0 Arrested Development Delivers New Music

• Review
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 11/07/2007

Atlanta, Georgia's Arrested Development is back. Pictured is their 1992 release, 3 Years, 5 months and 2 Days in the Life Of... Bookdiva D reviews Arrested Development's new 2007 CD, Since the Last Time. 2021 Update: This review was removed by 'Bookdiva D.'  Previous Post | Next Post

0 Chaka Khan Funks Up Her New Release

• Review
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 10/11/2007

Chaka Khan dedicates her new CD, Funk This, to her grandma, and to her recording industry mentors Arif Mardin and Ahmet Ertegun. She digs deep into her soul to project some sonic emotion through an adventurous collection of songs, all produced by the crafty song-hook magicians Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. Chaka pulls you in and commands your attention with her magnetic voice, but the subtleties of her mastery of different genres reveals the cadence of a song styling surgeon who knows what she is doing. When called for, her trademark powerful pipes still pump up the vocal volume. Overall, Funk This takes risks with material that you might not expect on a Chaka Khan record. Most of the songs are uptempo, and they don't all fit into the classic definition of "funk." The track that will sell the album, (or downloads), is "Disrespectful," a soul shoutin' hootenanny with the mesmerizing Mary J. Blige as Chaka's duet partner. This is the best cut on the collection. Guitarist Tony Maiden of Rufus & Chaka Khan fame contributes to a couple of tracks, including the opening cut "Back In The Day," and a medley: "Pack'd My Bags/You Got The Love." Do we really need a rehash of "You Got The Love?" It seems to appear out of nowhere as "Pack'd My Bags" fades. The synthesizer arrangement on this version of "You Got The Love" lacks the horn overlay of the original, but it is true in tone to the way the song was sung the first time around, and Chaka punches it out. "Back In The Day" has that 'Rufus rhythm' old school fans should enjoy. Track 2, "Foolish Fool," reminds me more of Macy Gray than Chaka Khan, despite the voice differences. In "Foolish Fool," guitars dominate and drive the track with Chaka in control. "Castles Made Of Sand," from the Jimi Hendrix songbook, parallels the original song. Chaka does not jump into uncharted "funk" on this one. You are listening to a mostly mellow mid-tempo rock classic. I never really liked Prince's "Sign of the Times" because it's much too depressing. Chaka Khan's version builds on Prince's arrangement but just can't rescue me from the morose. Michael McDonald stops by for a remake of the Carly Simon classic, "You Belong To Me." To my ear, this new duet with Chaka sounds overproduced. More successful is "Ladies Man," a Joni Mitchell song which lends itself to Chaka's careful reading of the lyric while fusing elements of jazz into the pulse of the song. "Super Life," an uptempo anthem about carrying the flag forward in the memory of those who have lost their lives (through genocide) is a great cut that features Chaka Khan radiating the energy of "I Feel For You." Funk This is a misleading title for this CD. Yes, it's a departure from the jazz of her 2004 Classikahn, but Funk This is much more of an expansion into a broader array of music. There are several hits here. Chaka expands her scope yet again. Ms. Khan has also co-written 7 of the 13 songs. Producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis show some restraint and don't get in the way. What they do is guide the project with creative resourcefulness, showcasing the unique manifestations of this daring diva: Chaka Khan. "Back In The Day" "Foolish Fool" "One For All Time" "Angel" "Will You Love Me?" "Castles Made Of Sand" "Disrespectful" featuring Mary J. Blige "Sign 'O' The Times" "Pack'd My Bags/You Got The Love" featuring Tony Maiden "Ladies' Man" "You Belong To Me" featuring Michael McDonald "Hail To The Wrong" "Super Life" Previous Post | Next Post

