Blaks Lair

--=[ Sene & Blu ]=--

2009-11-20T23:01:00.002-06:00

Sene & Blu - A Day Late & A Dollar Short [2009]

2009 collaboration between Brooklyn's Sene and Los Angeles' Blu (of Blu and Exile fame). Sene's lyrics and East Coast swagger delivery compliments the melodic musical backdrop that Blu produces. In a time where albums are released like fast food, Sene and Blu took their time and have delivered a true masterpiece. Lead by the single 'QuarterWaterSupporter', A Day Late & A Dollar Short proves to be one of the most complete musical experiences of the year.

Tracklisting is in the comments section.

--=[ Terence Blanchard Group ]=--

2009-11-20T11:28:00.004-06:00

The Terence Blanchard Group - Choices [2009]

Famed trumpeter Terence Blanchard, one of today's most influential jazz musicians, presents his Concord Jazz debut, Choices; an extraordinary piece of work that addresses the choices we all make in life - both as a society and on a personal level. The album features longstanding Blanchard band members Fabian Almazan on piano, Derrick Hodge on saxophone, Kendrick Scott on drums, Lionel Loueke on guitar and Walter Smith III on saxophone - all of whom significantly contributed to the album's compositions. Featured guest artists include Dr. Cornel West [famed writer, speaker, educator and activist] and Bilal [singer, musician, composer]. Choices was recorded live at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans from March 5-8, 2009.

Please support the artist by purchasing this CD!

Tracklisting is in the comments section.

--=[ RAD.2 ]=--

2009-11-20T08:07:00.003-06:00

RAD. - Getting Down Is Free [2009]

Life is like a box of chocolates. This is probably one of the movie world's most philosophical statements. Records can be just like that - a parable for life. If you like your chocolates dark, stripped down, organic and hand made, rad.'s latest offering will be a treat to savor.

As the cover artwork suggests this record is a somewhat more artistic approach than previous albums. Getting Down Is Free, is a funkified memo to scale back consumerism and still pump up the party: "Musicians always have had to hustle to keep a roof over our heads -- so in a way, we're recession proof. But seriously, you CAN do a lot with a little, it just takes persistence and creativity." Everything we ever needed we already had. This bit of savoir vivre could be the subtitle to this album. And so an off beat, intro- and extroverted rad. explores the possibilities of the unusual, the classic and the unconventional.

To rad. music is about connection. "With jazz chops, it's easy to start showing off, showing how fast you can play, how high you can jump," she says. "Sure I strive to be a fit musician, but I never try to be all things, to play all styles just to show I can. I only want to be true to my emotions and sincere in my passion, even if it means messing up a phrase or singing off tune. I want to capture the best feeling that music can bring no matter what we're throwing down. Hopefully, what I channel outwardly will be received inwardly by someone, anyone. That's key to performing."

rad. is joined by a stellar cast of musicians including Fred Wesley, Patrice Rushen, Eric Leeds, Greg Boyer, Karl Perazzo, Kai Eckhardt & Billy Johnson

* Another Great Soulphate Post *

Please support the artist by purchasing this CD!

Tracklisting is in the comments section.

--=[ Byron Cage ]=--

2009-11-19T15:19:00.002-06:00

Byron Cage - Faithful to Believe [2009]

For nearly 15 years, Byron Cage has become synonymous with praise & worship, establishing himself as one of the industry's most prominent worship leaders. From his work in the mid-90s with his group Purpose, to his three solo albums, Cage is responsible for some of the most recognizable hits over the last decade. From "Shabach" to "The Presence of the Lord is Here" to "I Will Bless the Lord", Cage's vocals have provided the soundtrack to worship teams across the globe.

Now Cage returns with his fourth solo effort titled Faithful to Believe, an eleven-track body of work that can EASILY be deemed his best work to date.Cage has been known to work with stellar producers in the past. This trend continues as he taps 2009 Stellar Award winning Producer of the Year Aaron Lindsey to head up production efforts. Lindsey serves as producer and musical director for this live offering while DeWayne Woods handles vocal arrangements. The combination is sheer musical genius as the partnership yields some of Cage's best recorded work.

Cage writes or contributes to six of the album's ten songs, demonstrating great diversity with each piece.

There are perhaps are two notable elements that differentiate this project from Cage's previous works. Not surprisingly, the album is very musical, reflecting Cage's vast musical background. However, the musical progressions for each song are unpredictable, which is intriguing for both the novice and the connoisseur.

Secondly, the album veers away from strictly worship and is birthed from more personal experience, making it more accessible to listeners. Songs like "Thankful" express thanks to God for making it through challenging periods. Similarly, the V. Michael McKay-penned "For My Good" recognizes life's challenges and acknowledges that things will work out for our good.

Faithful to Believe is a major hit!!

Please support the artist by purchasing this CD!

