SoulTracks.com - News and Music Reviews

SoulTracks Lost Gem: The Jones Girls sing about "Nights Over Egypt"

administrator — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:38:18 +0000

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Okay, we'll admit it.

First Listen: Sy Smith channels her inner Minnie with the Decoders

administrator — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:30:36 +0000

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Sy Smith has been a SoulTracks favorite almost since we began. Her eclectic brand of music has always struck a chord, and if you've ever seen her live, well...you'll remember her performance. The Decoders are Los Angeles-based producer duo Itai Shapira (producer/engineer & studio/live musician) and Todd M.

http://www.soultracks.com/files/Decoders-SySmith-Inside My Love MP3.mp3

Inside My Love

Check out more on the Decoders --

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thedecoders

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/decodersmusic

First Listen: Eric Benet lets us see "Real Love"

administrator — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:18:25 +0000

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Eric Benet has been delivering sumptuous music for nearly two decades and each new album by him is an event. He's getting ready to release a new album this Spring called The One, and he leads it off with a hot new single called "Real Love." SoulTrackers heard a sneak peek of it awhile bac

The Soul of Future Worship, Vol. 1

jeffr — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:46:56 +0000

It’s as if the Temptations were backed by Earth Wind & Fire. Right from the start, South Florida’s Sensere grabs the soul and doesn’t let go. Fresh, original, and exceedingly listenable, gospel’s future superstars gleam throughout The Soul of Future Worship, Vol. 1. Their premium musicianship, live instrumentation and skilled, rotating leads are a reminder of an age when music programs were a part of public school education and playing instruments with this level of skill and dexterity was de rigueur in gospel and soul, not the notable exception.

Apollo Star David Peaston Dies at 54

L.MichaelGipson — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:09:22 +0000

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Recipe 4 Love

jeffr — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:32:11 +0000

Ron Tyson has been a staple in R&B for more than 40 years, both as a vocalist and songwriter. Ron first came on the scene with Love Committee (formerly the Ethics) and later with as the lead tenor/falsetto for the iconic Temptations, making his first appearance with the group on the Motown 25^th Anniversary television show in 1983. Since he began his stint with the Temps, Ron has enjoyed the third longest tenure of any member in the group, behind founding members Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin.

We just love Chloe and Halle

administrator — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:22:38 +0000

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Okay, some friends sent us a video by 13 and 11 year old sisters, Chloe and Halle Bailey, singing Beyonce's "Love on Top" in their house. This is one of many videos on YouTube of the sisters covering popular songs from their home, making them YouTube sensations. The girls are cute as two buttons and they're even more talented. And they just made us smile.

Soul Train's Don Cornelius dies at 75

administrator — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:11:15 +0000

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Don Cornelius, a seminal figure in the development and popularization of soul music and much more in America, has died at age 75, reportedly from a self-inflicted gunshot. Cornelius was involved four years ago in a bitter divorce that drained him physically and mentally, and had suffered from continued ill health - including a stroke and brain surgery - for several years.

EXCLUSIVE First Listen: Rhonda Thomas and Avery Sunshine sing for "Just Us"

administrator — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:57:49 +0000

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What happens when two of our favorite singers get together?

February Soul Music Birthdays!

administrator — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:06:14 +0000

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Happy Birthday!

Choice Track Free Download: New music from Monet

administrator — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:20:57 +0000

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Singer and multi-instrumentalist Monet has been a SoulTracks favorite since her terrific debut album, Essence, and she's won us over again with her latest, Lifesize Mirror. It is a tour de force that led our Howard Dukes to proclaim "Monet won’t be limited.

files/Monet-ItsYourLife.mp3

Monet - Its Your Life

Click on CD cover left to listen to or purchase Lifesize Mirror at Amazon.com!

Galaxy

jeffr — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:35:32 +0000

I decided to do a little compare and contrast when I turned my attention to the review of Galaxy, the latest recording by Jeff Lorber Fusion. I reviewed Now Is the Time, JLF’s project from 2010, so I typed Lorber’s name into iTunes search application, which allowed me to zone in on songs in my playlist in which Lorber’s name is mentioned. Of course, I got the tracks from both albums, but I also saw tracks from other projects where the keyboard player performed as a guest artist.