1 Millie Jackson & Isaac Hayes Exposed

• Review
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 10/09/2007

What are Millie Jackson & Isaac Hayes so happy about in this photo? The pair are celebrating during a photo shoot from their 1979 album Royal Rappin's, a much overlooked release featuring: "Sweet Music, Soft Lights, And You" "Feels Like The First Time" "You Never Crossed My Mind" "Love Changes" "I Changed My Mind" "Do You Wanna Make Love" "If I Had My Way" "If You Had Your Way" "You Needed Me" Although not a chart topper, the album was a unique collaboration between Jackson, and Hayes, two gritty R&B entertainers who extended their reputations as flirtatiously naughty sex symbols. As for the music, the songs are thoroughly enjoyable, rolling through some smooth and entertaining tongue and cheek adlibs between Millie and Isaac on both slow and medium tempo tracks. Favorite songs: the uptempo "Do You Wanna Make Love," and the old Anne Murray hit ballad, "You Needed Me." Royal Rappin's is a regal effort from a noble king and a majestic queen of soul: Millie Jackson & Isaac Hayes. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Joe Tex, Denise LaSalle, & Leon Haywood Deliver Southern Soul

• Review
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 08/30/2007

Many artists never become superstars, but their talent still pushes them to big success. Turn on the radio during the golden age of classic soul, and you'd hear hundreds, if not thousands of groups, bands, and solo vocalists. Here are 3 R&B performers who put their heart and soul into their craft - and had their share of hits back-in-the-day. Joe Tex, (1933 - 1982), had several novelty hits. He doesn't get nearly enough credit for the very good straight-forward R&B in his catalogue. This image of Joe is from the cover of the original vinyl album, Joe Tex Spills the Beans. Tex, born in Rogers, Texas, has a large collection of songs, recorded primarily for Atlantic, between 1965 - 1979. The Top Joe Tex Hits: "I Gotcha" "Show Me" "Ain't Gonna Bump No More (with no Big Fat Woman)"   Another Southerner, from Mississippi, the bluesy and bombastic Denise LaSalle released more than 25 albums between 1972 - 2007. This photo is from a vinyl copy of her very first release, Trapped By A Thing Called Love. The title cut from the album was an R&B hit, dominated by the Memphis arrangements of producer Willie Mitchell, the guy responsible for crafting much of the Al Green sound. LaSalle reminds you a lot of Koko Taylor, (the Chicago blues Queen). LaSalle has an amazing voice. She should have had many more R&B hits.     Everyone tries to carve out their own niche. Leon Haywood certainly found his. He took Johnnie Taylor's direct message, ("Who's Making Love"), to the next level with blatantly sexual songs. Haywood avoided "double entendre" and got right to the point. While Marvin Gaye, Barry White, and Isaac Hayes were romancing, Haywood skipped the foreplay and dived right in for some instant satisfaction. The Houston, Texas native had a string of classic soul hits: "I Want'A Do Something Freaky To You" "Don't Push It Don't Force It" "Strokin'" This photo of Haywood is from the back of his 1976 vinyl album "Leon Haywood," which contains "Strokin'." Previous Post | Next Post