Tracklisting is in the comments section.

--=[ Lewis Taylor ]=--

2009-11-19T01:52:00.003-06:00

Lewis Taylor - Lewis Taylor [1996]

The greatest Marvin Gaye record never made, from the multi-instrumentalist who began musical life playing in The Edgar Broughton Band. Shades of The Beach Boys, Joe Meek and Pigeonhed, prog rock and psychedelia are all present here. The secret is to stop trying to figure it out and just enjoy.

When Lewis Taylor's self-titled debut burst upon the U.K. pop and R&B scenes, punters and gasbag critics were beside themselves in trying to offer enough superlatives to describe its seamless blend of soul, sophisticated pop, streetwise grooves and laid-back white-boy funk. Taylor, who possesses a voice that is infinitely more emotionally expressive than Jamiroquai's without all the faux-hippie hyperbole, or forced Stevie Wonder-isms. Taylor waltzed onto the pop music stage and created, seemingly effortlessly, the same kind of record that Paul Weller has wet dreams about. From the outset, Taylor is reminiscent of other modern visionaries in that he composes his own tunes, plays all the instruments, and is the entire range of voices. He also produces his material with Sabina Smyth. From the shimmering synths that so languidly open "Lucky," with a snaky electric guitar creeping through the percussion and a bassline that immediately goes to the bottom of the spine, the listener knows that this is a pop encounter of the third kind. Oh yeah, it's slick, it's got sheen, but its also got that unspeakable kind of murk in its tracks that breathe and infect. Taylor's gorgeous tenor is full of a masculine ache that asks directly for what it wants -- check the tough drum and jazzy guitar shimmy of "Bittersweet," the blessed-out transcendence of "Track," ( which Hall & Oates would have killed to record), the spiny backbeat funky bass-driven of "Whoever," or the dubby soul of "Song." Considering that all of these cuts are on the first half of the record sets a new watermark. But cuts six-ten deliver an entirely different kind of payload. The easy blue-eyed rock and shake of "How," the burning blue sex balladry of "Betterlove," the tense steamy drama at the heart of "Right," and the backbone dropping languor of "Damn" are the precursors to the album's glorious closer "the a cappella "Spirit," which is sexier than anything Take 6 ever fantasized. This is a debut that doesn't just show promise; it delivers brilliance.

Lewis Taylor - Limited Edition 2004 [2005]

Multi-instrumentalist and beautiful soul singer Lewis Taylor is based in the UK, and has developed a following of devoted fans round the world. His music is unclassifiable, though frequently compared to musicians as diverse as Marvin Gaye, Brian Wilson, Scott Walker, Syd Barrett and Radiohead. 'Limited Edition 2004' is a 50 minute collection of Lewis Taylor tracks and a must for hard-core fans. Lewis gets funky, does the jazz thing, goes all experimental and weird, rocks out, progs it up and even goes 'west coast'. Basically 10 tracks of Lewis just being himself. On Lewis' on label Slow Reality. Previously only available at his UK gigs!

* Another Great Esosojos Post *

Tracklistings are in the comments section.

--=[ Toshi 4 ]=--

2009-11-18T17:08:00.004-06:00

Toshi Kubota - As One [2000]

When Japanese pop star Toshi Kubota released his first American album in the mid-'90s, he had already attained star status in his native country, where each of his first four albums sold over one million copies. The vocalist -- who interprets American soul, funk and hip-hop rhythms to his mostly Eastern audience -- began entering and winning Japanese talent competitions by the time he was in pre-school. He entered the music business in the early '80s as a songwriter, but his debut album as a solo act, Shake It Paradise, went platinum soon after its release; three later follow-ups did likewise. By 1990, Kubota began to immerse himself in American culture, making frequent trips to the U.S. to work with musicians, including Natalie Cole on a duet of "Greening of the World" for a John Lennon tribute album. In 1995, Sony released Toshi Kubota's first English-language album, Sunshine, Moonlight. The singer continued to be popular in Japan, though; his 1996 LP La La Love Thang reached platinum status. His second stateside release was Nothing But Your Love, which arrived in summer 2000.

"... an album that is part basement-funk, part hip-hop?and all slammin'
grooves. "You can smell the soul," he says, "and you can feel the
temperature like hip-hop. But at the same time you can taste something like sushi."

This is one of my absolute favorite cds. I particularly like "As One", "Always Remain", "His Sugar" but I can listen to the whole thing straight through. He feels the music with his whole body and soul.

Toshinobu Kubota - La La La Love Thang [1996]

Another platinum release.. by the Japanese pop artist Toshinobu Kubota includes "Summer Eyes," "Not Too Nice," and "Club Planet."

Toshinobu Kubota - Bumpin' Voyage [1995]

Kubota has worked with musicians including Mos Def, Raphael Saddiq, Angie Stone, Caron Wheeler, Alison Williams, and The Roots Ahmir Thompson.

