AltWeeklies Wire
The progressive interest in stylistically conservative musicnew
To call it apologetic would be reductive; to say that it's driven in part by the need to experience, understand and connect several once-forbidden dots seems closer to the essence.
INDY Week |
Grayson Currin |
04-09-2012 |
Commentary
Lee Fields: out from James Brown's shadownew
"I'm still a North Carolinian at heart. The way I approach songs, I think about some of the things I learned and experienced as a boy growing up in Wilson."
INDY Week |
John Schacht |
04-02-2012 |
Profiles & Interviews
Maas Media: How a Local Filmmaker Rediscovered Seattle’s Soulnew
As co-producer of the breakout indie hit Humpday, Jennifer Maas had the good fortune of attending Sundance and Cannes this year. She also put the finishing touches on a film of her own, Wheedle's Groove, wrapping up five years of documenting Seattle's forgotten soul scene.
Seattle Weekly |
Brian J. Barr |
12-28-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
How Did Drew Cohen Go from a Hip-Hop DJ to Mayer Hawthorne, Soul Man to the Stars?new
Blame it on the times; honky hip-hop's blunt delivery just doesn't seem as likable as a nerd who looks like a Nixon campus-campaign volunteer -- complete with black frames, cardigan sweater, skinny tie, high-water cuffs and all, crooning comfortably in a Pharrell-falsetto against a backdrop of a double chin and double-digit unemployment.
Metro Times |
Hobey Echlin |
09-29-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Blue-Eyed Soulster Mayer Hawthorne Proves His Songwritingnew
These tunes are just slightly more soulful than the pop ditties that made the Rascals, the Association, and the Lovin' Spoonful '60s favorites. What's strange is how often you find yourself pressing repeat.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
09-22-2009 |
Reviews
Calvin Richardson Pleasantly Reimagines Bobby Womacknew
Richardson's commitment to traditional interpretations of this popular material highlights Womack's skill as a lyricist and arranger on par with Barry White, Leon Ware and Willie Hutch -- a fact often lost because of the prominence of Womack's unique vocal ability.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
09-22-2009 |
Reviews
The Revelations Create a Roof-Raising Soul Albumnew
Deep Soul owners looking for unreleased material on producer Bob Perry's 15-track set will enjoy Rell's greasy, slow drag of Carole King's "It's Too Late," Williams' ripping version of Latimore's "Let's Straighten It Out," or the oh-you-dirty-dog single "How Do I Tell Him."
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
09-22-2009 |
Reviews
Darien Lifts the Gentleman-Soul Mantle on 'Walls'new
While boatloads struggle to be Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway or Marvin Gaye, one Mount Vernon, N.Y., artist is lifting the gentleman-soul mantle from Peabo Bryson's tight grasp.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
09-22-2009 |
Reviews
Blind Boys of Alabama Founder Clarence Fountain Returns With a Soul Albumnew
Stepping Up and Stepping Out stands as an exceptional gospel and soul release that you can spin anytime, anywhere—at a family barbecue, in your car on the way to work, at home alone.
Tucson Weekly |
Jarret Keene |
08-31-2009 |
Reviews
The Godson of Garage Soul Takes His Swing at Successnew
United by an affinity for old soul, older blues and timeless yacht rock, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears share deep musical inspirations.
Colorado Springs Independent |
Bill Forman |
08-20-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Blonde Devotion: Motown Diva Chris Clark Rises from Obscuritynew
From 1965 to 1967, Motown released a few criminally ignored singles that found a home on Clark's 1967 long-player Soul Sounds. Given the scattered sessionography, Soul Sounds surprisingly holds up better than any other studio album by the more recognizable greats of Motown.
Metro Times |
Serene Dominic |
08-11-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Leela James' 'Let's Do It Again'new
Giving classic soul the kind of contemporary kick it's been crying out for, in the end Let's Do It Again only begs one question: "When?"
Houston Press |
Chris Gray |
04-28-2009 |
Reviews
Black Joe Lewisnew
Putting out an album reflecting your influences is one thing, but for Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears to last beyond the flavor-of-the-month period, they need a single worthy of the legends they emulate.
Jackson Free Press |
Rob Hamilton |
04-24-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
Leela James' 'Let's Do It Again'new
In struts Compton, Calif.'s Leela James to reclaim the respect of American soul with a live-recorded CD of able covers, from Phyllis Hyman to James Brown.
Creative Loafing (Atlanta) |
L. Michael Gipson |
03-18-2009 |
Reviews
R&B Queen Erykah Badu's Egyptian Mystiquenew
Mystical, mysterious Dallas native Erykah Badu is one of the leading ladies of neo-soul, and she reached full cosmic fruition with last year's politically charged, simmeringly funky New Amerykah Vol. 1: Fourth World War. With Vol. 2 due this spring, she broke it down from her house in South Dallas last week.
Houston Press |
Chris Gray |
03-10-2009 |
Profiles & Interviews
