--=[ Donald Byrd 4 ]=--

Donald Byrd - Love Byrd (1981)

Funky electric groove from Donald Byrd. The late Isaac Hayes produced this
one, and also played a lot of those keyboards on the session with Byrd's 125 St. Band on acoustic piano and Rhodes, plus vibes and synth. Ronnie Garnett's bass is tight and funky throughout, with William Duckett on guitar, Albert Crawford, Jr. on piano, keys and clavinet; Myra Walker on acoustic piano, and some groovy female chorus vocals that'll take you back to Isaac's Hot Buttered Soul album! Favorite tracks include "Butterfly," "Falling," "I'll Always Love You" and "I Feel Like Loving You Today."

Tracklist in comments.

--=[ Kentaro Takizawa 2 ]=--

Kentaro Takizawa - Impressive Time Remixes (2005)

The remix album of the debut album of Tokyo house DJ Kentaro Takizawa. Can't say too much about this album - usually when you remix an album full-o'-HEAT you get even MORE heat, and this record is no exception!













Kentaro Takizawa - Impressive Time (2004)

The debut album of Tokyo house DJ Kentaro Takizawa set the stage for his very stellar subsequent records! Every single track here is HEAT!

* thanks dj ferro *

Tracklists in comments.

--=[ Special Generation ]=--

Special Generation - Take It To The Floor (1990)

For those of you who know MC Hammer's history, you may recognize this group as they sang background vocals for several of his songs such as "Help The Children" and "Have You Seen Her." In 1990, this quintet became major recording artists in their own right after their debut album, Take It To The Floor, was released. It did well in the music/recording industry thanks to the ballad single "Love Me Just For Me" and the mid-tempo R&B top ten hit "Spark of Love".

Tracklist in comments.

--=[ Twennynine with Lenny White ]=--

Twennynine with Lenny White (1980)

Return to Forever drummer Lenny White left that band shortly before its decline, and started to make a successful transition to the commercial R&B/pop genre. Twennynine was one of the better bands of the time and enjoyed an R&B hit, "Peanutbutter," from 1979’s album Best of Friends. This is the follow-up. For this effort, Tanya Willoughby is added and Skip Anderson takes over the keyboard chores, replacing Don Blackman. Twennynine With Lenny White proves that those worrying about the jazz content here missed out on a lot of intelligent playing. The first track, "Just Right for Me," features a strong vocal from Willoughby, and guitarist Eddie Martinez’s fiery guitar leads as well as his rhythm work. The sleek "It’s Music, It’s Magic" employs the same production values of Quincy Jones’s The Dude era and has a great horn chart from Jerry Hey. The cutesy "Kid Stuff" is a little too silly, but honestly, this incarnation of the band certainly could get away with it. Although the group’s dance credentials were strong, Twennynine Featuring Lenny White proves they also were adept at ballads. The jaunty "Love and Be Loved," written by Anderson, has the right idiosyncratic touch. The most emotional track of the album, "Back to You" has a great string and horn arrangement from Jorge Del Barrio and it certainly was strong enough to be a single if not a hit. Twennynine With Lenny White, produced by White and the underrated Larry Dunn, spotlights a charismatic and fun band and the effort is one of the strongest of the type.

Tracklist in comments.

--=[ Donald Byrd 3 ]=--

Donald Byrd - Up With Donald Byrd [1965]

Byrd's UP is exciting, but more pop-oriented, session. Along with Byrd, Jimmy Heath, Kenny Burrell, a young Herbie Hancock, Bob Cranshaw, and Grady Tate is a group of unidentified vocalists that contribute both lyrics and melodic backgrounds to mixed effect. Notable are the performances of Hancock's "Blind Man, Blind Man" and "Cantaloupe Island" and John Lee Hooker's "Boom, Boom." Also included are some eye-brow-raising readings of such pop hits as "House Of The Rising Sun" and "See, See, Rider." Recorded in New York, New York on May 26, 1965. Released on Verve (8627).