* Props 2 Esosojos 4 As One *

Tracklistings are in the comments section.

--=[ Soul For Real ]=--

2009-11-18T14:35:00.003-06:00

Soul For Real - Candy Rain [1995]

Long Island's Soul for Real is in the tradition of bubblegum soul groups from the Jackson 5 through New Edition to Immature. The title track of Soul for Real's debut release, Candy Rain, broke through as a top-five pop hit and is symptomatic of an album full of bouncy, catchy melodies buoyed by sweet, skillful singing. Like the Jacksons, the four members of Soul for Real are actual brothers who also hand over the lead vocals to the youngest brother, in this case 14-year-old Jason Dalrymple. The Dalrymple brothers get an invaluable assist from producer-songwriter Heavy D, one of the most underrated talents of the hip-hop scene. Heavy D, who has a hand in every track on Candy Rain, fashions songs that are more innocent than his usual seduction fare but no less romantic or sumptuous. The puppy-love sentiments of "Every Little Thing I Do" and "I Wanna Be Your Friend" are delivered with such heartfelt sincerity and melodic ingenuity that anyone who remembers his or her first crush (no matter how long ago) should empathize. And Soul for Real display their gift for sophisticated harmonies with their Take 6-like a cappella version of Bill Withers's "Ain't No Sunshine."

Soul For Real - For Life [1996]

Second Album from the Four Brothers Quartet. Co-prodcued by Sean Puffy Combs and Heavy D.

Soul For Real - Heat [1999]

This album shows how incredibly talented they are. The music is tight and they show what they really are all about.

^*^ The Moi Moi Song ^*^

Tracklistings are in the comments section.

--=[ Sky d'Or ]=--

2009-11-17T17:56:00.002-06:00

Sky d'Or - Inner Music [2009]

Sky d'Or is a project around the Zurich guitarist, keyboarder and songwriter Alexander Vцgele. He mixed a lot of his own tracks with ideas of Jillene Luce and Robert Jan Meyer. He gives his music a flying lounge sound similar to pop songs. The spherical voice of Jillene Luce let the tracks fly in the infinite as the name Sky dґOr already shows. The sounds of Robert Jan Meyer and his long-standing experience as a producer and DJ delivers a propelling and respectable ground for the whole album. For some tracks Alexander Vцgele has invited, well-known swiss musicians just like jazz & lounge saxophonists Philippe Chrйtien and G-Sax, also soul voice Jessy Howe or solo guitarist Martin Tuffli. "Inner Music" contains 15 varid and animated tracks which are testify of different musical influence. Jazz, Latin, Ambient and Popmusic melt to an aerial warm lounge sound with strong hook lines.

All tracks has been produced during the last three years. Four tracks were already published on the famous "Cafй del Mar" compilations (named by Alexander Vцgele or Alexander Vцgele feat. Jillene Luce). "Inner Music" should summarize the best lounge tracks of Alexander Vцgele, which have originated during the last years partially together with Jillene Luce and Robert Jan Meyer into a big sound picture.

Tracklisting is in the comments section.

--=[Pete Philly and Perquisite 3]=--

2009-11-17T13:11:00.004-06:00

Pete Philly & Perquisite - Mystery Repeats [The Live Edition][2008]

Vocalist Pete Philly and producer/instrumentalist Perquisite met up for the first time in Amsterdam, where both were living, in 2002. Perquisite, who also ran the Dutch indie nu jazz/hip-hop label Unexpected Records, liked what he heard in the Aruba-born singer and rapper, and by the next year the duo had issued its first EP, Mind.State, which was followed in 2005 by a full-length European release, and included a guest appearance from Talib Kweli. In 2006, Mind.State came out in North America and Australia.

Studio album wordt aangevuld met een bonus live cd, opgenomen tijdens North Sea Jazz, De Beschaving en een aantal buitenlandse festivals.De 12 live tracks, inclusief niet eerder verschenen 'free style' tracks.De Live Edition is de afsluiting van de succesvolle Nederlandse Mystery Repeats tour die september vorig jaar van start ging. Een 'must have' voor de duizenden fans die de band het afgelopen jaar hebben toegejuicht.

Pete Philly and Perquisite - Mellow [CDS][2006]

Pete Philly And Perquisite - Insomnia [VLS][2005]

Pete Philly and Perquisite - Grateful [VLS][2005]

Tracklistings are in the comments section.

