Featured music on The Soul Kitchen
Joe Thomas - New Man (LP PREVIEW)
It is a new day for premier soul man JOE Thomas. After ten years signed to Jive Records, where he recorded the platinum discs All That I Am (1997) and My Name is Joe (2000), he has decided that now is the time to start taking chances. “Nothing against being signed to a major label, but most of the time it’s about what they want you to do as opposed to what the artist wants to do. I have nothing against Jive, but I really just wanted to be me. Seriously, I got tired of being held back.”
Teaming-up with his manager of 15 years, Kedar Massenburg, who also serves as executive producer on the much anticipated project, Joe has....
Don-E - Natural (LP)
If you have never heard a Don-E song then please read on & I will try to describe what you have been missing all these years...
Ever since the first album “Unbreakable” was released in 1992 I have been a pretty big fan of his music. In September 2008 the South London singer, songwriter, producer & performer released album number four, “Natural”. It seems not much has changed since the early days as far as the music is concerned, what I mean is that the music is still as good as ever.
“Natural” kicks off on an up-tempo funky note with “Addictive Luv” and a beat not dissimilar t.....
Dwele - Sketches Of A Man (LP)
Dwele returns with a brand new collection entitled "Sketches Of A Man" coming off the back of two of the finest contemporary soul albums ever. Following "Subject" would take some kinda effort. Doing it twice was always going to be Dwele's greatest battle. The difference this time around is that Dwele is now best known in the public domain as ‘the dude that sings’ on Kanye’s “Flashing Lights”. Fortunately I – and hopefully you – have a deeper understanding for his music.
“I’m Cheating” has been doing the rounds on Radio, on the Internet and (unfortunately) on Limewire for what seems like an eternity now, and has been often skipped by those who know it well, but have only just scooped the album. I saw Dwele perform this song live before it became accessible to the masses and most (female) listeners in the audience we’re certainly unimpressed when he uttered the soft introduction “Everybody Cheat Right???”.......
Erykah Badu - New Amerykah Part One (4th World War) (LP)
I'd heard of bit of chatter about the new Erykah Badu album and I must say - mostly negative. Scratch that... Most peeps just said it was "different", but I'm just telling you what I'm pretty sure they meant. With so few quality soul acts out there, I think people are almost scared to say what they really think when they've waited so long for a set by so called "Soul (or Hip-Hop) Royalty"
Let's start at the start then - the title - New Amerykah – Part One (4th World War). It all sounds a little angst and ‘down with the system’ (whatever the system is). You could even label it a little bit aggressive and pressing play on the CD player doesn’t do anything to convince you the music is anything but......
Avila Brothers - The Mood: Soundsational (LP)
California producers Bobby Ross and IZ Avila combine on this debut release "The Mood - Soundsational", and as much as I don't want to agree with a lot of the "indifferent" comments out there; it is much like a compilation album with every track having an obvious different feel from the one preceding it. But I'm embracing this, it's a good thing. At what point did the music world agree that a good album had to sound the same all the way through?
So why does this album do it for me so much? Well, it does what it says on the tin... "What's that V? It's "Soundsational" is it? Well, yeah it is. Soundsational may mean nothing to you but there is a feeling that the set is named perfectly and easily achieves its goal of creating "The Mood"...
Keite Young - The Rise And Fall (LP)
Having very little knowledge and no expectations of this artist I was to be pleasantly surprised with The Rise and Fall of Keite Young- what an amazing voice, I had read several articles comparing him to D’angelo and these comparisons are understandable. Finally an artist to carry on where D’angelo left off?
Alicia Keys - As I Am (LP)
I had high hopes of this long awaited and overdue forth album from Alicia and I rate her as one of the most talented female vocalists in the neo soul genre, so I couldn’t wait to hear it. We were given a taste of As I am with the debut track- No one- which was a perfect choice in some ways as it had such a great impact and is a strong, classic sounding Alicia tune.
This song comprises everything that makes Alicia so talented and individual. However, I think this probably resulted in its downfall because the supporting tracks don’t quite hit you in the same way as No one and it fails to live up to the high expectations that we had. In addition there was a greater pr...
Reel People - Seven Ways To Wonder (LP)
The album kicks off with ’Alibi’ and introduces new guest vocalist Darien. Coming from Mount Vernon in New York, Darien has emerged from NY’s underground soul scene and is set to wow fans with his stunning tone and warm vocals. With hints of Stevie in his heyday and paying homage to Sergio Mendes, ‘Alibi’ is a wonderful piece of Latin-edged soul which will instil euphoria in even the most jaded of souls.
The legendary Omar comes next for ‘Outta Love’, a Bill Withers-influenced cut with a soca groove. ‘Amazing’ is an updated take on the classic 80s soul vibe, in the vein of Maze or Shalamar and also Reel People’s first hook-up with singers Tony Momrelle & Imaani (Incognito). London favourite Vanessa Freeman returns with ‘Rise & Fly’ and takes you deep into a hypnotic journey that wouldn’t be out of place as a Bond theme tune. Tony Momrelle is then on board again for the classic ‘It Will Be’. .....