Donald Byrd - Black Byrd [1973]

Purists howled with indignation when Donald Byrd released Black Byrd, a full-fledged foray into R&B that erupted into a popular phenomenon. Byrd was branded a sellout and a traitor to his hard bop credentials, especially after Black Byrd became the biggest-selling album in Blue Note history. What the elitists missed, though, was that Black Byrd was e moment when Byrd's brand of fusion finally stepped out from under the shadow of his chief influence, Miles Davis, and found a distinctive voice of its own. Never before had a jazz musician embraced the celebratory sound and style of contemporary funk as fully as Byrd did here -- not even Davis, whose dark, chaotic jungle-funk stood in sharp contrast to the bright, breezy, danceable music on Black Byrd. Byrd gives free rein to producer/arranger/composer Larry Mizell, who crafts a series of tightly focused, melodic pieces often indebted to the lengthier orchestrations of Isaac Hayes and Curtis Mayfield. They're built on the most straightforward funk rhythms Byrd had yet tackled, and if the structures aren't as loose or complex as his earlier fusion material, they make up for it with a funky sense of groove that's damn near irresistible. Byrd's solos are mostly melodic and in-the-pocket, but that allows the funk to take center stage. Sure, maybe the electric piano, sound effects, and Roger Glenn's ubiquitous flute date the music somewhat, but that's really part of its charm. Black Byrd was state-of-the-art for its time, and it set a new standard for all future jazz/R&B/funk fusions -- of which there were many. Byrd would continue to refine this sound on equally essential albums like Street Lady and the fantastic Places and Spaces, but Black Byrd stands as his groundbreaking signature statement.

All track info is in the comment section...

--=[ Orange Pekoe 3 ]=--

Orange Pekoe - Crystalismo (2009)

Kazuma Fujimoto and Tomoko Nagashima, better known collectively as Orange Pekoe, are back with a brand new album! This is their sixth studio release, and it is that breath of fresh air that is much needed and appreciated!

Tracklist in comments.

--=[ Valentine Brothers ]=--

Valentine Brothers - First Take [1982]

Easily the greatest album ever from brothers John and Billy Valentine -- a seminal 80s groove classic, produced with a sweet jazzy touch from keyboardist Bobby Lyle! The record's a real standout from the time -- a solid soul effort that still manages strong dancefloor appeal -- thanks to a range of midtempo numbers that still resonate strongly in the modern steppers era. Strongest among these tracks is the pair's classic "Money's Too Tight To Mention" -- offered up here in both instrumental and vocal versions that are better than the later remake by Gwen Guthrie. But the whole album is plenty great too, and features sophisticated vocals that move in the same early 80s territory explored by Leon Ware or Lamont Dozier! Titles include "Money's Too Tight To Mention", "Just Another Love Song", "Just Let Me Be Close To You", "This Kind Of Love", and "I'll Make You Happy" -- plus 2 "overture" tracks that make the whole thing come off like a long suite of soul!

Valentine Brothers ~ Money's Too Tight (extended club mix)







All track info is in the comment section...

--=[ Nicolas Bearde ]=--

Nicolas Bearde - All About Love [2004]

All About Love is his latest album and is a personal testimonial to the joys and heartbreak of love. In it, he explores the many manifestations of that most enigmatic of emotions. On this outing, Nicolas gives a nod to some of his favourite contemporary composers and sweetens the set with seven of his own original compositions. All About Love opens with a sparkling arrangement of the Burt Bacharach classic You’ll Never Get To Heaven (If You Break My Heart) produced by guitarist, Chris Camozzi. Lush and romantic, Wild Is The Wind follows with enough exotic heat to set your soul one fire. And with songs ranging from the deep, spiritual love exemplified in John Coltranes classic composition Naima, to mankind’s search for peace and equality-eloquently portrayed in Donny Hathaway’s Trying Times- Nicolas puts his heart on the line for all to see. All About Love also pays homage to those classic summer jams and the raw soul singles of the seventies in Nicolas original party piece Summer Sunday. And for the lovers, get ready for some late night, soul grabbing lovin with the steamy, old school romanticism of originals like Love Me and One Look At You. Make no mistake, it’s about music and it’s All About Love.















Nicolas Bearde - Crossing the Line [1998]

A delicious blend of mellow, old-school Jazz and Rhythm & Blues in a contemporary format that truly blurs the lines between the genres. Earthy, honest and eloquent, the songs carry on in the tradition of the greats such as Marvin Gaye and Jon Lucien with a just a touch of blues mixed in.Nicolas has shared the stage with musical greats such as Bobby McFerrin (Nicolas is one of the original "Voicestra" members and is currently a member of Bobby's touring and recording group, "Circlesongs"), Lyle Mays, The Manhattan Transfer and Lyle Lovett. Recording session credits include; Michael Bolton, Walt Disney Pictures, Rhiannon, Kenny Loggins and Puff Johnson.