--=[ Konstantin ]=--

2009-11-16T13:22:00.003-06:00

Konstantin - Smoothing [2009]

A musical adventure that has already taken Konstantin Klashtorni half the way around the world has now resulted in his latest CD Smoothing. It is an outstanding collection of commercially attractive smooth jazz tunes. Smoothing follows on the heels of his critically acclaimed releases Downtown and Led By You and demonstrates that Konstantin is rapidly maturing as a writer and producer. This versatile and experienced saxophonist who has toured and performed throughout Europe and South America commenced his education at Kiev State Music College in the Ukraine and received his Masters Degree in Music from the Rotterdam Royal Conservatory in Holland. The partnership with Nightstage Records was responsible for the Downtown project that started out life as a demo disc and evolved into his first CD release. With new album Smoothing and supported by a glistening array of Dutch musicians he has kept to emulate the smooth jazz production techniques with an end product that is sure to capture the imagination of the smooth jazz listening public.

Please support the artist by purchasing this CD!

Tracklisting is in the comments section.

--=[ Funk'n'stein 2 ]=--

2009-11-16T01:23:00.003-06:00

Funk'n'stein - The Next Level [2009]

Funk'n'stein is an 8 piece funk group made out of nationally known and respected musicians who use their uncompromising groove to get their message through. With songs about love, making a change, the need for peace, and funky beats they sweep you into the twirling soul and groove hurricane they bring to the stage. After performing on every club and festival in their home land they have released their debut album in 2006 and started touring internationally. Even though they are an English singing funk band, living in Israel, they were accepted by radio stations and had numerous TV appearances, growing a strong fan base in Israel and around the globe. With their soon to be released 2nd album, they are determined to bring their love and music to whoever needs it.

Please support the artist by purchasing this CD!

Tracklisting is in the comments section.

--=[ The Sax Pack 2 ]=--

2009-11-16T01:00:00.002-06:00

The Sax Pack - The Pack Is Back! [2009]

The Super Group is Still Riding High off the Success of their #1 Radio Hit ‘Fallin’ For You’ Which is Remixed as a Bonus Track on New CD

Throughout the history of popular American culture, a few icons have stood the test of time on first name alone…like Frank, Sammy and Dean…the Rat Pack of course! Adored and revered for their unparalleled musical abilities, camaraderie, humor, good looks, charm and wit, these three gentlemen raised the bar for an entire new generation of entertainers. In the world of jazz, there are three saxophonists who have set out to do just the same – that’s Jeff Kashiwa, Kim Waters and Steve Cole…The Sax Pack! Unrivaled for their sheer magnetism and unbridled energy onstage, The Sax Pack harness their allure on their new and highly anticipated Shanachie Entertainment CD, The Pack Is Back (released 9/29/09). Jazziz Magazine declares, “The all-star gathering of smooth jazz vets Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole, and Kim Waters - is one of the hottest live tickets.” Comprised of three of the best-selling and most in-demand contemporary jazz saxophonists on the scene, The Sax Pack, prove why they are at the top of their game with a collection of 10 originals including a special bonus track remix by Davy D (whose credits include work with everyone from Herbie Hancock and Vanessa Williams to Chaka Khan and Luther Vandross) of their #1 smash hit single, “Fallin’ For You.”

Each distinctive musicians in their own right, The Sax Pack is truly an all-star collaboration and one of the most exciting events to occur in contemporary jazz in years. “Collectively the artists of Sax Pack have amassed over 20 top-ten smooth jazz radio hits and sold over a million albums,” states Senior Vice President of A&R for Shanachie Entertainment, Danny Weiss. “These times call for something special and unique, and that's why these three sax superstars decided to get together and record this album. Jeff Kashiwa goes all the way back with the Rippingtons before establishing his solo career, Kim Waters comes more from the R&B end of the smooth jazz spectrum and Steve Cole, the newest in terms of length of career, has a fantastic ‘old school’ sound that really rounds out the ensemble.”

The Pack is Back is full of singable lines, memorable hooks and uplifting vibes and perfectly illustrates why The Sack Pack is the life of just about any party.

Tracklisting are in the comments section.

--=[ The Blak's Lair Family 13 ]=--

2009-11-15T00:00:00.045-06:00

The Blak's Lair Family presents Destiny Knew [EXCLUSIVE] (2009)

Destiny Knew CD1

Destiny Knew CD2

A lot's changed since Moi took charge of our 10th official compilation "Covered In Jazz". Back then Moi and Lord Blak were going to be working on that together, but Lord Blak was busy trying to fit 48 hours into 24. The big difference is, now he is trying to fit a week into a day lol, the thing that amazes me is that he somehow manages it. Needless to say that Lord Blak's scheduled compilation is on hold for a while, so I'm afraid you are stuck with Miss Smooth Moi taking charge again.

"Destiny Knew" is 2-disc compilation; it contains 27 tracks and the playtime is just over 2 hours. This time around, there is not an instrumental in sight, all 27 tracks are vocal jazz, with an R&B element. Some names you will know very well, but hopefully you will also discover some new ones.

