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Tag Archives: R&B
Allysha Joy – The Making of Silk [First Word Records]
With “The Making of Silk” singer/songwriter/keyboardist Allysha Joy is in the mood for love. The eleven track release is a marvelous collection of dreamy emotive compositions as only Allysha can interpet them. The opener “Nothing To Prove” is a sublime recording where Joy confesses her unabashed pure love for someone. Finn Rees chips in with warm synth and rhodes arrangements. “Hold On” is augmented by Oscar Jerome’s hypnotic guitar. Joy states that her love is strong enough to allow someone the freedom to be the best version of themselves. The recordings are lifted by some of her long time friends from Melbourne who also happen to be superb musicians. Drummer Ziggy Zeitgeist appears on several tracks. Jace Xl provides backing vocals throughout the album. The result is engaging live instrumentation and string arrangements that linger in your soul. Add Joy’s blissful vocals and songwriting and you have a recording that will stir your heartstrings.
Paul White – Peace in Chaos [R&S Records]
“Peace in Chaos” is the third lp on R & S records from multi-instrumentalist Paul White. The eleven track release is a collection of ethereal synth heavy compositions. “Glory in Stories” is an electro pop treat filled with lush arrangements and soothing vocal harmonies. The aptly titled “Surreal” is a dreamy mid-tempo tune that is filled with joyful euphoric vibes. White has solidified himself as a premier producer who has worked with an array of musicians from Sudan Archives to Danny Brown. This release finds him front and center, crafting a record in his own personal vision. The result is a blissful journey that will brighten your mood.
Jimetta Rose & The Voices of Creation – Things Are Getting Better [Day Dreamer]
“Things Are Getting Better” is the latest release from Jimetta Rose and the Voices of Creation. The title speaks to the evolution of the choir that Rose assembled from her Los Angeles community. It also speaks to her perseverance through tough times during the pandemic. “Let The Sunshine In”, the previous release from 2022 just scratched the surface of how potent this choir can be. This release showcases a more confident choir that is hitting their stride. Evidence lies in “Already Real To Me” where Rose’s soul infused gospel vocals will uplift every soul within listening distance. The tune starts off in acapella fashion with subtle riffs from musical director/organist Jack Maeby. “Portals” delivers an electricfying performance that’s filled with inspiration and faith. There’s plenty of talented contributors such as saxophonist Isiah Collier. Rose nearly walked away from the music business before linking up with Maeby for this project. We’re grateful that she stuck with it and blessed us with an uplifting collection of soul and gospel compositions.
https://jimettarosethevoicesofcreation.bandcamp.com/album/things-are-getting-better
The Brkn Record – The Architecture of Oppression Part 2 [BBE Music]
Jake Ferguson, one half of the Heliocentrics returns with volume 2 of his solo project, The Brkn Record. While the theme of vol 1 centered on braking down oppressive institutions, vol 2 takes an extra step in calling out the injustices within the system. Ferguson certainly has enlisted an array of socially conscious artists to push this message forward. The mighty Anthony Joseph appears on three tracks here. “Skull Tax” comes in with a roar. A thumping bass groove and infectious electric guitar provides the canvas for Joseph’s thought provoking lyrics. “We Need Freedom” is a spirtual gem that kicks off with simmering percussion followed by searing Tenor sax and flute rhythms. UK vocalist Jermain Jackman’s falsetto moves the track to another level. “Prison of Skin” is another spiritual jazz keeper that speaks to the socio-economics prison that has held back countless communities. Ugochi Nwaogwugwu, a Nigerian singer/poet adds her heavenly vocals to the tune. A strong recording that entertains and enlightens you simultaneously.