* Another Great ShadowMan Post *

All track info is in the comment section...

--=[ Streetwize 4 ]=--

Streetwize - Streetwize Does Dre' (2006)


The exact equivalent of these albums in the '60s where a bunch of slumming jazz musicians would spend an afternoon doing easy listening takes of Beatles songs, Streetwize's Does Dre would be utterly hilarious but for one thing: for all the inherent comedy of the premise (which the group never plays up, but doesn't avoid, either), the album actually works more often than not. As the title suggests, this is ten songs associated with Dr. Dre, including Eminem's "My Name Is," Snoop Dogg's "Gin and Juice," and "Nuthin' But a G Thang," given mostly instrumental, sax-heavy smooth jazz arrangements. The results may well make the average West Coast gangsta rapper slightly ill, but aside from a couple of half-hearted and ill-advised forays into actual rapping, the group focuses on Dre's roots in '70s-vintage soul and funk, bringing out that key influence and rebuilding the songs from there. Anyone who liked any of Grover Washington, Jr.'s '80s and beyond work would find something to appreciate here.


Tracklist in comments.

--=[ Joy Jones ]=--

Joy Jones - GodChild [2009]

GodChild Link 2

Inspired by her travels working as an anthropologist, this eclectic artist mixes soul, jazz, electronica and afro-beat on her latest album.

Honorary ladybug of West London's Bugz In The Attic crew, Los Angeles-based vocalist Joy Jones releases her debut solo album, 'Godchild,' this week. After a temporary relocation to London, Joy struck a special relationship with BITA producer Daz-I-Kue. She reflects, "Daz believed in me, and encouraged me to really cultivate my craft and create a full project." Now for the Future Soul Records label, Joy Jones is presenting fans with a thought-provoking album of Afro-beat lullabies, future jazz/soul, protest songs and electronic hymn.

Joy's exposure to an array of different styles from gospel, soca, classical, African choral music, soul and jazz are readily apparent in each song on 'Godchild.' Upbeat single "The Joy" features an amalgam of summery synths and afro rhythms, while the dreamy "Hollywood" and "Supernova," with its off-kilter beat, incorporate slightly more cosmic stylings. These sounds, along with inspirational places and events, all prompted Joy Jones to put her heart and soul into music. Be prepared to have your ears and mind opened to new experiences!


Joy Jones ~ The Joy (Daz-I-Kue Mix)




* Another Great Stevie4Real Post *

All track info is in the comment section.

--=[ Christopher Lehman ]=--

Christopher Lehman - PopJazzic (2009)

PopJazzic is Christopher Lehman’s first solo release of his original material on one recording. This album features two original vocals and eight original instrumental songs created especially for you, the listener, to entertain you, enrich you and satisfy your musical passion. PopJazzic music is contemporary jazz and lives in the African-American Spiritual Tradition. The melodies are catchy, the solos are tonal, the musical experience has an uplifting energy, which of course equates to HEAT around these parts.

Tracklist in comments.

--=[ The Jazz Crusaders ]=--

The Jazz Crusaders: Pacific Jazz Studio Sessions [6CD Box Set][2005]

A FIRST-TIME EVER SET FROM A ONE-OF-A-KIND BAND - THE JAZZ CRUSADERS.

A great discovery lies ahead for music buyers whose collections were assembled primarily in the CD era. And for others who let intervening years dull their memory of this band's truly original talent. The Pacific Jazz Quintet Studio Sessions is the first major retrospective of The Jazz Crusaders, a band that, later in its lifespan, would highlight different influences and become one of the most popular bands in music. This collection, from the 1960s, presents them at a time when they were largely un-amplified, full of energy, and unbelievably prolific (sessions from 9 LPs are represented here, and that's just the studio stuff).

When they surfaced in Los Angeles in 1961, poised to make their first LP, no one knew quite what to make of these musicians who seemed unlike any other "west coast" organizations. Not only weren't they part of the west coast sound, whatever that was, but they didn't seem to even care about it or recognize its relevance. The Jazz Crusaders featured their own eclectic line-up; played a signature mix of sounds, all with an appealing, tight groove, that had more to do with the music's roots than a lot of the jazz they were hearing.