This compilation is at it's best when listened to from start to finish, as there's a storyline here. Destiny Knew is about a couple who met and fell in love, they just seemed so right for each other. Maybe because it all happened so quickly cracks soon started to appear, they begun to have their differences and decided to part ways. On breaking up, they were totally miserable without each other. After endless conversations, along with many tears, they opened up their hearts fully to each other and quickly realized they couldn't live without each other. You see, all along "Destiny Knew" it was their destiny to be together.

I strongly suggest you kick off your shoes, change into some comfy clothing, pour yourself a long cool drink and find a cozy spot to relax in, then press play and enjoy this beautiful love story.

A big thank-you goes out to all The Blak's Lair Family for the hard work they put in, making this blog the best there is. A special thank-you to that Bone Thugs-N-Harmony uplifting, T-Pain Lil' Wayne Kanye West dissin' mofo Joaquino for his exquisite cover artwork, and to Dints for his reassuring words regarding this compilation.

An extra special thank-you goes out to Lord Blak for making this possible.

Comments and feedback would be gratefully appreciated, the comments section helps us get a better understanding of what you like.

Tracklisting is in the comments section.

--=[ Nguyen Le ]=--

2009-11-14T19:41:00.003-06:00

Nguyen Le - Saiyuki [2009]

Nguyen Le's fifth album for ACT is performed by Le himself (guitars), Mieko Miyazaki (koto and vocals)and Prabhu Edouard (tablas, percussion and vocals) and as you might guess, theres a strong Indo jazz and trad Japanese elements with ambient, modal and Off ramp themes throw into the genre mix.

The opener Sweet Ganesh sets the tone but on the meditative groove but the addition of Hariprasad Chaurasia on bassuri flute on three tracks almost steels the show (erm, CD); Autumn Wind is sublime (think Yusek Lateef in Nepalese temple looking down on the world).

This is a absolutely fantastically original album and all from Kevin Le Grand to Jez Nelson to Nihal to Pathaan to Gilles Peterson, they all should be on this one as Saiuki is so now and what with Portico Quartet and the Bei Bei and Shawn Lee collaboration, this is hitting the crossover world/spiritual jazz in all the right places. This is a truly joyful encounter.

Please support the artist by purchasing this CD!

Tracklisting is in the comments section.

--=[ Rihanna ]=--

2009-11-14T19:33:00.004-06:00

Rihanna - Rated R [2009]

The wait is ova - for one of the most hotly anticipated new albums in recent history, as multi-platinum, award-winning Def Jam recording artist Rihanna announces the completion of her fourth original studio album, Rated R, scheduled to arrive in the physical and digital marketplace on Monday, November 23rd.The "Russian Roulette" video, directed by Anthony Mandler, will premiere in prime-time on ABC.

"Russian Roulette" was written and produced by fellow Def Jam artist Ne-Yo, whose long track record with Rihanna includes the #1 hit "Unfaithful" (2006, from A Girl Like Me), their Top 10 duet "Hate That I Love You" (2007, from Good Girl Gone Bad), and #1 pop/ #1 R&B "Take A Bow" (2008, from Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded). In addition to Ne-Yo, other producers and writers on Rihanna's new album include the team of The-Dream and Tricky Stewart, Chase & Status, Stargate, Justin Timberlake and more.

Rated R is the long-awaited follow-up to Good Girl Gone Bad (May 2007), which contained the non-stop string of hit singles that began with the MTV VMA and Grammy Award-winning global #1 hit "Umbrella" (featuring Jay-Z), then "Shut Up and Drive," "Hate That I Love You" (featuring Ne-Yo), and "Don't Stop the Music." Good Girl Gone Bad spent 98 total weeks on the Soundscan chart, earned cumulative sales of more than 36-times platinum in at least 20 territories around the world, and spun off the CD+DVD package Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded (January 2009) - which continued the string of hits with the #1 "Take A Bow," and the #1 "Disturbia."

Good Girl Gone Bad was the third album release in less than two years by the 21-year old Barbados native Rihanna. It followed-up 2006's RIAA platinum A Girl Like Me, which contained the back-to-back hits, "S.O.S." and "Unfaithful"; and her RIAA gold debut from 2005, Music Of the Sun, featuring the world-wide smash, "Pon De Replay."

Please support the artist by purchasing this CD!

Tracklisting is in the comments section.

--=[ Richard Bona 2 ]=--

2009-11-13T11:43:00.003-06:00

Richard Bona - The Ten Shades of Blues [2009]

Richard Bona's 2009 album Ten Shades Of Blues appears ten years since his first project, Scenes From My Life (released in 1999). In the case of the Cameroonian bassist and singer, it's not so easy to condense a decade into just a few short lines because the man is such a multiple character, with many lives impelled by his permanent curiosity and desire to play. And each of these traits lies at the heart of his latest recording, an album devoted to the Blues and its key notes that can be recognized in all cultures. So here we have an album open to all kinds of encounters, a record on which Richard Bona is our guide taking us on a tour with his Indian, Country and Jazz musicians to the four corners of the earth! Universal.

