SoulTracks October Soul Music Newsletter

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    SoulTracks Soul Music Newsletter October 2007
     

    Happy October SoulTrackers!  Wow, there is so much to talk about, we don't know where to begin.

     

    Well, let's begin with this year's SoulTracks Readers' Choice Awards!  Tomorrow we'll be sending out the ballots to all SoulTrackers for this year's voting - and believe us, these are going to be some tough choices.  The 2007 STRCAs promise to be the biggest independent soul music awards event ever, culminating in a memorable show at the Riverfront Ballroom in Detroit on Friday, November 16.  More great soul artists are confirming their attendance every day, so save that date!  Details coming to you tomorrow.

      And speaking of shows, we'll have more good news coming in the next two weeks about a new way for SoulTrackers to keep track of upcoming soul music concerts, so stay tuned!   The last week of September brought more great Soul Music to the stores than we usually see in a full month, and we're having fun cranking out new reviews faster than ever.  So grab your coffee and kick back to enjoy our most complete newsletter ever!  

    Chris

     
    New Music Reviews  

    Marvin Winans smallMarvin Winans is one of the most important names in Gospel music history, and after a long time away from the studio, the former Winans lead vocalist has released his first modern Gospel solo album -- a wonderful return for a music legend.

     

    3 Tenors of Soul - They were the recognizable lead singers of the Stylistics, Blue Magic and the Delfonics, and now 3 tenorsRussell, Ted and Will have joined together to release the appropriately titled new CD "All The Way From Philadelphia," a nice salute to falsetto soul music of the 70s.

     

    Chaka Khan has, for three decades, been one of the funkiest divas around, so it is only fitting that she returns to form with a brand new album called "Funk This." Come see our review.

     

    Jill Scott has been quiet for awhile, and she returns with a much different sound on with her new albumJill Scott small "The Real Thing."  

    Tina Turner first topped the chart with ex-husband Ike, but her unlikely return to the top 20 years ago is the stuff that legends are made of.  See our Christian John Wikane's tribute to this amazing performer.  

    Angie Stone is, flat out, one great singer.  And our L. angie stoneMichael Gipson says that her new album "The Art of Love and War" has waaaay more to love than to fight about.

     

    Ronnie McNeir - First as a solo artist and more recently as part of the legendary Four Tops, Ronnie McNeir has fashioned a wonderful career.  And now he's back with his first solo album in over a decade, the excellent "Ronnie Mac and Friends."

     

    Rahsaan Patterson has built a huge following with his great rahsaan smallvoice and his expansive soul music.  And as good as his previous albums have been, our Chris Whaley says Rahsaan's new disc, "Wines and Spirits" moves him to a new level.

     

    James Taylor - No, not that James Taylor. This is the soulful musician and quartet leader who has just issued a great album of funked up Motown classics that our Arnold Stovell says is a real find.

      Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings have built up a huge sharon jonesaudience for their funky retro sound, and their new album, 100 Days and 100 Nights should keep their fans dancing with joy.  

    Vashawn Mitchell

    - Gospel choir directors all over the US will be glued to this album, which is filled with memorable Praise and Worship cuts that you'll soon be hearing at a church near you. Dijon has won over quite a few Gospel and R&B fans with his Tevin Campbell-like voice and the thoughtful new album "From A Kid's Point of View."  Come see why he is a young artist to watch.  

    Valarie Adams has provided killer vocals for several groups over her career, but with her self-titled new album she moves up front...and we're glad she did.

     

    And check out our News Section for the latest on artists such Aretha Franklin and Bootsy Collins, as well as our Howard Dukes' tribute to legendary James Brown sideman, Bobby Byrd.

      This month's Soul Communicators piece is on the dynamic duo of New York, the women of One Nation Under the Soul Shack (ONUTSS), whose soul music listening parties have become essential after-work events.   And finally, read Christopher Whaley's review of the brilliant new biography of one of our all-time favorite singers, Phyllis Hyman.
     
    Where Are They Now?  THE FLOATERSfloatersThe Floaters came out of nowhere in 1977 to top the Pop and Soul charts with the dreamy ballad "Float On." Well, they've been floating around the world ever since and are still performing regularly with their long-standing Floaters Orchestra.

    Last year the trio released their first new music in over two decades and they sound better than ever. So come with us and catch up with these old school favorites in this month's feature.   Click Here to see our Where Are They Now? Feature

    CD OF THE MONTH - Albright albright small Two months ago, SoulTrackers liked our "Listen and Vote' feature on the hot young duo Albright and last month you all just loved their Choice Track download "Dunno What."  So it is only fitting this month that we've chosen Albright's brand new album, Sunny One Day as our CD of the Month, available at a special debut price for SoulTrackers with FREE SHIPPING and autographed to boot!   Click here to listen to or purchase this fantastic new album.
    SoulTracks Popularity Index

    debargePopularity can be due to good stuff or not so good stuff.   This month is the latter, as the recent arrest of El DeBarge in Los Angeles resulted in a big-time increase in interest in his great group of the 80s, and leading DeBarge to the top spot as this month's most popular artist page.  We also had a number of first-timers in the top 25, including newcomers Albright and Melissa Young.  Click Here to see this month's Popularity Index.

     
       
    Featured Artist

    raul midon-small

     

    Raul Midon moved to center stage two years ago with a fantastic debut that combined elements of soul, jazz and latin music.  He's now returned with a sophomore disc that shows a bit more soul and his usual great songwriting.  We have a Listening Room with a couple full length cuts from his album for you to hear, and we're also happy to have Raul as our Featured Artist this week.

    To see our Raul feature,  click here.
     
    Choice Track anthony dixon small  Anthony Dixon He isn't a household name yet, but folks in New York sure know Anthony Dixon for his strong, theatrical voice and stage presence.  Well, we're happy to share him with the rest of the world this month by making the song "I Prayed" from his album All Outta Words our Choice Track FREE DOWNLOAD.  So come check it out!
     
    The SoulTracks Top Ten CDs april cover small April Hill

    Newcomer April Hill certainly won over SoulTrackers last month with her debut album, Love 360, and that interest catapulted her CD to the top spot on our album charts.  A lot of other shake-ups on the charts too, as new albums by Ledisi, Ronnie McNeir,  Rahsaan Patterson and Jill Scott made their presence known.  

    To see the entire Top Ten Chart, CLICK HERE.
     
    World Premiere CD melissa young album small Melissa Young  Newcomer Melissa Young made a tremendous splash with SoulTrackers when her "Just A Girl" was our Choice Track a couple months ago.  So we're honored that she's giving the world the first look at her new album, Just Up the Road on SoulTracks, with a special premiere sale just for you.  Click here to listen to this fantastic new artist.
     
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