When Dick Bock of Pacific Jazz heard their music, he couldn't name it, categorize it, or resist it. Two tunes into their audition, they had a deal! With the music on this set - which, except for the band's premiere recording, appears on CD for the first time anywhere - we get to learn why, all over again.

THE PACIFIC JAZZ QUINTET STUDIO SESSIONS features 90 tracks on six CDs, including four alternates and nine newly-uncovered performances that have never appeared on record or CD. On several tracks, the core band is joined by guitarists Roy Gaines, Joe Pass, or Arthur Adams. The exclusive Mosaic booklet includes rare photographs from the original sessions, a complete discography of the sessions, a history of the band featuring new interviews with Felder, Hooper, Sample, and Williams, and a track-by-track appraisal of the music by Bob Blumenthal.


Pacific Jazz Studio Sessions [CD1]

Pacific Jazz Studio Sessions [CD2]

Pacific Jazz Studio Sessions [CD3]

Pacific Jazz Studio Sessions [CD4]

Pacific Jazz Studio Sessions [CD5]

Pacific Jazz Studio Sessions [CD6]

Covers & Info

* This is our 2000th Post *
Total visitors: 1.345.883
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All track info is in the comment section...

--=[ Renee Olstead ]=--

Reneé Olstead - Skylark (2009)

Renee Olstead is an American actress and singer from Texas. Active since childhood as an actress, she appeared in the TV sitcom Still Standing as Lauren Miller, and several bit parts in various TV shows and movies. In addition, she has recorded five studio albums, primarily of jazz music. And for someone who's not even old enough to drink alcohol, this album is totally refreshing. What's also refreshing is that this sophomore opus certainly delivers that jazzy swingbeat sound, although it was supposed to have been released FOUR YEARS AGO, but was pushed back several times.

Tracklist in comments.

--=[ Bob Baldwin 5 ]=--

Bob Baldwin – Lookin’ Back (2009)

Bob Baldwin's looking back at some great music here -- range of tracks pulled from albums of the past decade or so, with some surprising extra bits thrown in for good measure! The set's a perfect illustration of Baldwin's mighty keyboard powers -- that groove that's smooth, but never too slick -- always with more than enough bite to catch our interest, and to keep Bob from sliding into the overly-commercial side of the soul fusion spectrum! Instrumentation on most numbers is relatively stripped-down, and Baldwin gets some help on the set from saxophonists Marion Meadows and Nelson Rangell -- and singers who include Will Downing, Toni Redd, and James Crab Robinson.

Track listing is in comments section.

--=[ Four80East 2 ]=--

Four80East - Roll On [2009]

The brand new album from electro-jazz group Four80East, Roll On follows their chart-topping 2007 album En Route with the studio duo s signature grooves and in-the pocket production savvy. Four80East is the brainchild of Toronto-based remix producers Tony Grace and Rob DeBoer (collectively known as Boomtang). Inspired by the acid jazz/groove movement that was flourishing in the United Kingdom, they launched their Four80East concept in the late 90s as a cool, creative side project geared towards a loose, improvisational dance vibe, and over the last decade, as chill music established itself as a genre of its own, their jazz-inflected urban trance music became a global phenomenon.

Four80East ~ TKO





* Props 2 Ed M *

All track info is in the comment section...

--=[ Matt Dusk ]=--

Matt Dusk - Two Shots (2007)

The big-label bow of this Toronto-born, classically trained pretender to the contemporary crooner crown comes bundled in a shrewdly frank marketing gambit. And you certainly wouldn't expect for a 24-year-old singer like Matt Dusk to come through with a jazzy swingbeat album like this. If you don't listen to any other song on this album, check out "Miracle!"

Tracklist in comments.

--=[ DJ Cam Quartet ]=--

DJ Cam Quartet - Stay (2009)

Now you're talking about a surprise and a non-surprise here, folks. The surprise is that we were literally blindslided by this release. The DJ Cam Quartet is back with 32 minutes of pure jazzy HEAT, including a remake of a Janet Jackson song, simply titled "Funny (For Janet)" on this release. If you're in need of some more of that jazzy hip-hop in your life, you NEED to take heed and listen to this!

* major props to the Musical Schizophrenia staff *

Tracklist in comments.

