Ola Onabule:
In Emergency, brake Silence First of all, what a joy it is to see a representative of the British Music Industry step out with such style and inspiration. Ola Onabule's "In Emergency, Brake Silence released in 2004, has already had positive exposure in Germany, Austria, Belgium and France and continues to attract other open doors with artists such as; Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight, Diane Reeves, Patti Labelle, Tower of Power, Joe Zawinul and Roy Hargrove. In Emergency, Brake Silence, is well balanced for any occasion with a mixture of Soul, Smooth Jazz, Afro Beats and the Blues. The British music Industry is blessed to have Ola Onabule as their own and we hope to hear new materials from the artist in the very near future.
Our favourite track(s): 4.8.11
Listening Rate: 8/10
Vocalz: 7/10
Production: 8/10 Eddy Nubine.:
Put Your Trust In Him Eddy Nubine is basically one of those saxophone players you wouldn't want to pass by when it comes to planning and creating an atmosphere of worship & praise. "Put your Trust In Him" released in 2002, will have your state of mind redeemed as you listen to 12 tracks of continuos fulfillment. It's like, instantly you will feel the connection between your inner-man and the Creator drawing closer and closer. This release is not just for entertainment purposes but, a commitment to revive that which was once dead.
Our favourite track(s): 2.3.4.6.8.12
Listening Rate: 8/10
Vocalz: 6/10
Production: 7/10 Donna Ren'ee:
Hibiscus
Donna Ren'ee is a "one-of-kind" slick jazz vocalist that makez the listener wonna "funk" and "spin" all day long! You can swing to it, dance to it, play on it and even get high on it. No matter how these fantastic 12 trackz come at you, you will find a track to feel and emotionise yourself with! Track 4 titled: What Am I Here For is a lovely slow swing track.
Our favourite track(s): 4.9.11
Listening Rate: 7/10
Vocalz: 10/10
Production: 7/10 Arlington Jones:
The Author and The Source Professionally compiled with passionate keynotes leaving the listener emerging from one state of mind to another. "The Author and The Source" is an encouraging and exciting journey of a pianist with a vision of transforming musical notes into prayer. No doubt, this lad has skills and is well up there with the big names in this class of music. As many reviewers call it Gospel Jazz, we would prefer to call it Classic Jazz at it's best. If the piano and bass guitar are fascinating musical instruments to you, it is recommended you have this release in your cd collection.
Our favourite track(s): 1.2•5.8.10.11
Listening Rate: 8/10
Vocalz: n/a
Production: 8/10 Charles Compo:
Psycho Jammy The title of this release "Psycho Jammy" is just to real and true, but then again, you might not understand what we mean by this, if of course you didn't pay much attention to the opening track. With funky beats and blazin' hot trumpets which play a huge part in the accompaniment of other instruments, Charles Compo has indeed set himself a great target. There are a few tracks that will have the wicked resting but as for the other tracks they have that "get-up-on ya-feet" effect especially tracks 4 and 7.
Our favourite track(s): 1.2.4.7
Listening Rate: 7/10
Vocalz: 7/10
Production: 7/10 Felton Offard:
Rise
With a reminiscent style of that of Wayman Tisdale"RISE" is a release for those looking for the smoothest combination of jazz, gospel and r&b but of course it doesn't just stop there. Felton Offard, is a versatile artist who has worked with diverse acts, from pop star Barry Manilow to jazz legend Clark Terry. He wrote and produced seven of nine songs on the critically acclaimed jazz project by Lines and Spaces entitled "Shades of Brown", co-wrote the song, "I'll Follow You", recorded by Grammy award winner Melvin Williams and Tracy Worth. This release is sure worth holding unto.
Our favourite track(s): 2.3.8.9
Listening Rate: 9/10
Vocalz: 7/10
Production: 8/10 Angelo Luster:
Face 2 Face
Face2Face is Angelo Luster's solo debut released in 2004 and is for grown folks that relate to Intimacy, Fellowship, Quality Time and Reunion not just as words but a gift from God. Face2Face is an outstanding project that will have not only the bride and groom @ a wedding as one but the whole congregation. The vocal arrangements tie beautifully with the instruments and delivers an inspirational atmosphere even in the darkness moments. If there is one reason you should buy this album let it be because, of the passion to see the unsaved drawn closer to the Creator.
Our favourite track(s): 2.5.6•7.9
Listening Rate: 9/10
Vocalz: 8/10
Production: 8/10 Brenda Russell:
Between the Sun & the Moon If you love late-night jazz music with soul grooves attached to it, then "Between The Sun And The Moon" will delight your ears. However, not every track is that laid back. The opening track "Make You Smile" will have your hips shaking side-to-side. Brenda Russell has a tremendous silky voice that will capture the hearts of many. There's no hidden truth about her when it comes to performing and demonstrating her creativity but one thing is sure about this artist and that, is her song writing skills. Brenda Russell, is sure to have the first time jazz listener excited with her future releases.
Our favourite track(s): 1.12
Listening Rate: 7/10
Vocalz: 7/10
Production: 8/10 Incognito:
Adventures in Black Sunshine It's basically another phenomenally funky, brass-fired groove party release from Incognito who as a group have lived and performed the word consistency across the world. Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick, is a crazy dude, crazy as in creative and you dare not leave out the honey soul-voiced of Maysa Leak who has a huge contribution in the Incognito group. Incognito have come a long way as a group and for sure on this release they show that being musically labelled as "Retro" "Acid Jazz" "70's" etc, has not slowed down the groups excellent performance not only on this release but from day one.
Our favourite track(s): 2.4.6.10.11.14
Listening Rate: 9/10
Vocalz: 8/10
Production: 8/10 Dessy Di Lauro
:
A Study Of A Woman's Soul While some may differ on this release being an EP or
LP doesn't take away the roots of Brazilian
Italo-Cuban mixed born Dessy Di Lauro. When a child is
introduced to the world's great jazz, soul, Cuban and
Brazilian artists, it only takes a matter of time
before the introduction turns into a presentation.
A Story Of A Womans Soul is not only a slow
mid-tempo project but also a diverse one.
Unfortunately in this case, the instruments had the
better of the vocals and makes us wonder if there
should of been any vocals at all!
Our favourite track(s): 1 Listening Rate:
5/10
Vocalz: 5/10
Production: 5/10 Dayve Stewart
:Feel Me Finger snapping, slight hand clapping funky jazz may
not seem to be an ear turner to some, but when its
done harmoniously with the softly played Saxophone
then attentiveness will take place. Dayve
Stewart beautifully displays his creative
composing and production side throughout this project.
If you have been lead by no other names in the jazz
genre but those of major names then you would have to
consider turning to the independent stations for a
variety of wholemeal flavors.
Our favourite track(s): 2.4.7.8 Listening
Rate: 7/10
Vocalz: N/A
Production: 7/10
Najee
: My Point of View The opening track Sidewayz is one of the most
beautifully orchestrated sounds within this genre we
have listened to. Well balanced and paced with no
instruments over shadowing another. Whether My
Point of View was a major or independent
release is not the matter here. What matters most is
that, Najee's prospective and love for what has been
delivered with this 2005 release will surely have
independent artist's in this genre something to look
up to. Highly recommended.
