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Chaz Shepherd was born and raised just around the corner from Philadelphia International Records. Living so close to this historical soul music landmark absolutely rubbed off on this independent singer/musician. It took over a decade for the multi-talented Shepherd to ink a recording contract after winning Star Search in 1993. Though nothing materialized from his deal with Atlantic Records in 1997, Shepherd exercised his vocal range with roles in The Color Purple (opposite Fantasia) and Dreamgirls. Shepherd finally waxed his debut in 2008 with The First One on veteran songwriter/producer Precious King's PRK Group, which utilized his triple-threat skills of producer, songwriter and engineer to good measure.
Chaz Shepherd was born and raised just around the corner from Philadelphia International Records. Living so close to this historical soul music landmark absolutely rubbed off on this independent singer/musician. It took over a decade for the multi-talented Shepherd to ink a recording contract after winning Star Search in 1993. Though nothing materialized from his deal with Atlantic Records in 1997, Shepherd exercised his vocal range with roles in The Color Purple (opposite Fantasia) and Dreamgirls. Shepherd finally waxed his debut in 2008 with The First One on veteran songwriter/producer Precious King's PRK Group, which utilized his triple-threat skills of producer, songwriter and engineer to good measure.
Besides being influenced by the Philly Soul sound, Shepherd gives props on the liner notes of his Chaz Records debut, Love & Truth (with many of the tracks taken off The First One) to The Mississippi Mass Choir, Take 6 and Stevie Wonder, to name just a few. With Love & Truth, his primary mission is to bring ‘Young Soul' to the urban music fold.
Armed with an irresistible falsetto and debonair attitude, Shepherd's effortless passion flows through every track on Love & Truth. "By My Side" is a tasty ballad with tantalizing harmonies as icing on the cake. There are traces of acoustic jazz on "Why Me." R&B/hip-hop radio should embrace the bouncy grooves of "Chemical Reaction" and "Lazy Love." "I Can't Wait" is covered with drop-dead Prince-like sexy cool. The elegant string orchestrations by Lance Tolbert fully compliment "It Calls Me and Turn Your Lights On;" wonderful reminders of Wonder's vocal exuberance.
Love & Truth is more than just a testament to the richness of Philly soul. This also represents Chaz Shepherd's way overdue introduction as another of today's fresh voices bringing classic soul back as a viable option for younger urban music audiences.
Music: 3.5 stars
Vocal: 4.0 stars
Lyrics: 3.5 stars
Production: 3.5 stars
SoulTracks Call: Highly Recommended
By Peggy Oliver