2 Chris Jasper's Journey from The Isley Brothers to Invincible

• Review
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 08/30/2007

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Chris Jasper was an important member of the expanded Isley Brothers. Chris, along with Marvin and Ernie Isley, joined original members Ronald, Rudolph, and O'Kelly Isley in 1973. After 13 years with the Isley Brothers, Chris, Marvin, and Ernie formed Isley/Jasper/Isley in 1984, delivering the number one 1985 hit, "Caravan of Love," featuring Chris on lead vocal. After moving on from Isley/Jasper/Isley in 1988, Chris formed the independent label Gold City Records. While with Gold City Records, Chris Jasper has performed and written music for other artists. Invincible, is his new 2007 release, featuring these tracks: "Invincible" "Keep Reaching Higher" "I Know That You Love Me" "Without Love" "Let God's Will Be Done" "Thank You Lord" "A New Life In Christ" "He's The Judge" "Do You Believe" "Come On and Testify" Invincible is very much a producer project. Jasper writes, produces, and performs all of the tracks. He sings lead and background vocals. Each original song is based on a particular scripture from the Bible, (listed in the CD credits). Jasper projects a clear, inspirational, positive message, skillfully weaving divine themes into these 10 "songs of praise." Chris doesn't deviate from the melodic rhythms of his past success. This CD presents familiar Isley styled instrumentation that should easily appeal to progressive R&B fans. When an artist conceives and implements an entire project by themselves, there's a danger that the final result becomes an expression of perceived perfection. One point of view controls every aspect of the creative process. There's a formula to how the lyrics are integrated into these songs, and the lyrics are the focus. I suppose I was expecting more musical virtuosity highlighting Jaspers' skill as a musician with more instrumental soloing. I wonder if the spiritual message of some of these poetic praises might have been better presented in a more traditional way with more gospel, and less R&B. However, it's clear that the aim of this release is to appeal to both R&B and sacred fans, and C.J.'s goal for the most part has been accomplished. I found Jasper at his best on "Without Love," and "A New Life in Christ." Vocally, "Without Love" recalls the classic harmonies of The Impressions with Curtis Mayfield. Compared to the first 7 songs, the last 3 tracks, "He's The Judge," "Do You Believe," and "Come On and Testify" embrace the Isley/Jasper/Isley-Isley Brothers style more openly with slightly more funk to the bottom beat. "Come On and Testify" has a nice guitar riff that hints respectfully to "Move On Up," the solo track by Curtis Mayfield. Tailor-made for the lovers of inspirational music, Invincible may attract an expanded base of R&B lovers too, as Chris Jasper has fused a sound he pioneered together with the reverent message of God on this accessible release. Previous Post | Next Post

2 Thelma Houston Celebrates Her New CD: A Woman's Touch

• Review
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 08/06/2007

Scheduled for a Tuesday, August 14, 2007 release, Thelma Houston is back with her first album in 17 years: A Woman's Touch. Every song is a winner. There's not a weak track. She's put together a great collection of songs based upon her favorite melodies from some gallant hit making gentlemen you know. In the tradition of Lou Rawls, Isaac Hayes, and Barry White, Thelma launches a few selections with a quick monologue talking directly to us about her personal observations. It's a nice touch serving to reinforce the themes of the songs. She calls these brief introductions "preludes." Peitor Angell has contributed to writing three of them, while Thelma has co-written one. The "Don't Leave Me This Way" diva sounds as good as ever. She's crafted a solid CD, featuring a strong supporting cast of musicians. Valerie Pinkerton, Myrna Smith, Portia Griffin, Pat Hodges and Denita James are the talented background singers supporting Ms. Houston. (Hodges & James were formerly of the girl group Hodges, James & Smith). The CD starts off with a chant to introduce a perky version of Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes "Wake Up Everybody." Luther Vandross' anthem, "Never Too Much," is the 2nd track, which really gets my attention. "Never Too Much" showcases Houston's strong voice inside of a skillfully crafted, well arranged, dance track. Here are the songs: "Wake Up Everybody" "Never Too Much" "Brand New Day" "Ain't That Peculiar" "By The Time I Get To Phoenix" "Distant Lover" "Love and Happiness" "Dance (Disco Heat) / You Make Be Feel (Mighty Real)" "That's The Way of the World" "Please Send Me Someone To Love" "Brand New Day" from Sting gets an uptempo bluesy, gospel, revival. Thelma testifies with a touch of praise. Terrific. You may not recognize Smokey Robinson's "Ain't That Peculiar" at first listen. The Marvin Gaye hit has been turned into a compelling torch song with some big band embellishments. Thelma captures an enjoyable reading of "By the Time I Get To Phoenix," songwriter Jim Webb's classic, a hit for both Isaac Hayes and Glen Campbell. Marvin Gaye's "Distant Lover" is produced with a real retro 1950's - 1960's feel. This one is also tastefully done. Al Green's original phrasing on "Love and Happiness" is quite unique. Thelma Houston throws her soul into this one too, and the results are very satisfying. The Sylvester hits "Disco Heat" and "You Make Me Feel Mighty Real" get real clever arrangements, freshening up these songs, driven along by Houston's powerful and clear voice. "That's The Way of the World" keeps the Earth, Wind, & Fire spirit alive as Thelma captures the fulfilling essence of this song. She throws her soul into Percy Mayfield's "Please Send Me Someone To Love," closing out the CD with a nice bluesy vamp. A Woman's Touch by Thelma Houston offers powerful classic soul favorites, sung with inspiration, creativity, and energy. She?s having fun, and you can hear it. Her band is excellent too. Technically, the CD is well produced and mixed, with Thelma's voice positioned just right so you can clearly hear and appreciate all of the words. Thelma Houston's biography has more about her Grammy winning history. Discover more Thelma Houston highlights at her official website. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Stax Records Story Salutes Memphis Soulsville

