- News & Reviews FeedDarnell Kendricks - Smooth Soul Cafe
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Darnell Kendricks is proof that following dreams no matter where they lead can be a virtue. Earlier this decade, the native Californian's dream of becoming a recording artist led him to Detroit . That move appears counterintuitive and not just because the recession hit Detroit earlier fand harder than other parts of the nation. Detroiters also know that the musical opportunity train historically runs in the opposite direction. Yet, Kendricks has crafted a solid career as an artist who has a sizeable regional following supported by album releases and airplay on Southeast Michigan airwaves. Kendricks is the kind of artist that was commonplace back in the day when Motown was still a part of the Motor City , but that many people think no longer exists - at least not in the R&B world.
Kendricks no doubt has hopes of becoming more than a regional artist, and that his latest CD, Smooth Soul Cafe, will give national listeners a taste of what makes him a mainstay on the Detroit musical scene. Smooth Jazz Cafe is an enjoyable record that has many of the strengths found in records made by classic soul balladeers. Kendricks' soft tenor is suited for intimate environs such as cafes and dimly lit rooms just for two. The music on Smooth Jazz Cafe is top flight as it masters the Motown formula of brining a jazz sensibility to accessible R&B music. And when Kendricks brings all of those elements together, Smooth Jazz Cafe simmers. Two such examples are the mid-tempo torch song "Please Believe Me" and the ballad "Baby Don't Leave." On both tunes, Kendricks wraps his soft vocals around lyrics that tell stories of desire, regret and fear of losing someone special.
Kendricks uses the well-worn metaphor of the object of ones desire as a tasty treat on the song "After Dinner." That cliché has been done to death, however the give and take between Kendricks and the backing vocals as well as the song's sublime fusion on soul, blues and jazz rescue the song from caricature. The reprise, which features Kendricks scatting over piano and saxophone riffs, is a nice touch. Like many records in this sub-genre, Smooth Soul Cafe pretty much sticks to the topic of affairs of the heart, and while Kendricks shows an ability to shift tempo and pace within songs, he doesn't stray too far from the mid-tempo songs and slow jams that are his stock and trade. It would have been nice to see him belt out a rollicking juke joint number, but Smooth Soul Cafe represents who Kendricks is as an artist, and the record stands as a solid introduction to the world. Recommended.
By Howard Dukes
Comments
Ever since I listened to the
Sam S. - January 25th, 2010
Ever since I listened to the first album, "Strawberry Lemonade", I've been waiting for the second album to drop. I know this will be hot! For all who don't know about this dude, just listen and I know you will love his music.
Gee Caver In the world of
GeeCaver - May 1st, 2010
Gee Caver
In the world of cookie cutter, sound alike artist, it is refreshing to hear a real singer. Darnell Kendrick has found the right formula to appeal to an adult audience. As a female, it is refreshing to hear a man speak to my heart and mind with respect. The CD is “For – Play” from the Intro til the last track and then it is “foreplay”.
Have A Very Musical Day
Donna Joiner,
Donna Joiner - May 1st, 2010
Donna Joiner,
"Strawberry Lemonade you were ok BUT~~~~~~~~~~ "Smooth Soul Cafe" has ALL my attention. I can relax with it, I can Stepp with it, I can or you can Fall in Love with it, I promise you can't go wrong with this CD. Darnell if I can ever turn this one OFF, maybe I can listen to "Strawbery Lemonade". Smooth Soul Cafe'has ALL my ATTENTION to no end, I wish I could say which cut is my favorite BUT I can't, there are'nt many CD's one can purchase and fall in love with ALL the cuts. When I say SMOOTH that's what it is!
Darnell you REALLY did it this time!
Can't wait for the next one,well yes I can cause I can't turn this one off!
Smooth Soul Cafe is one of
Rory Ol - May 2nd, 2010
Smooth Soul Cafe is one of the Finest Albums to Hit the Shores of the UK in 2010!
Darnell injects such passion and emotion into each and every track. He is clearly an Artist who is very focussed on his work and determined to deliver quality music.
Darnell has his own individual style. I and many other fans eagerly await his next project, along with his next visit to the UK.
Get yourself a copy of Smooth Soul Cafe, it will not disappoint!
Living in the days and times
BVAUGHN - May 2nd, 2010
Living in the days and times where Great Music about love and relationships is hard to find "Smooth Soul Cafe" a bright but soothing light virtual darkness and bedlam. It is refreshing to listen to music that is romantic and sexy but unadulterated. Darnell's vocals are crisp and classy!! Smooth Soul Cafe is one you don't want to miss, you just got to pick it up
Darnell Kendrick's new
ajckcrump - May 2nd, 2010
Darnell Kendrick's new release "Smooth Soul Cafe" is honest to goodness music-for-the-soul! It's the kind of "feel good" music that helps you relax at the end of a very hard day and when you hear Darnell's smooth vocals, you know everything's going to be alright! I recommend everybody add this smooth soul brother to their music collection.
Marc Anthony, Radio DJ
"The Midnight R&B Soul Jam" on 89.3 WHFR.FM
www.whfr.fm every Sunday night at midnight!
Well, I love music! The
MSWONDERFUL - May 3rd, 2010
Well, I love music! The mellow and sultry sound of Smooth Soul Cafe, a well rounded project, certainly enhances my ever growing love for Soul music. I thoroughly enjoy the lyrics as they are very much relatable. Who's not in love or dream of being in love... Who doesn't enjoy a good time... Well, those feelings and emotions are stirred as Darnell shares his with delicate passion, love and happiness.
Keep up the great work Darnell! Your friends and fans will continue to thank you for it!!
It's Always Love,
Ms. Wonderful!
I'm feeling it.. Darnell’s
Music_is_inme - May 3rd, 2010
I'm feeling it..
Darnell’s music comes across as genuine and honest. As you listen, not only can you appreciate the mood and the setting it inspires but also the musicianship and style of the production. Both his initial project Strawberry Lemonade (one of my favorite singles – and if you can’t see yourself under your favorite tree chillin with some S.L., something is wrong with ya :-) ) and his newest release, Smooth Soul Café, are on my frequent play lists. Some words that come to mind when I think of his songs are peace, love, respect, cherish and giving. Thanks Darnell, keep up the great work!