CD of the Month: Great new Gregory Porter!

administrator — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:53:25 +0000

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Gregory Porter wowed music fans a couple years ago with his terrific debut album, Water. It won major kudos around the world for Porter's brilliant combination of jazz and soul and his unique vocal stylings.

http://www.soultracks.com/files/GregPorterplaylist.txt

Click on CD cover (left) to listen to or purchase Be Good at Amazon.com.

New Listening Room - A Romantic Kirk Whalum!

administrator — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:43:42 +0000

Kirk Whalum has been a jazz staple for years and he has consistently issued great music for his many fans. What many don't know (but SoulTrackers know) is that Kirk's brother Kevin is a top notch singer who we've profiled in the past.

http://www.soultracks.com/files/KirkWhalumPlaylist2012.txt

Click on the CD cover at left to listen to or purchase Romance Language at Amazon.com!
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Watch Full Unsung Episode: Full Force

administrator — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:46:00 +0000

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Full Force was a true force in the 1980s, working with many stars ranging from Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam to James Brown to the Backstreet Boys. And they get the full treatment on this week's episode of "Unsung" on TV One. We think it is one of the best episodes of this great series.

Check out the full episode below. What did you think of it?.

World Premiere First Listen: Will Downing sings of "The Blessing"

administrator — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:32:00 +0000

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Is there anything more romantic as we approach Valentines Day than hearing Will Downing. Well, the one more romantic thing would be to hear new music from Will Downing. Ever the creative artist, this year Will is creating his musical trilogy, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, three EPs that look at three sides of romantic music.

http://www.soultracks.com/files/Will Downing - The Blessing.mp3

Will Downing - The Blessing

Song written by: Will Downing, Chris Davis, Gary Taylor

The Players

Keyboards: Chris “Big Dog” Davis
BASS: Dwayne “Smitty” Smith
Guitar: Randy Bowland
Background Vocals: Audrey Wheeler Downing, LaJuan Carter-Dent, Will Downing
Produced by: Will Downing for WD PRODUCTIONS INC. and Chris “Big Dog” Davis for Big Dog Productions

More about Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

How does an artist who rose to prominence “yesterday” stay relevant “today” or for that matter “tomorrow”? It’s been said that creativity keeps long-term relationships fresh, interesting and exciting. Recording artist Will Downing obviously believes in applying that same principle to the relationship he’s enjoyed over the years with his many loyal fans. Ever evolving and unafraid to push the sonic envelope closer to the edge, Downing follows up his 2010 release Lust, Love and Lies “audio novel” concept with an innovative “musical trilogy” entitled Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

Music lovers left hungry for something grown and sexy should rejoice over these bite-sized creations. As the name suggests, the first EP, “Yesterday” (November 15th 2011), was the appetizer, focusing on some of Will Downing’s favorite re-makes or as he refers to them, “interpretations”, of songs of yesterday , delivered seamlessly with both his signature stylings and a deep respect for the original.

The main course, Today, will arrive around Valentine's Day 2012, and will showcase Will Downing’s well earned status as the Prince of Sophisticated Soul. Dessert gets served in the form of the projected Summer 2012 release of Tomorrow, which will feature Downing venturing slightly outside of the box in which some might expect him to remain. The first single from Today is entitled "The Blessing," written by Will Downing, Chris" Big Dog" Davis and Gary Taylor. "The Blessing" is beautiful song about acknowledgement,edification and commitment. This will be the new wedding song of choice for many couples this year and beyond.

The musical trilogy Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow represents a rare display of an artist in complete touch with his craft, his audience and the changing times that currently influence both. For the consumer, the uniquely staggered time-release schedule will keep the fresh product coming while offering the experience of focusing more deeply on fewer songs at a reduced cost to acquire. This time around, the anticipated song creations that will serve to complete the trilogy are part of the intrigue and mystique of the release.

Walk With Me (Import)

jeffr — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:58:50 +0000

The UK may be delivering a seemingly endless assembly line of female soul singers but the rest of Europe’s dominating soul stars are predominately male, singing from a decidedly masculine point of view. Whether it’s Nyr in France, Tuomo in Finland, Stephen Simmonds in Sweden, Alain Clark in Holland, and here with Jarle Bernhoft in Norway, one consistently hears men who are unapologetic in their masculinity and lyrical maturity, drawing a striking contrast in both tone and carriage to the high-pitched, sexual-content heavy crooners dominating U.S. radio R&B today.

