0 7 Top Soulful Picks for Classic R&B 2007

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 12/06/2007

If you look hard enough, and dig deep enough, you can always find good new music. Here are our 7 Top Soulful Picks for Classic R&B 2007 in order. The releases all reflect the best traditions of vintage classic soul you or someone on your gift list will enjoy. 7 Top Soulful Picks for Classic R&B 2007: Diana Ross - I Love You - Thoroughly enjoyable over repeated listening. Mostly hit parade oldies from the catalogue of others served up Diana Ross style, packed with diva charm all the way. Alicia Keys - As I Am - When Stevie Wonder recorded the albums Where I'm Coming From and Music of My Mind in 1971 and 1972, he pushed the boundaries of what people expected from R&B. He also pushed himself forward into uncharted waters as a creative artist. Alicia Keys has taken some risks with As I Am, and has crafted one of the most inventive albums of the year. Excellent stuff. Thelma Houston - A Woman's Touch - Mostly danceable chestnuts from a grab bag of good time hits and heavies we all remember. A nice effort putting Thelma Houston back in the game. Chaka Khan - Funk This - Features one of the best tracks of the year, "Disrespectful," with Mary J. Blige. Almost as adventurous as the Alicia Keys release, Chaka lets loose with new tunes and some classics you might not expect. Nominated for a best R&B album Grammy (2007). Let the funky times roll. Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration - various artists - 50 fabulous tracks from the Stax Records vault to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the southern soul giant. They did make one mistake. Isaac Hayes' "Shaft" appears in its 3 minute 10 second single form, rather than the 4 minute 30 second full version. For a song that won both a Grammy and Academy Award, I would have used the album version. Chris Jasper - Invincible - The former Isley Brother creates a spiritually uplifting collection of praise worthy songs fusing sacred themes with secular grooves reminiscent of his past hits with the guys. Patti LaBelle - Miss Patti's Christmas - LaBelle's Christmas album is the best soul/R&B holiday release of 2007. A joyous Hallelujah! Previous Post | Next Post

0 7 Jeffrey Osborne Melodies on the Wings of Love

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 10/16/2007

Jeffrey Osborne, the golden voice of L.T.D., (Love, Togetherness, and Devotion), has had several successful solo hits. The Providence, Rhode Island native hooked up with L.T.D. in Los Angeles in the 1970's and spent a decade with the group first as a drummer, then exclusively as their lead vocalist. Jeffrey has been one of the dominant male voices in classic soul, distinctive for his bellowing baritone. He's had several hits with many duet partners including Joyce Kennedy ("The Last Time I Made Love" - 1984), and Dionne Warwick, ("Love Power" - 1987). In late 2005, Jeffrey released From The Soul, an excellent collection of classic soul favorites elegantly performed to perfection. Here are 7 Melodies from Jeffrey Osborne's solo songbook: "On The Wings of Love" "You Should Be Mine" (Woo Woo Song) "We're Going All The Way" "Don't You Get So Mad" "Stay With Me Tonight" "Room With A View" "So Emotional" Jeffrey Osborne in Concert: Tuesday October 23, 2007, Fairmont - Fort Lauderdale, Florida Thursday November 15, 2007, Apollo Theater, New York City Monday, December 31, 2007, Hyatt Regency - Huntington Beach, California 5 Jeffrey Osborne hits with L.T.D. "Love Ballad" "Back In Love Again" "Shine On "Holding On (When Love Is Gone)" "We Party Hearty" Previous Post | Next Post