Angie Stone - The Art Of Love and War (LP)
There is something about Angie Stone which very few neo soul artists have- you can play any of her albums confident in the knowledge that it will be packed with lyrically strong, sexy, soulful tunes.
The art of love and war encompasses all of these things with a mix of both chilled out ballads, and uplifting songs as it takes you on a journey which expresses everything I love about soul music and how good it makes you feel. There are too many good tracks to mention- but among the best are Sit down, Here we go again and ....
Talib Kweli - Eardrum (LP)
Futuristic lyricist, straight from the renaissance....
Talib Kweli, BKMC, drops his new LP "Eardrum" to critical acclaim.
On this, his 3rd solo effort, Talib Kweli brings together a plethora of
underground Hip Hop luminaries. He re-introduces us to his long term
collaborator, Cincinatti-native DJ Hi-Tek, who produced 3 cuts - "More or
Less", "tune", "tune". He also brought in Madlib (who colaborated with Kweli
on the "Liberation" album) on "Hostile Gospel", South-Coast Hip Hop Dons UGK
on "Country Cousins" (R.I.P Pimp C) and the ubiquitous Will.i.Am, who produces
and sings the hook on "Hot Thing". The beauty of this set is that it combines
the afforementioned underground cats with more comercially-viable artists like
Kanye West on "In The Mood", Norah Jones on "Soon The New Day, Musiq Soulchild
on "Oh My Stars" and Justin Timberlake on "The Nature" (wh......
Roy Hargrove - The RH Factor - Hardgroove (LP)
Roy Hargrove combines the very best in jazz, soul, funk and hip hop with carefully selected vocals resulting in an outstanding album. I’m only disappointed I didn’t discover it sooner.
With each track we are treated to a beautifully crafted piece of soulful jazz which is a pleasure to listen to, and the tunes keep coming.
If that wasn’t enough, in addition this album boasts the vocal stylings of Common, Anthony Hamilton and D’Angelo. Not forgetting the unmistakably unique sounds of Q tip and Erykah Badu....
Jill Scott - The Real Thing : Words and Sounds Vol. 3 (LP)
Poet, soul shiner Jill Scott is the female to neo-words and sounds, opening up album 5 with band like march drummins on political “Let It Be”. As she has always made evident during live stage of which I managed to witness back at the Carling Brixton Academy 2005, her vocals can just about fit any bill.
Rock n roll for number “The Real Thing”, blending nicely... “Celibacy Blues” as the song headlines is Miss.Scott singing the blues, about stresses of this world, relating to each and one of us. Her quick poetic punch lines on “Breathe” would gather crowds, placing her within the mc fields and bigging up her hometown of North Phillie. Boxed with that are tracks such as “Hate On M.....
Choklate - Choklate (LP)
I know when I hear GOOD music, and I have no doubt that this album falls in to the good music category. Its been part of my music collection for about a year now and is still on heavy rotation both on my i-pod and in my house, and have no doubt that it will be for years to come… definitely a sign of a good album.
No matter how many times I listen to it, every time I am blown away by the fantastic song writing and diversity of sound, from gritty hip-hop to smooth soulful RnB, it caters to Neo-soul lovers and Hip-Hop heads as well as people from the RnB world...
Common - Finding Forever (LP)
What a fantastic album; although it definitely has a more commercial feel to it than Common’s previous offerings with tunes like “The People”, “Driving Me Wild” (featuring Lily Allen) and “Play Your Cards Right”; But don’t let this fool you.
I think the beauty of Common is that his albums are all so different, you don’t really know what to expect. This appeals to my taste as it is a great lo-fi hip-hop album. I can imagine that die hard Common fans might not like “Finding Forever” as much as previous albums...
Nneka - Victim Of Truth (LP)
African German Singer Nneka is best described as a cross between Ms Dynamite and Lauryn Hill – “Victim Of Truth” is a contemporary mix of soul, Reggae and Hip-Hop with an edgy, alternative style.
Eric Roberson - Left (LP)
...........It’s really refreshing to hear an artist who does what he does for the love of the music, and spreads a positive message in what he sings, and because of this he makes you listen. I remember I once referred to Eric Roberson as good background music and a little boring, how wrong was I! “Left” works so well as an album for me, because it is a perfect mix of ballads and more upbeat tunes, and with a voice and talent like this the result is nothing short of flawless. Please buy this album; you need it in your life!
Kevin Michael - Kevin Michael (LP)
New acts appear every other day, being advertised as the best newcomer or album of the year, with a mention in the media, yet are forgotten from one week to another as one hit wonders, but Southern country boy, Kevin Michael is about to step up to the frontline.
If you are unfamiliar with this 22 year-old, he is a soul/funk/r&b/pop trifle, signed to DownTown Records, debuting with his self-titled brand spanking new album Kevin Michael, he´s a definite new neo-soul. “We All Want the Same Thing” is his first single, a gospel/acoustic .....
Musiq - LuvanMusiq (LP)
A very highly anticipated album and with its debut at number one in the US charts, there is a buzz about Musiq that we havent really seen before. The hype being the single B.U.D.D.Y was always going to make the album sell well but I must admit to being taken aback when I heard this reached the top spot.
So how does it shape up? Well it's hard to say at this early stage as I have to admit to being rather .....