The special guests on the album also leave their imprint. Shiva Mantra works due to the powerful vocals of Shankar Mahadevan (John McLaughlins Remember Shakti) and Nandini Srikar, as well as Niladiri Kumars tasteful sitar. Good Times is a showcase for R&B vocalist Frank McComb and harmonica master Gregoire Maret. Ryan Cavanaugh,Bonas compatriot in Bill Evans Soulgrass ensemble, joins in on banjo along with fiddler Christian Howes on African Cowboy, a rootsy bluesgrass melange.

Bona is certainly a talent deserving wider recognition. His considerable musicianship speaks for itself, and his passion for music is evident in all of his work, whether as a sideman or a leader.The Ten Shades of Blues continues his excellent solo work, joining the likes of Scenes from My Life and Tiki as essential.

Please support the artist by purchasing this CD!

Tracklisting is in the comments section.

--=[ Bob James 3 ]=--

2009-11-12T15:31:00.004-06:00

Bob James - Joy Ride (1999)

This keyboardist was putting the "smooth" into "jazz" long before there was a format by that name. Since the mid-70s, Bob James has been one of instrumental music's most consistent purveyors of tunes that hover in the gray area between lighthearted pop and more sophisticated jazz textures. James' approach here is a little like his contribution to the supergroup Fourplay -- rather than dominate, he's content to jam and be one of the guys. Though his solos stand out, it's almost as if he's a hired gun on a project featuring the best and brightest of this second generation of smooth jazzers. He's farmed out the production tasks to some top studio guys (including musician/artists Paul Brown, Chuck Loeb, Michael Colina, and David McMurray. On the lively, shuffling "Take Me There," he bounces around joyously over Loeb's crisp guitar lines and Kim Waters' smart mix of soprano and alto saxes. "Raise the Roof" features James jazzing it up as saxman Boney James (no relation) harmonizes with a soulfully simmering sax line. "Strollin'" finds Chris Botti's trumpet strutting around like an overachieving jazz student eager to impress professor Miles Davis, while Jonathan Butler's breezy acoustic touch spruces up the elegant funk of "Trade Winds" and "Bisso Baba." A little touch of Fourplay is hard to miss too, as Harvey Mason checks in occasionally on drums, Nathan East plays bass on a few cuts, and former guitarist Lee Ritenour jams on the title track.

Tracklisting is in the comments section.

--=[ Boyz II Men 4 ]=--

2009-11-11T15:08:00.011-06:00

Boyz II Men - Love (2009)

Love: A collection of timeless songs from the heart, one that spans multiple genres and generations.
Working once again with Motown producer Randy Jackson, Boyz II Men (Wanya Morris, Nate Morris, Shawn Stockman) bring their distinctive individual voices and peerless harmonies to bear on songs made famous by Bonnie Raitt, The Manhattans, Journey, The Spinners, Sam Cooke, the Beatles, and Cyndi Lauper. Boyz II Men weave these diverse selections together into an album-length symphony, one that flows seamlessly from an impassioned "I Can't Make You Love Me" through the shimmering a cappella sound of "Time After Time" to "When I Fall In Love," a beautiful reworking of a great American standard featuring Boyz II Men's special guest Michael Bublé.

Tracklisting is in the comments section.

--=[ King Ellis ]=--

2009-11-11T13:22:00.006-06:00

King Ellis - Timeless Vol 1 [2009]

King Ellis Link 2

As a former singer with Kool and the Gang, Rodney Ellis has had a great and storied experience as a singer and performer out of Memphis, TN. More recently known for having sung hooks on 8Ball and MJG music, King Ellis has released a new record titled: “Timeless: Volume 1”. He recently performed with Erykah Badu in Memphis at the Orpheum and is currently promoting his new release.

* Another Great ShadowMan Post *

Tracklisting is in the comments section.

--=[ Janet Jackson ]=--

2009-11-10T22:32:00.005-06:00

Janet Jackson - Number Ones [2CD][2009]

Disc 1

Disc 2

Janet Jackson has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and is one of the best-selling artists in contemporary music. For the first time ever, 33 of Janet's global #1 hits, plus the newly recorded single, "Make Me," will be available on one album--NUMBER ONES. Made possible by a partnership between Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) and EMI Music, the two-disc set, to be released November 17, 2009, in the USA (November 23, worldwide titled JANET JACKSON: THE BEST), celebrates the career and artistry of one of the most successful and influential artists in music history.