0 7 Patti Austin Picks for Live Concert Action

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 09/27/2007

Patti Austin brings her unpredictable charm and stunning voice to several international stops on her current 2007 tour. The New York City native has shared her glowing warmth with both fans and fellow musicians. Patti's duet credits include some passionate vocal power with both George Benson and Michael Jackson. Like many performers, Austin paid her early dues singing background vocals on the recordings of Roberta Flack, Angela Bofill, and others. You probably remember her number one hit, and biggest song to date, the classic: "Baby Come To Me." Here are 7 Patti Austin picks for live concert action: "Baby Come to Me" (duet with James Ingram) "How Do You Keep The Music Playing?" (James Ingram with Patti Austin) "Do You Love Me" "So Amazing" (tribute to Luther Vandross) "Stop Look and Listen" "Every Home Should Have One" "Honey For The Bees" Patti Austin on Tour: Friday, September 28, 2007 Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, California Wednesday, October 10, Myerson Symphony Center - Dallas, Texas with Duke Ellington Orchestra and Byron Stribling Saturday, October 27, "IMAC" - Huntington, Long Island, New York Sunday, October 28, Ramshead Tavern - Annapolis, Maryland Wednesday, November 7, Basel, Switzerland with Clayton-Hamilton Big Band Friday, November 9 - Sunday, November 11, DeVos Performance Hall - Grand Rapids, Michigan with the Grand Rapids Symphony Tuesday, November 13 - Wednesday, November 14, Papillon VI, The Centre - Vancouver, Canada...special guest artist of Emil Chau Saturday, November 17, Papillon VI, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium - San Francisco, California...special guest artist of Emil Chau Monday, December 31, Kennedy Center - Washington, DC Previous Post | Next Post

0 Roberta Flack Hits the Road

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 08/22/2007

4 Time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter Roberta Flack has several highly anticipated concert appearances coming this Fall. You probably remember these 10 Flack favorites: "Killing Me Softly with His Song" "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" "Feel Like Makin' Love" "Reverend Lee" "Making Love" "Where Is the Love" with Donny Hathaway "You Are My Heaven" with Donny Hathaway "Back Together Again" with Donny Hathaway "Tonight I Celebrate My Love" with Peabo Bryson "At The Concert" with Michael Henderson But are you aware of The Roberta Flack School of Music? Funded entirely by private donations, the school sponsors children who demonstrate a strong interest in studying music. Students are educated and encouraged to master fundamental principles of music, and are taught to read, and write music. As a former Washington, DC teacher, Ms. Flack is helping to inspire the crown of creation in blossoming young minds. Catch an evening with Roberta Flack coming soon for an "Oasis" of musical joy: August 27, 2007 Althea Gibson Evening of African American Women's Firsts, Opening Ceremony, 2007 US Open Tennis Tournament, New York, NY September 7 & 8, 2007 Chinook Winds, Lincoln City, OR September 22, 2007 Concert for Autism, Palace Theatre, Stamford, CT September 26 - 29, 2007 National Symphony Orchestra with Marvin Hamlisch, Kennedy Center, Washington DC September 30, 2007 Ho-Chunk Casino, Hotel and Convention, Baraboo, WI October 27, 2007 Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA Previous Post | Next Post

0 13 Powerhouse Radio Summertime Favorites

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 08/16/2007

With two weeks left, there's still time to plug into these lucky 13 Powerhouse Radio summertime favorites, just waiting to share space on the digital music player close to your heart. "Hot Fun in the Summertime" - Sly & the Family Stone "Indian Summer Love "- Con Funk Shun "Long Hot Summer" - Jimi Hendrix Experience "My Sweet Summer" Suite - Love Unlimited Orchestra (Barry White) "Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer"- Stevie Wonder "Summer" - War "Summer Breeze" - Isley Brothers "Summer Madness" - Kool and the Gang "Summer Snow" - Blue Magic "Summertime" - Billy Stewart "Summertime" - Sam Cooke "Summertime" - Will Smith "Summertime" - Janis Joplin with Big Brother & the Holding Company Previous Post | Next Post  