--=[ Chico DeBarge ]=--

Chico DeBarge - Addiction (2009)

After a six-year hiatus, people had begun to wonder about Chico DeBarge. Well the fans shall wait no more, for he is BACK in 2009 with his latest album, Addiction. It's good to actually get some representation from the family from Grand Rapids, MI in 2009 among this cluster**** of crap being played on the radio and highly praised at certain award shows.













Chico DeBarge - Free (2003)

This album is by far the best one Chico has ever delivered. Born Johnathan Arthur DeBarge, Chico gets into a few uptempo beats here and there, but it's the ballads that allow him to truly shine. Favorite tracks include "Smile" and "Page From The Journal."

Tracklists in comments.

--=[ Lisa Lisa ]=--

Lisa Lisa - Life N Love [2009]

Historically recognized as the originator of the Latin Hip Hop/Freestyle genre Lisa Lisa broke ground for many artists who came after her. This album backtracks to the basic R&B/Hip HopSoul with a Salsa undertone that Lisa Lisa's fans are used to. When one thinks of Latin pop icons with distinct vocals and a large influence on the music and world communities, it's not surprising that the legendary Lisa Lisa comes to mind.

All track info is in the comment section...

--=[ Peggi Blu ]=--

Peggie Blu - Livin' on Love [2002]

Peggi Blu won the top female vocalist award on the TV show Star Search in 1986, resulting in a contract with Capitol Records and two R&B singles chart entries, "Tender Moments" and "All the Way with You," in 1987.

* Another Great ShadowMan Post *

All track info is in the comment section...

--=[ Moka Only 2 ]=--

Moka Only - Airport 3 [2009]

Legendary Ent. brings you the 3rd installment from Moka Only's "Airport" series! Featuring Bootie Brown (of The Pharcyde), Psy (of The Nope) & Fatty Down.














Moka Only - Lowdown Suite 2: The Box [2009]

One of Canada's busiest B-boys, Moka Only is an incredibly prolific artist. Since he appeared on the hip-hop scene in the in early '90s, the Vancouver-based MC and producer self-released more than a dozen full-length cassettes of his material. However, it took several years for him to attract widespread attention, through a collaboration with fellow Canadian Len and his own official debut album. Teamed with partner in rhyme Prevail, Moka Only began freestyling at house parties as a teenager, before heading to San Diego in 1994 and hooking up with such like-minded hip-hoppers as Mr. Brady. Returning to Vancouver the next year, Moka and Prevail formed Swollen Members crew with another local MC, Madchild. However, Moka also began putting out his own solo material on cassettes he distributed, finally leading to his appearance on the multi-platinum selling You Can't Stop the Bum Rush, the 1999 debut album from the Beastie Boys-style Toronto hip-hop outfit Len. Two years later, Moka was ready to drop some new tracks of his own, and released Lime Green on Battleaxe Records, the label he'd helped found. His long-awaited official debut, a set of thoughtful, sometimes abstract rhymes set to melodic, jazzy backing similar to De La Soul or A Tribe Called Quest, showed that despite his prodigious output of the past, Moka had plenty of good new material as well.

All track info is in the comment section...

--=[ Melky Sedek ]=--

Melky Sedeck - Sister & Brother (1999)

Melky Sedeck, a duo comprised of Wyclef Jean's young sister and brother.

Remember the sublime "I Got a Love Jones for You," from the Love Jones soundtrack? That was Melky Sedeck -- then called Melky and Day -- introducing their lush, textured soul, anchored by Melky's deep, delicious voice and Sedeck's heartfelt playing and production. On their stunning debut full-length album, Sister and Brother, they recall the smooth neo-soul of Groove Theory more than, say, the hip-hop soul of Lauryn Hill. But this is definitely a Jean family album, marked by emotional profundity and a natural eclecticism; it's serious music that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Melky Sedeck display a studio expertise and a sharp musical sense. They've crafted an album that will make you close your eyes and let your chin bounce while a light piano dances against a hard beat on "Raw." Or while Sedeck's guitar softly plinks and strums over sharp drum cracks and Melky sings bluesily, "I watched my mama die before my eyes/I watched my daddy cry and wonder why," on "In Time." Or while nervous violins work feverishly as Melky spirals her voice higher and higher in operatic runs, singing "Mi Amor" until you hear a glass break. This is a listening-experience sort of album, for people who love soul and love sound.

Track listing in comments section.