The Essential Kirk Franklin

jeffr — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:21:52 +0000

Thanks to his fiery approach and flamboyant execution, Kirk Franklin has restyled, if not entirely revolutionized, contemporary gospel music.

SoulTracks Lost Gem: Zapp's "Computer Love"

administrator — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 01:23:01 +0000

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Zapp was one of the great and unique funk bands of the 1980s. And one of their most memorable hits took the band's futuristic sound to the extreme, combining with futuristic lyrics -- all talking about, of course, "Computer Love."

First Listen: Conya Doss tells us "Don't Change"

administrator — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:11:41 +0000

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Conya Doss has been a SoulTracks favorite for years, so much so that we won Female Vocalist of the Year at the SoulTracks Readers' Choice Awards for her last album. In the meantime she's become a mom, but she's now back and getting ready to release her new album, A Pocketful of Purpose.

Let It Be Roberta: Roberta Flack Sings the Beatles (Advance Review)

administrator — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:09:26 +0000

When an artist of Robert Flack’s caliber and legacy announces that she is re-imagining The Beatles songbook, hopes run high, perhaps dangerously so. This is particularly true when no less than Yoko Ono has reportedly given the much-anticipated project her blessing and stated that “"With this collection, Roberta is adding a woman's voice of fun and joy and, again, making people realize how universal these songs are." Sometimes such credible announcements lead to the pleasant effect of having those lofty expectations met or exceeded. This is not one of those moments.

First Listen: John Legend and Ludacris sing about "Tonight"

administrator — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:10:16 +0000

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John Legend is an artist who is not afraid to spread his wings and try new things, and he does it again by teaming with Ludacris on this brand new song from the upcoming movie, Think Like a Man.

Check out his song "Tonight" below and tell us what you think.

Mary Mary's Erica Campbell gives birth to baby girl

administrator — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:13:56 +0000

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(New York, NY –January 25^th, 2012) – Erica Campbell, half of the multi-Grammy Award-winning sister duo, Mary Mary, has given birth to her new daughter. Campbell and husband, producer/songwriter Warryn Campbell welcomed their third child, Zaya Monique Campbell, on Tuesday, January 24^th, 2012.

SoulTracks Lost Gem: The Gap Band is "Yearning For Your Love"

administrator — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:55:51 +0000

The Gap Band was one of the hottest funk and soul bands of the 80s, and their music has continued to resonate all these years later, with "Uncle" Charlie Wilson reaching a whole new generation of fans.

First Listen: Marvin Sapp returns with "My Testimony"

administrator — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:54:07 +0000

Grand Rapids pastor Marvin Sapp has become one of the biggest names in Gospel music. From his days as part of the group Commissioned to his solo hitmaking days, he has consistently brought great music to his fans.

Soul Time!

jeffr — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:11:05 +0000

Sharon Jones is used to toying with James Brown grooves, but Soul Time! – the fifth LP from the Daptone superstar – does the full monty on Brown’s legacy (“Are you ready for Star Time?”). Since Jones and her mighty army of brass construction stormed into the spotlight with their classic soul revivalism, every album since Dap Dippin’… has been unglued from their ‘60’s/’70’s old-school pattern. As for Soul Time!, the album cranks up the J.B.

Ne-Yo to join Motown

administrator — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:06:50 +0000

Billboard Magazine reported today that singer/songwriter/producer Ne-Yo will be leaving Def Jam to join Motown Records as a Senior Vice President of A&R, playing a key creative role at the label.

Location, Location, Location

jeffr — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:36:31 +0000

Most of the work on Location Location Location, the new album by Anthony David, will ring familiar to long time fans. Seven of the ten tracks were featured on David’s prior studio projects. Those projects – Three Chords and the Truth, The Red Clay Chronicles and As Above So Below – are notable both for the evolution of David’s sound and for their high quality.

Watch Full "Unsung" episode: Freddie Jackson

administrator — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:22:16 +0000

Freddie Jackson was one of the biggest stars of the 1980s, with hits that began with the #1 "Rock Me Tonight" and went on for a decade.

This week's Unsung on TVOne looks at the career ups and downs of the great Mr. Jackson.

Below is the full episode the show.

SWV reunites with "I Missed Us" album in April

administrator — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:10:45 +0000

(New York, NY) – SWV (Sisters With Voices), one of the most successful R&B groups of the ‘90s, announces the release of its new album, "I Missed Us," on April 10, 2012 on eOne Music / Mass Appeal Entertainment.