Among the album's many highlights is new single "Make Me," which was produced by Janet and Rodney Jerkins. Along with "Make Me," NUMBER ONES spans more than 20 years of chart-toppers, every #1 track spun off from Janet's original albums, from her 1986 blockbuster breakthrough CONTROL to her most recent, 2008's DISCIPLINE. CONTROL sold more than 14 million copies worldwide, with five #1 singles. The best-selling album of 1990, RHYTHM NATION 1814 sold more than 14 million copies worldwide, making Janet the first and only artist in history to produce seven top 5 hits from one album. JANET. sold 20 million albums worldwide, with six hit singles and a nomination for an Academy Award® for Best Original Song, "Again." THE VELVET ROPE has sold more than 10 million worldwide, with six hit singles. ALL FOR YOU was Janet's fifth consecutive album to debut at #1, with more than seven million in worldwide sales. For Janet's seventh consecutive platinum album, DAMITA JO, Janet took its title from her middle name.

Janet's eighth consecutive platinum album, 20 Y.O., acknowledged her love affair with her fans. Janet encouraged her fans around the world to design the 20 Y.O. cover artwork and she chose her favorites for the U.S. pressings. DISCIPLINE was Janet's 6th number one album and 10th studio album.

NUMBER ONES is the first greatest hits compilation from Janet in this century. Janet's last hits collection was released in 1995.

Please support the artist by purchasing these CD's!

Tracklisting is in the comments section.

--=[ Godmoma ]=--

2009-11-09T10:36:00.002-06:00

Godmoma - Here [1981]

Godmoma Here is a 1981 album by the female vocal trio Godmoma. The album was released by Elektra Records and was produced by Bootsy Collins. Godmoma consists of Cynthia Girty, Carolyn Myles, and Arnenita Walker. The album features many members of Bootsy's Rubber Band as well members of P-Funk. The album remains one of the few P-Funk productions that has never been released on CD in the U.S. or abroad.

Godmoma ~ A Taste of Magic

Tracklisting is in the comments section.

--=[ Steve Oliver 2 ]=--

2009-11-08T15:28:00.006-06:00

Steve Oliver - First View (1999)

Acoustic guitarist Steve Oliver knows another can't-miss smooth jazz secret: if you want to create a killer debut, work with a slew of past and present Rippingtons. First View reveals a strong melodic player and composer equally comfortable on sweet little gems like "I Know" and the slamming razor sharp funk of "Happy Feet"; Oliver was able to bring a fresh new hip-hop feel to the silly standard "Midnight at the Oasis." Another trademark is his remarkable soprano-voiced scatting ability, which he weaves seamlessly into his guitar lines. Still, it's got to be a secure feeling having percussionist Steve Reid, saxmen Paul Taylor and Jeff Kashiwa, keyboardist Dave Kochanski and bassist Kim Stone helping out. The Taylor driven bridge on "Happy Feet" thrusts along like a classic Rippingtons' riff. The one area of departure from that Rippingtons' feel which Oliver could feel free to explore more (lest he always be compared to Russ Freeman) appears on "East Wind," which finds him right at home exploring more hard-edged blues flavors. Even if his basic acoustic sound is of the cool and balmy variety, he likes to surround it with hard-hitting grooves at times; "Happy Feet"'s foundation, laid down by Stone and aggressive drummer Dave Hooper, provides the perfect balance for Oliver's lighter touch.

Steve Oliver - Positive Energy (2002)

Contemporary jazz guitarist and vocalist Steve Oliver offers something everyone will enjoy on his sophomore release as a leader, titled Positive Energy. The recording reflects Oliver's smooth, upbeat, joyous spirit through dynamic vocals and instrumentals on 12 brand-new originals. Working with Steve Oliver are such prominent contemporary jazz favorites as his labelmate, Jeff Kashiwa, on saxophone and Spyro Gyra keyboardist Tom Schuman alongside the multi-talented bassists Brian Bromberg and Larry Antonino. The recording opens with the radio-friendly "High Noon," the first single to be released from the CD. The song combines the freshest licks from Latin funk and the smoothest grooves from smooth jazz in an energetic presentation with a contemporary flair. Oliver's vocals set the song apart from the instrumentals on the set and give his listeners more than enough room to enjoy the "positive energy" emanating from his playing style. On the title track, Steve Reid adds his mighty percussion to the mix and not only provides an extra layer of rhythmic fuel, but inspires Oliver's excellent guitar playing to another level of performance. Oliver's ability to tell a story is quite evident on the vocal version of "Show You Love." This song has the potential to cross over to the R&B genre due to its funky backbeat and danceability and is reprised as an instrumental, with Brandon Fields' smooth tenor sax as the lead voice, to close the set. Positive Energy has no problem meeting the standards set by Oliver's 1999 debut, First View, and should garner additional smooth jazz and groove fans for Oliver. In the making for nearly three years, the new musical dimensions added by the guest stars, the romantic and sometimes-funky celebratory vibe, and Oliver's excellent musicality make Positive Energy another great opportunity to hear what Steve Oliver is all about.