--=[ Joe Henderson ]=--

Joe Henderson - Sunrise in Tokyo [1971]

Recorded Live August 1971 Tokyo Toshi Center Hall, Tokyo,the day after Henderson's appearance with Hideo Ichikawa (ep), Kunimitsu Inaba (b), Motohiko Hino (d) at the Junk Club, Tokyo, for the recording of 'Joe Henderson In Japan' on the Milestone label. This was officially released in Japan by Fontana/Phonogram (PAT 1064) as 'Joe Henderson And Kikuchi, Hino In Concert' and later reproduced on the European Jazz Door label (JD 12120) as 'Joe Henderson - Sunrise In Tokyo'.
















Joe Henderson - Black Miracle [1975]

Tenor-saxophonist Joe Henderson's final Milestone recording has a few attempts at trying to create a hit (including utilizing George Duke's keyboards, overdubbing a horn section and synthesizers and playing Stevie Wonder's "My Cherie Amour") but this LP did not sell anymore than Henderson's less commercial efforts. Actually the music is generally pretty good, funky at times but still with searching solos from Henderson. "Soulution" and "Gazelle" are highpoints.















Joe Henderson - Black Narcissus [1976]

A later album from Joe Henderson's ultra-hip 70s period for Milestone -- a sweetly electric session with the mighty Patrick Gleeson on keyboards! Gleeson is as strong of a force here as he is on other essential albums from the time -- including some of Herbie Hancock's work -- and the keyboardist handles E Mu Polyphonic synth, which really fits the flowing style of the music! Henderson's great, as always, on tenor -- blowing the instrument with a searching quality that's a fair bit different than some of his contemporaries, a unique space that further pushed the instrument in the years after the passing of John Coltrane. The rhythm section holds its end up nicely too -- bringing in some key modal moments with players who include Joachim Kuhn on piano, JF Jenny-Clark on bass, and Bill Summers on drums. Tracks are a bit more open than some of Joe's early 70s work -- but still done with a hip Bay Area groove.

All track info is in the comment section...

--=[ Ola Onabule 2 ]=--

Ola Onabule - In Emergency Brake Silence (2004)

To hear the voice of Ola Onabule in song is to hear a rare sound indeed. Proclaimed as the "new voice of old soul", it is a season lived in, soul drenched and well mastered instrument frequently described as "impassioned" and "plaintive" by the music press. With influences from the greatest of soul legends such as Otis Redding, Curtis Mayfield and Stevie Wonder, you would be unwise to think of Ola as merely a vocal talent, as this is not the summit of his abilities. His songwriting is rich in melody, set to complex yet infectious rhythms tinged with the influence of his African roots. His lyrics are incisive and true without self-consciousness or contrivance, yet tackle subject matter as diverse as socio-political commentary to lovelorn heartbreak as skilfully as the best in the genre.

'In Emergency, Brake Silence' is the fifth album from critically acclaimed British soul singer/songwriter/producer. A more personal affair than his last two releases, it features the stunning British radio hit 'Soultown' which along with the entire album was described by Blues and Soul magazine as "invoking the spirits of the masters" and by Manifesto magazine as a "work that oozed spellbinding quality from the start". If you like your music soulful and you like great singers, you'll absolutely love Ola's 'In Emergency Brake Silence'

All track info is in the comment section.

--=[ Wagon Cookin' 2 ]=--

Wagon Cookin' - Assorted Cookin' (2005)

When listening Assorted Cookin, the music tends to take you away, leaving you defenseless against its whimsical music attack. This album focuses a bit more on the house sound as presented by the Garayalde brothers, thanks to magnificent subjects of jazz-house or jazztronica. The songs 'Moonstreams,' 'Leaving the madness,' 'Maré' and 'Take it easy' will make the delights of the lovers of house, and should become a staple at modern dance clubs.

* props to Ste for this! *

Tracklist in comments.

--=[ Matt Bianco 3 ]=--

Matt Bianco - Hifi Bossanova (2009)

After the success of their last album, "Matt's Mood," featuring the original lineup with Danny White and Basia, Matt Bianco resumed their efforts after Basia and White left to reinvigorate the Basia franchise. The duo's latest effort, "HiFi Bossanova," features a lotta bossa-esque HEAT records that will keep you groovin all night long! Don't sleep on this one!

* props to IsraBox *

Tracklist in comments.

