs on the earlier albums but are mostly new (to me, anyway).
These kind of albums tend to not appeal to everyone but they do allow you to get deeper into the artist because it is just him and you, stripped right back, to appreciate the lyrics and the vocals and therefore the talent without all the layering and studio niceties, and it certainly has me looking forward to the next album - what will it be? - due in 2009.
Tracks - What can I do, Stay the night, Right from wrong, Didn't U know, Lovesick
get Over, So Long Farewell
http://www.jarrardanthony.com/
http://www.myspace.com/jarrard
Info:-
What if you could combine Beck and Blackstreet?
Thats the question Jarrard Anthony dares you to ask when you hear his boundary breaking style that travels over landscapes, through atmospheres, and beyond galaxies of a variety of genres, making stops in Soul, Electronica, Jazz, World, Rock, Pop, and Folk musical constellations. With influences from Earth, Wind, and Fire to Seal and Peter Gabriel, JA creates a complete musical cosmos.
Jarrard Anthony, dubbed by UK webzine Darker Than Blue as “Mr. Independent of R&B”, crooned his way into the independent soul arena in 1999 with the release of “So D-vine” from his debut LP “The Dream”. Substantial radio rotation and popularity throughout the east coast immediately made “So D-vine” an "Underground R&B" classic. In 2000, the project was licensed and released in vinyl format as an EP by the UK based Thermite Records/Stonegroove imprint gaining critical acclaim and the #2 position on UK Urban radio with the title track. With his 2004 release of the LP “Don’t Sleep…Just Dream”, Jarrard Anthony gained a larger US audience and broader international appeal including a UK tour featuring a spot on the Southport Weekender International Music Festival. The music video for ”Sweet Memories”, the first single off the LP, received international airplay and aired on over 200 music video shows throughout the US. Without the support and dollars of a major label, both projects still managed to sell several thousands units via online marketing, independent distributors, multi-song licensing deals and non-stop live performances.
In 2005, while working on a new project, JA met producer, Stico Von Drake and created the sound now known as "Electro-Soul". They quickly began producing and writing what led to JA's latest LP, S.ynergistic E.nergy X.change
With a new acoustic E.P. entitled Diary of a Messenger and a new album on the way for 2009, JA is poised step up from the underground of Urban Soul to the surface of Pop/Soul music culture.
Posted 26th October 2008 by mike ashley
Alex Lattimore- Promise
I appreciate that this album has been out for a while and has atained some prominence in the UK (plus more to come so I hear, but not sure if this information can be passed on yet!) - but rather than hide this in the Atlanta Review section I thought I ought to give this a place on its own.
It was a bit by chance that I met Alex. I went to a fantastic event with Nikki Wade not knowing that Alex was on the bill. The event called STIR (promoted by main man Cocktails) included art, discussion, food, various 'sales' of art and craft related goods, vote registration, comedy and music. The event is necely captured on photographer Kat Goduco's website - http://katgoduco.com/2008/09/24/pictures-stir-hosted-by-cocktails-91908/
Ozara Ode was on the bill who I knew and it was great to hear her perform, but I was taking a break, having a look around, and then all of a sudden the quality of the performance, very Luther-esque, in the background captured me. I didn't know who it was immediatley but soon found out that it was Alex Lattimore.
Of course I knew many people that Alex would know, through Atlanta artists but particularly Jive, like Rhonda Thomas, Drea and Chanda Leigh, so that enabled introductions to be made and conversations flow.
Well thats just a story and not much of a review, but suffice to say the album is excellent from start to finish which was quite rightly picked up on by the UK Soul crowd. Whether it is the qulaity ballad Promise or the uptempo Keep Risin to the top or the jazzy interludes the album exudes quality.
Click picture to purchase and review -
Tracks - 1 Kissing You 2 Bernadette 3 Lullabye 4 Promise 5 Jazzman Blues
6 Sunlight in My Rain 7 Windows 8 Keep Risin' to the Top 9 A Million Ways
10 In Your Eyes
Info:-
A native of a city known for its great arts scene, Chicago, Illinois, Alex Lattimore is no stranger to the world of music. Serving as the male vocalist in the former Giant Step Records performing group Jiva, led by Khari Simmons (former bass player for India.Arie), Alex has been notably compared to the vocal styling of such artists as Luther Vandross and Will Downing. At the early age of 5, he began his journey with piano and trumpet lessons while also engaging in the youth choir ensemble at his home church. This led him to perform with a host of phenomenal groups such as the Chicago Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, Sherwood Conservatory Brass Ensemble, Roosevelt University Jazz Band, and the University of Chicago Chamber Orchestra. Alex’s musical journey continued in Atlanta, Georgia, serving as both a horn player (trumpet and flugel) and lead/background vocalist with a number of Atlanta-based acts. This platform allowed him to showcase his countless talents as a songwriter, arranger, instrumentalist, and vocalist.
With his dynamic abilities, Alex was catapulted into opportunities to open for and perform with internationally renowned artists like Tina Turner, Luther Vandross, Michael McDonald, India.Arie, Earl Klugh, The Rippingtons, Groove Collective, Roy Ayers, Kindred The Family Soul, Loose Ends, and Maysa Leak. Alex’s trumpet and vocals have also graced the Julie Dexter and Khari Simmons Brash Music album release of “Moon Bossa”, the Atlanta based group “Jiva” with albums “Sun and Moon’ and “Day Into Night” as well as being a featured vocalist on the beautifully written duet entitled “The Matrimony” from Rhonda Thomas’ album “Breathe New Life” and title track “Once Twice” from the Bugs in The Attic album release “Back in the Dog House.” Alex has also collaborated with D.J. Kemit (formerly of the Grammy award winning group Arrested Development), releasing a single entitled “Rush Hour” (featuring Takana Miyamoto) which found its place on the P-Vine Records compilation “Sol Com Bossa”. Currently Alex is working with the Ananda Project under the direction of Grammy nominated producer Chris Brann. Excerpts from these projects have been widely reviewed leading to a highly anticipated solo release.