0 5th Dimension Catalog to be Reissued

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 07/18/2007

Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr., Florence LaRue, Lamonte McLemore, and Ron Townson were the original 5th Dimension. On August 7, 2007, their entire Soul City/Bell Records catalogue will be reissued by Collectors' Choice Music on 7 CD's. The 5th Dimension started making soul and pop hits 40 years ago during "the Summer of love" in 1967. Songwriters Laura Nyro and Jimmy Webb contributed to the early success of the group by authoring many of their hits. The smooth harmonies of McCoo, Davis, and the rest of the group are responsible for their classic signature sound. A walk down 5th Dimension memory lane includes: "Aquarius (Let The Sunshine In)" "Stoned Soul Picnic" "Up-Up And Away" "One Less Bell To Answer" "Sweet Blindness" "Puppet Man" "Go Where You Wanna Go" "The Worst That Could Happen / Wedding Bell Blues" "I Didn't Get To Sleep At All, (Last Night) " "Love's Lines, Angles And Rhymes" "California Soul" "Workin' On A Groovy Thing" One of the best 5th Dimension anthology CD's you'll find is Ultimate 5th Dimension, on the BMG Heritage label, released in 2004. I highly recommend it. Previous Post | Next Post

0 10 Classic Soul Picks for Father's Day

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/15/2007

Color Him Father - the Winstons Daddy - Beyonce' Daddy Could Swear - Gladys Knight & the Pips Daddy's Home - Jermaine Jackson Dance with my Father - Luther Vandross Father Figure - George Michael Papa was a Rolling Stone - Temptations Papa's got a Brand New Bag - James Brown Song for my Father - Horace Silver Quintet Sugar Daddy - Jackson 5 Put these on your Dad's iPod, or burn them to a CD. When it comes to classic soul, (and a little jazz flava from Horace Silver), Dad never sounded better! Previous Post | Next Post

0 Ashford & Simpson Send It

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 05/31/2007

Ashford & Simpson's 1977 classic soul album Send It is extremely rare. This photo is from the back of the vinyl album cover. "Don't Cost You Nothin," and the underground hit "Bourgie Bourgie" lit up the dance floor back in the day. Nick and Val are truly a unique act. As solid as a rock, they managed to served up 35 R&B single releases through 1997. As songwriters, it doesn't get any better than Ashford & Simpson, who have written these time tested hits: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" - Diana Ross "Let's Go Get Stoned" - Ray Charles "California Soul" - 5th Dimension Catch Ashford & Simpson as the special guests of headliner Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Sunday, July 29, 2007, at the Mann Music Center in Philadelphia, PA. Previous Post | Next Post

0 7 May Days for #1 Classic Soul R&B Hits

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 05/22/2007

Here's a quick time capsule look at 7 #1 chart topping R&B hits from the golden age of classic soul. Each song was #1 on the indicated day in May this week. 4 are from the 1970's, 2 are from the 1960's, and one goes all the way back to 1954, thanks to Hank Ballard & the Midnighters. May 20, 1972 - "I'll Take You There" - Staple Singers May 21, 1977 - " May 22, 1954 - "Work with me Annie" - Hank Ballard May 23, 1964 - "My Guy" - Mary Wells May 24, 1975 - "Shining Star - "Earth Wind & Fire May 25, 1963 - "If You Wanna Be Happy" - Jimmy Soul May 26, 1973 - "I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby" - Barry White How many do you remember? Previous Post | Next Post

0 10 Classic Soul Picks for Mother's Day

• Songs
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 05/12/2007

"A Real Mother For Ya" - Johnny Guitar Watson "I'll Always Love My Mama" - Intruders "(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean" - Ruth Brown "Mama Told Me Not To Come" - Wilson Pickett "Mama Used To Say" - Jr. "Mama's Pearl" - Jackson 5 "Mom" - Earth Wind & Fire "Mother Dear" - Supremes "Sadie" - Spinners "Tell Mama" - Etta James Put these on your Mom's iPod, or burn them to a CD. When it comes to classic soul, Mom never sounded better! Previous Post | Next Post