--=[ Toshi 3 ]=--

Toshi Kubota - Sunshine Moonlight (1995)

Plenty of Japanese soul singers cop the look, but few can deliver the smooth grooves as naturally and soulfully as Toshinobu Kubota. Born in Shizuoka, a prefecture better known for green tea and dramatic views of Mt. Fuji that soul singers, Kubota displayed singing talent early in life, winning contests from the time he was in pre-school. He was introduced to Stevie Wonder's seminal Songs in the Key of Life as a junior high school student and was immediately hooked, soon discovering other soul and funk standards like Sly and the Family Stone and Marvin Gaye. He played in several bands throughout junior high and high school, but their efforts to recreate the sound and feeling of the American soul that Kubota worshipped were unsuccessful, leaving him frustrated. After high school, Kubota moved to Tokyo to study, but spent more time performing and checking out music in Tokyo's numerous clubs than in the classroom. One of those nights, a label representative caught his act and, impressed by his vocal chops, set him up a gig as a vocalist for a record by Naoya Matsuoka. While not a big seller, the song served as Kubota's demo, and eventually landed him his first work. His debut album, Shake It Paradise, dropped in 1989, and went platinum soon after its release. The following three albums, also Japan-only releases, followed suit. In the early 90s, Kubota had begun traveling to the United States frequently, soaking up the scene and sometimes collaborating with American artists during his stays. It was around this time that Kubota made the decision to focus on the States as well as in Japan, and in 1995, Sony released his first English language album Sunshine, Moonlight there. The record made few ripples, despite Kubota's superstar status in Japan, but many soul artists in the States began to take notice of his smooth, alto vocal style and innate soul sensibilities, and Kubota soon found himself in with soul's elite set.

Tracklist in comments.

--=[ New Soul Heaven ]=--

VA - New Soul Heaven [2004]

This collection presents soul songs by performers on the U.K.'s Expansion label, including "You Remind Me," "Cupid's Arrow," and "Dizzy."


Impromp2 ~ Give It Up



* Another Great Shadowman Post *


All track info is in the comment section...

--=[ Chris Ho ]=--

Chris Ho - Christmas Jam (2001)

A brilliant holiday jazz CD with a new spin on traditional Christmas songs and wonderful new originals to enchant your holidays year after year.













Chris Ho - Growing Up (1998)

Growing Up, released in 1998, received praise as "picture perfect...elegant funk". Smokey Robinson makes an appearance here on a jazz scat vocal.













Chris Ho - Lifetime (1996)

Chris Ho, founder and leader of the Chris Ho Band, combines his talent as composer and keyboardist to create new music that includes jazz, latin, classical, rock, asian, gospel and pop influences. A prolific composer and virtuoso jazz pianist, his performances display a devotion to beauty, passion, new edge cutting ideas and imagination. Dynamic interplay between band members and breathtaking improvisations are a constant feature in this group!

Chris' first release, LIFETIME (Ichiban Records 1997) appeared on over 250 radio stations and was hailed "brilliantly wrought" by JAZZIZ critic Jonathan Widran. LIFETIME was also Grammy nominated that year.

Tracklists in comments.

--=[ Superstar Quamallah ]=--

Superstar Quamallah - Invisible Man [2009]

The album is titled after the classic novel, "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison and features the standout singles 88 Soul and "California Dreamin'."As Quamallah himself states: "My favorite time period for Hip Hop music was definitely between 1983 and 1994 with 1988 and 1993 being two years that standout as extremely impressive years musically and culturally. The fashion, slang, movies, TV shows and vibe during those years was incredible. While totally submerged in the feelings and music of that entire time period, I went to work on "Invisible Man" and I am excited for people to hear the result! It is an album that I would want to hear from some of my favorite artists of the past and present today. This is not a retro trip for me; this is me at my best lyrically and spiritually using the accessories of the 80s and 90s to fuel me. I am a '88 soul as the song states!" The album is produced by Superstar Quamallah, Clever Jeff, Izznyce, DJ Soulclap, DJ Diaze and Pawel G.

This album is simply incredible. Superstar Quamallah's voice and delivery flow effortlessly over impressive production. From the depth of his jazz roots he comes correct on this record. A must purchase.


Superstar Quamallah ~ California Dreamin'




* link pulled per label's request *

All track info is in the comment section...