• Review
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 08/04/2007

The two hour television special Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story is excellent. Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, the story captures the saga of Stax in Memphis in the late 1960's through early 1970's. Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, and Mavis Staples highlight the video story about the rise and fall of the legendary Memphis music making machine. Updates about the story run through late 2006, so the very latest elements of Stax history are included. This is "don't miss" classic soul entertainment. The focus is on the biographical chain of events that lead to phenomenal success for the record label. Some amazing rare video is included of Sam & Dave, The Bar-Kays, Otis Redding, Mel & Tim, The Staple Singers, and others. Congratulations to PBS for putting this on public television. Watch for replays. Here are 6 number one R&B songs from the Stax family of artists... "Green Onions" Booker T. & the M.G.'s - 1962 "Knock On Wood" Eddie Floyd - 1966 "Hold On I'm Comin'" Sam & Dave - 1966 "Soul Man" Sam & Dave - 1967 "Who's Making Love" Johnnie Taylor - 1968 "I'll Take You There" Staple Singers - 1972 Final word (trivia tidbit)...M.G.'s stands for "Memphis Group." Previous Post | Next Post

0 Diana Ross Challenges Gen X'ers on the 2007 BET Awards

• Review
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 06/28/2007

Not only did Diana Ross throw out a peace offering olive branch to former Supreme Mary Wilson, but the "boss" used her microphone during the Tuesday, June 26, 2007 BET Awards to suggest to younger artists that long careers are possible without relying on gimmicky vulgar language. Ms. Ross also suggested to the hip hop crowd that it is possible to be classy, contemporary, and cool without diving into the salacious behavior used in many videos/live performances. The lifetime achievement award presented to Diana Ross was one of the 4 big highlights of the BET Awards. In the Ms. Ross tribute, Stevie Wonder performed "Upside Down," Chaka Khan sang "I'm Comin' Out," and Erykah Badu styled and profiled on "Love Hangover." Gerald Levert and James Brown received posthumous tributes. Public Enemy and Bootsy Collins performed a medley of James Brown hits. Jennifer Holliday & Jennifer Hudson opened the show with a blockbuster semi-duet performance of "And I am Telling You" from Dreamgirls. In 3 hours plus, America heard a year's worth of howling from "charm school" headmaster Mo'Nique, the evening's host. Enough said. Previous Post | Next Post

