(September 10, 2016) Over the past decade the music industry has changed…a lot. But one thing that is still true is that the Autumn is a huge season for new music, as artists get us ready for the holiday season with new jams and big releases. And 2016 is no exception for soul music lovers. Many of our soul music favorites are coming back with new albums that will get our blood flowing over the next few months.
So we’re proud to present to SoulTrackers our Fall Music Preview.
The Stars
A lot of the shine each year goes to the big stars we’ve loved for years and years. Eric Benet certainly fits that mold, and the SoulTracks Award winner will be back with his self-titled album on October 7. But first, another longtime fave, Dave Hollister, gets romantic with his lady on The MANuscript. Jennifer Hudson has signed with Epic Records, and will be issuing her first album for the label, and Norah Jones breaks her silence next month with Day Breaks. Joe seems to keep getting better with age, and he hopes to keep the string going with his upcoming November release. And a few years after his breakout success with ST audiences, Marc Broussard plans to Save our Souls for a second time. And in the coming week, R&R Hall of Famer Chris Jasper brings his smooth and funky brand of soul on Share With Me. Also working on new albums (release dates unknown) are Michael McDonald, Evelyn Champagne King, Deborah Cox, Floetry, Erykah Badu, and En Vogue.
The Comeback Kids
It’s always fun when artists who’ve been gone for awhile return. And After 7 fits that description to a tee. The trio’s comeback album hits the streets on October 14, on the heels of two big radio hits this year. An even bigger surprise is the return of Barry Gibb, who went silent after the tragic deaths of brothers Robin and Maurice, the other 2/3 of the Bee Gees. But he returns with In the Now on October 7. And Edwin Starr died more than a decade ago, but a tribute remix album arrives this Fall, courtesy of legendary Detroit producer, Marlin McNichols. Expect other comebacks soon: Vanessa Williams is completing a Broadway tribute album, former R Kelly mates Public Announcement are readying Continuum, and Tevin Campbell and Meelah Williams (of 702) will be making up for lost time with new releases.
The Jazzier Side
Gerald Albright has successfully straddled the line between jazz and R&B for two decades, and he does it again later this month with his first independent album, G. Also this month, Richard Elliot goes back to his R&B roots on Summer Madness, and the always ambitious Robert Glasper gets eclectic on ArtScience. Also expect new music from Chuck Loeb, Paul Taylor, Valerie Ghent, Larry Coryell, and Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
Praising the Lord
Looking for something to add to your worship collection this Fall. Well, like clockwork, the great Fred Hammond returns with his Worship Journal Live on September 30. Also coming is a new studio album from the talented Ted Winn November on the Shanachie label, and a live recording in San Francisco from the legendary Bishop Rance Allen.
Our Independent Streak
Of course, over the past decade, independent soul has become a force in music, and many of its leaders will be returning over the next few months, including Heston (Transparency), Lindsey Webster (Back To Your Heart), ConFunkShun’s Eric EQ Young (My Passion), Soul Basement (What We Leave Behind), N’Dambi (Dream Junkie), I Ced (What Are We Looking For?), Shaun Escoffery (Evergreen), and Timothy Bloom.
Looking out just a bit, there are no release dates set, but SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Award winners and finalists Rahsaan Patterson, Leela James, Cleveland P. Jones, Maya Azucena, James Day and Avery Sunshine are all working on new albums, and we can’t wait.
This sounds like a great season of music, and we hope that you’ll be checking these out with us. Have a great Fall!