Steve Oliver - 3D (2004)

As one reviewer said of the cheerful music and personality of this increasingly popular voice of smooth jazz guitar, it's Disneyland all the time with him. In other words, Positive Energy, the name of his second genre disc, wasn't just a happy marketing tool. And the title of this disc is appropriate, too, because with the co-production help of founding Spyro Gyra keyboardist Tom Schuman, Oliver digs deep into a rich variety of influences for a multifaceted romp through the worlds of pop, jazz, urban/hip-hop, worldbeat, Brazilian, and Latin music. While focusing as always on his classic acoustic guitar and brilliant "vocalese" to convey the lead melodies on the instrumentals, he stretches into edgier blues territory with his lesser-heard electric on "In the Shade of Cool." Joining all-star guests like Fourplay drummer Harvey Mason (who adds his gentle rhythmic touch to the lush romantic atmospheres of the title track) and saxophonist Eric Marienthal (soulful harmony on the lilting ballad "She's Got the Way-O," punchy riffs and call-and-response amidst the brass, retro-soul, and party-groove mania of "Funhouse") is a handful of musicians familiar to longtime fans of the Oliver live experience, including Will Donato (sax) and Larry Antonino (bass). It's fun in the sun (with a few romantic respites) from beginning to end, with the jumpy, brass-fired "Chips and Salsa" balanced by trippier pieces like "Magic World," which has a slight worldbeat sensibility. Oliver's growing as a vocalist, too, with three lead vocal tracks that are among his best. He hardly needed to do a cover to get attention (as some smoothies do), but he puts on a subtle charm for "Imagine" that adds a touch of inspiration to the Magic Kingdom.

Tracklistings are in the comments section.

--=[ Georgia Anne Muldrow 2 ]=--

2009-11-07T11:03:00.013-06:00

Georgia Anne Muldrow - Early (2009)

So FINALLY everyone will have their hands on “Early” – the latest release from Georgia Anne Muldrow but not her latest music. The album is a collection of songs the soulful singer/songerwriter/producer wrote when she was just 17 – 19 years old (about 9 years ago.) The first single “Runaway” gives you a taste of the optimistic, dreamlike lyrics of self love and determination for a better future. What’s interesting is, when you hear young Georgia, you realize how if you’re up on her more “current” music, not THAT much has changed. Her honestly in her content is so beautiful and so unfortunately rare in this day and age, she proves even more that she is clearly before her time… or rather, we are late.
If you’re an Okayplayer junkie, you may have gotten your hands on the “sampler” that floated for a while (this project used to be refered to as “Young G”) and you’ll be happy to know that these are THOSE songs, but the ORIGINAL, Cody-ChesnuTT style in-her-bedroom versions. That sampler was from studio re-recordings of these tracks that still will probably never see the daylight but who cares, these versions are way more organic and representative of the time they were made. For many, this will be their “first” impression and I can only hope once folks get caught in the web, they really get into the growth of Georgia as an artist and not spend too much time bantering about ‘how come she doesn’t sing like this anymore?’ She DOES – she’s evolved from these “Early” songs and listening to her 10 year span of music reveals new things each time you do. Her sound is richer and her will and spirit strengthened.

Tracklisting is in the comments section.

--=[ Hidden Beach 5 ]=--

2009-11-07T06:09:00.005-06:00

Hidden Beach Recordings Presents - Unwrapped Vol. 6 - Give The Drummer Some (2009)

Hidden Beach Recordings is back with Unwrapped Vol. 6: Give The Drummer Some! The acclaimed "Unwrapped" series continues its legacy and returns after last years blazing Vol. 5.0 release produced by Collipark Studios. Vol. 6 to be produced by its latest partnership with drummer extraordinaire- Tony Royster Jr. Now at age 24, he has already had the opportunity to share the stage with such drummers as Dennis Chambers, Billy Cobham, and Frank Briggs. He is currently touring with Jay Z. Vol. 6 includes the smash hits "Blame It", "Lollipop", "Live Your Life", and "Turn My Swag On".

Tracklisting is in the comments section.

--=[ Fleur Earth ]=--

2009-11-06T14:32:00.002-06:00

Fleur Earth - Es entstehen Wesen [2009]

Cologne based singer Fleur Earth has been dubbed "the German Erykah Badu" but her cryptic street soul got a life of it's own. "Es Entstehen Wesen" with Fleur Earth on the mic and Twit One on the beat is the follow up to the band album " Soul des Cabots " - A marriage of Fleur's abstract soul lyrics and Twit's playful dusty grooves and sounds like nothing else.Featured friends are C:Mone, rhodes player Daan, Hulk Hodn, Retrogott and Frank Nitt of J-Dilla fame.

Please support the artist by purchasing this CD!

Tracklisting is in the comments section.