--=[ Loop Junktion ]=--

Loop Junktion - Turkey [Japan][2003]

Turkey Link 2

Loop Junktion, based in their hometown of Machida in suburban Tokyo-but making increasing inroads into Tokyo as well as further afield-are cooking a rich stew that blends the spoken-word narratives of hip-hop with funk, acid jazz, and a healthy dollop of style.

With a sophisticated, urban sound that sets them apart from the somewhat comedic approach of mainstream Japanese hip-hop groups like Ripslyme or the bling-bling bluster of MCs such as Zeebra, Loop Junktion, says Takumi.K.dog, find themselves appealing more to the acid jazz, house and drum 'n' bass communities of Tokyo's fertile dance scene. He says that after forming, they played relentlessly to establish themselves but are now gigging more selectively.














Loop Junktion - Ties [2002]

Don't let the musical accomplishment and the fact that the band was formed by Japanese students attending Boston's famed Berklee College of Music give you the wrong impression, however. Loop Junktion probably have more street cred than most of the Japanese B-boys you see striking ape-like gansta poses on MTV.

Loop Junktion isn't playing together anymore, as far as I know, but their music was some of the smoothest, jazziest hip-hop I had the pleasure of discovering in Japan.



Loop Junktion ~ Natural Vibes





All track info is in the comment section...

--=[ Janice ]=--

Janice M. Vidal - Morning (2009)

Janice Vidal has already established herself as one of the leading female singers in Canto-pop, but now she is set to broaden her fanbase with her first English album. In fact, each of her previous Cantonese albums has included covers of English songs (including English remakes of several Leon Lai classic hits in her debut album Day & Night), and she has long wanted to release an album sung entirely in her mother tongue.

Refreshingly titled Morning, the new album from Janice comes with 10 original songs ranging from pop/rock to soul and jazz-styled. The main plug Rainbow, written by Singaporean musician Taz, expresses wishes for a world where people of different colors live in harmony. Another track that has received lots of attention is 999, a specially written song with a timely anti-drug message.

Tracklist in comments.

--=[ John P. Kee ]=--

V.I.P. Mass Choir - Live in Miami [2008]

Over the last quarter-century, John P. Kee has been a household name in Gospel. During that time, one of his many impressive contributions has been the VIP Mass Choir. Originally known as the Victory In Praise Music & Arts Seminar Mass Choir, the aggregation is birthed from the annual VIP Conference, now in its 17th year in operation.

Kee leads this talented choir in their 8th recording, titled Live In Miami (Yes We Can), a star-studded 12-track project that could easily be deemed the choir's best presentation to date.

Kee teams with label mate Fred Hammond on "The Glory", an exciting groove that gets a memorable remix at the end of the effort. In another follow-up to the Nothing But Worship project, Nikki Ross lends her vocal acrobatics to "Our God". Jason Nelson adds a notable vocal lead to the worship piece "Praises", worthy of several repeat spins in the CD player or iPod.

Other guest spots include vocalists Lejeune Thompson ("Favor") and Earnest Pugh ("Just For Me"). John P Kee & VIP Mass Choir is on point once again.















John P. Kee & New Life Community Choir - Blessed By Association [2002]

There is probably no-one else who could get away with what John P. Kee and the New Community Choir manage to pull off on their latest project, Blessed By Association. Whatever your gospel musical taste...this CD has it,a good mixture of songs on this album ranging from hand-clapping songs to praise and worship.

To satisfy what everyone always looks for in a new John Kee album, there’s up-tempo power-stompers such as “He’s the Greatest” which is very lightly colored with a Caribbean bounce but comes with a straight-forward drive that moves back to Kee's familiar funky vamp.

There’s "I Won't Let Go", a traditional uptempo cut that isn’t good news for those with sensitive hands, but will be welcomed by everyone else. Amidst the synth and R&B fusion on the project, one of Kee's consistently-smart moves is to not forget straight church. Here he delivers a hand-clapper that is boiled down to the encourager catch phrase "I won't let go!" Zeb Harrison kicks the live trombone for a little praise band flava.

In the mix of the album’s 21 tracks are a couple of remixes or alternate versions of songs. In addition to the origianl, “I Won’t Let Go” is available as both a dance mix and as lengthy ‘interlude’ to close out the album. Plus there’s a couple of facelifted flashbacks to previous hits (“I Do Worship”, “You Blessed Me”).


All track info is in the comment section...