https://thebrknrecord.bandcamp.com/album/the-architecture-of-oppression-part-2
Audrey Powne – From The Fire [BBE Music]
Melbourne native Audrey Powne delivers her debut lp “From The Fire” on BBE music. The nine track release was written and produced by Powne. “Sleep” is inspired by lucid dreams Powne experienced and how they measured up to her reality. The track is a beautiful piano driven ballad. “Souled Out” is another emotive ballad that features Matt Keagan’s haunting phrasings on baritone sax. Powne’s string arrangements add another layer of emotion that will certainly stir your heart strings. Powne’s dexterity as a multi-instrumentalist are on display here. “Feed The Fire” is a mid-tempo track that showcases her soloing on Trumpet as well as her prowess as a pianist. A marvelous debut that weaves soul, jazz and classical elements seamlessly. Powne is a gifted artist you need to get familiar with.
Erin Buku – Self Titled [Inner Tribe Records]
Austrailian Vocalist, DJ/Producer Erin Buku delivers an engaging self titled debut. The nine track album is a laidback array of tasty RnB soulful hip hop grooves. “Dreamers” is a mid-tempo hip hop track that showcases her tender vocals. It’s an uplifting tune where Buku artfully encourages everyone to follow their dreams. “Ley Lines”, co-produced by Inkswel is awash with serenading horns and melodic textures. “The Way” erupts with ebulient electronic rhythms aligned with Buku’s emotive vocal harmonizing. Buku is just another example of the bottomless well of talent from Austrailia that’s well worth checking out.
Go.Soul.Map – Peaceful Sound for Broken Minds [Space Echo]
“Peaceful Sound for Broken Minds” is the debut from Sicilian producer Salvo ‘Dub’ Bruno aka Go Soul Map. The twelve track lp is filled with dreamy soundscapes layered over warm melodic grooves. “Back In The Underwater”, the opening track features the sultry vocals of Reiwa Pia. It’s a downtempo gem heighthened by warmsynths. London based vocalist Derane Obika appears on nine tracks. “Fall Into The Flame” features Obika’s dreamy falsetto aligned with heavenly synths. While the tempo picks up on “Right Of Me”, Bruno’s production along with Obika’s vocals ensure that the mood remains the same. Bruno has created a marvelous record filled with warmth and is certain to put your mind at ease. I’m instantly transported to a place free of stress and full of engaging grooves.
https://gosoulmap.bandcamp.com/album/peaceful-sound-for-broken-minds
Ahu – Stellar [Mythstery Records]
Hard to believe that this is Ahu’s first solo project. The Turkish singer/songwriter has guested on numerous projects over the past fifteen years. You may recognize her voice from the Flying Lotus track “Roberta Flack”. “Stellar” features amixture of laidback and uptempo tunes that showcase her vocal talents. “I and I” starts the disc off with dreamy chords that complement her feathery vocals. “Same Sky” is a mid-tempo finger poppin’ tune with a soulful horn section. “Good News” is an uptempo sixties flavored soul number with an infectious drum snare beat. “Stellar” allows Ahu to stretch out present her own musical horizons. Let’s hope the wait isn’t too long for the next record.
Bright & Findley – Everything Is Slow [Athens Of The North]
In 2019 James Alexander Bright & Tom Findley made their presence felt with the single “Tigers Roar”. The single garnered critical acclaim and filled us with hope there was more to come. The wish has been granted. “Everything is Slow” is the debut from Bright & Findley. The eleven track disc is filled with laidback synth funk compositions tailored made for lazy Summer afternoons. Findley’s arrangements combined with Bright’s vocals are a potent mix. Among the highlights are the languid “When I look into the World” The swaying string arrangements and ambient soundscapes will warm your heart. “It’s Only Rain” is another downtempo delight. “NY Disco” is a nod to the Brooklyn Disco scene that also leans into eighties boogie. Warm and melodic, this is an electro soul gem that you shouldn’t miss.
https://brightandfindlay.bandcamp.com/album/everything-is-slow
Myele Manzanza – Crisis & Opportunity, Vol.3 – Unfold [Deepmatter]
https://myelemanzanza.bandcamp.com/album/crisis-opportunity-vol-3-unfold