0 Stax 50 delivers Classic Soul Grand Slam Hits

• Review
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 03/20/2007

Here is Rufus Thomas, catching a nap, after "Walking the Dog" during a show stopping performance. The Thomas classic, and 49 others songs from the Stax stable, are featured on the new Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration. This is a magnificent two disc set, profiling the best of the Memphis sound. Congratulations to the Concord Music Group for bringing the Stax label back into the public spotlight. Each track deserves to be a part of this collection. Some of the artists are not household names, however classic soul fans will remember these troubadours for their contributions to the Stax legacy. My title, "Stax 50 delivers Classic Soul Grand Slam Hits," may be taking artistic license, as some of the songs were more commercially successfully than others. As an example, "So I Can Love You," the 1969 seminal hit by the Emotions, (pictured here), though not a monster smash, adds depth to this compilation. Sheila, Wanda, and Jeanette Hutchinson, (the Emotions), would later obtain their biggest success with Columbia Records under the tutelage of Earth Wind & Fire's Maurice White. Carla Thomas, Otis Redding, and Johnnie Taylor get several tracks, as do Isaac Hayes and Sam & Dave. Sam Moore, on the right in this photo, with his partner Dave Prater, are represented with "Soul Man," "You Don't Know Like I Know," and "Hold on I'm Comin'." We are also treated to some gems by Shirley Brown, the Soul Children, Mel & Tim, Jean Knight, William Bell, Eddie Floyd, the Mad Lads, the Astors, and the Temprees. The 51 page CD booklet has a wonderful history of Stax, along with some great photos, including the three you see here. Stax 50th Anniversary Celebration is an outstanding double CD capturing the essence of the best of Memphis soul: "Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)" - Carla Thomas "Last Night" - The Mar-Keys "You Don't Miss Your Water" - William Bell "Green Onions" - Booker T. & The MGs "Walking the Dog" - Rufus Thomas "I've Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)" - Otis Redding "Candy" - The Astors "Respect" - Otis Redding "You Don't Know Like I Know" - Sam & Dave "I Want Someone" - The Mad Lads " Hold On I'm Comin'" - Sam & Dave "Let Me Be Good To You" - Carla Thomas "Your Good Thing (Is About to End)" - Mable John "Knock on Wood" - Eddie Floyd "B-A-B-Y" - Carla Thomas "Tramp" - Otis Redding & Carla Thomas "Soul Finder" - The Bar-Kays "Born Under a Bad Sign" - Albert King "Soul Man" - Sam & Dave "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay" - Otis Redding "I Got a Sure Thing" - Ollie & The Nightingales "Soul Limbo" - Booker T. & The MGs "I've Never Found A Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)" - Eddie Floyd "What A Man" - Linda Lyndell "Private Number" - William Bell & Judy Clay "Who's Making Love" - Johnnie Taylor "I Forgot to Be Your Lover" - William Bell "I Like What You're Doing (To Me)" - Carla Thomas "Time is Tight" - Booker T. & The MGs "So I Can Love You" - The Emotions "Walk on By" - Isaac Hayes "Do the Funky Chicken" - Rufus Thomas "Jody's Got Your Girl and Gone" - Johnnie Taylor "Mr. Big Stuff" - Jean Knight "Never Can Say Goodbye" - Isaac Hayes "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get" - The Dramatics "Respect Yourself" - The Staple Singers "Theme From Shaft" - Isaac Hayes "Son of Shaft" - The Bar-Kays "That's What Love Will Make You Do" - Little Milton "I've Been Lonely For So Long" - Frederick Knight "Hearsay" - Soul Children "In The Rain" - Dramatics "I'll Take You There" - The Staple Singers "Starting All Over Again" - Mel & Tim "Dedicated to The One I Love" - The Temprees "If You're Ready (Come Go With Me)" - The Staple Singers "Cheaper to Keep Her" - Johnnie Taylor "I'll Be The Other Woman" - Soul Children "Woman to Woman" - Shirley Brown Previous Post | Next Post

0 New Diana Ross Covers Old Hit Parade

• Review
• by Kingsley H. Smith
• 01/23/2007

Diana Ross steps back on stage this March to kick off a new world tour. Until then, she'll have a great promotional opportunity as a mentor on Fox TV's American Idol. We've been playing 5 tracks on Powerhouse Radio from her new release, I Love You, (since the CD was released on January 16). Listeners have the ability to vote on the tracks, and based on your rating numbers, you generally like Diana's take on these 5 songs from among the dozen old classics she tackles. Here's the scorecard up until today (based on a scale of poor to excellent): "Lovely Day" - good "More Today Than Yesterday" - good "The Look of Love" - good "Only You" - good "I Want You" - so so Here's a list of all of the Diana Ross I Love You tracks. More on I Love You in the January 24, 2007 Powerhouse Radio Newsletter. Previous Post | Next Post