1. Calvin Richardson Concert Dates

Welcome to the February 2018 issue of Black Grooves, sponsored by the Indiana University. February is Black History Month, and our feature projects spotlight both classic and up-and-coming artists, demonstrating regional, temporal and categorical diversity within Black music as a whole. Leading the group are our tried-and-true artists: Ella Fitzgerald with, Aretha Franklin with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra collaboration titled, Bethlehem Record’s release of their Nina Simone singles, Wes Montgomery’s and an All-Star Tribute to the King of the Slide Guitar Elmore James on. ’s 4 volume set traces the history of Baltimore’s R&B scene through spotlights on various area artists, and renowned percussionist Shiela E.

Once again demonstrates her multifaceted vocal and visionary talents with. Newer artists showcase their talents as well.

Calvin Richardson made a small impression as part of the short-lived mid-'90s urban group Undercover, whose smooth contemporary soul showed the influence of Jodeci, childhood friends of Richardson. So, it shouldn't come as a great surprise that Country Boy, his 1999 solo debut, also recalls Jodeci (it even features K-Ci on the opening track, 'I.

No stranger to the field, the Ebony Hillbillies enter the scene once again with their latest release,. Delta Deep’s spins a soulful blues/rock sound and Project Mama Earth’s self-titled debut pulls listeners expertly into the realm of world music activism. Jason Marsalis and the 21st Century Trad Band weigh in with their original compositions based on jazz standards and 80s popular music with, while saxophonist David Murray and poet Saul Williams’ collaboration on offers a contemplative tribute to socially conscious issues and figures throughout modern history.

Valentine’s Day hits its mark in the form of Eric Valentine and the Velvet Groove’s smooth offering, R&B artist Calvin Richardson is sure to put you in a loving mood with his newest release, and Jamison Ross’s focuses on family and neighborly affection. Wrapping up this issue is Chi-town’s rap son Open Mike Eagle with and our compilation of February 2nd, 2018. Title: Artist: Ella Fitzgerald Label: Formats: CD, MP3 Release date: December 1, 2017 There are many CDs available by Ella Fitzgerald, so why is this one special? If you are reading this, you already know of her many of the treasured recordings—with Louis Armstrong, with Chick Webb, throughout the definitive Songbooks, and her many other live concert performances. But this recording from February 2, 1956 marks a major turning point in her career, one where impresario Norman Granz arranged the transfer of her recording contract from Decca Records to his personal management and to his label Verve Records. The setting for this particular CD is Zardi’s Jazzland, a club in Los Angeles, where Ella is backed by Don Abney (piano), Vernon Alley (bass), and Frankie Capp (drums).

Granz had included Ella in his Jazz at the Philharmonic concerts beginning in 1949 as each program’s only vocalist. During those years he had time to form his ideas for extending her career vastly beyond the “workmanlike” support she received from Decca. Granz recorded night during the final days of this engagement. Yet, he never released it, perhaps due to its casual informality, preferring to create a more dramatic launch to her career at Verve. Accordingly, he had booked a trip to the studio just four days later to begin recording, the start of her songbook series that celebrated so many wonderful composers and provided a large part of the foundation for the documentation of the Great American Songbook. But it is this very informality that makes Ella at Zardi’s so engaging.

Apparently, attendance at the club during the three weeks was light, and Ella remarks, “Where were all of you during the past 2 ½ weeks?” That doesn’t stop her from responding to many requests to show her appreciation, acknowledging Van Alexander and Gordon Jenkins among those present. Candidly she says several times, “I don’t know all the lyrics,” but that doesn’t stop her from creating each distinctive performance. She thanks a member of the audience for reminding her of one line of lyrics as she sings “Tenderly.” Before starting, she asked the audience to help her recall a portion of the lyrics to “Gone with the Wind” but then jokingly sings that they are a bit too late, incorporating this ad lib without interruption in the song. Even “A-Tasket, A-Tasket” reemerges in this program as a celebration of Ella’s roots, anchoring her continuing legacy and greatly appreciated by her fans. The two sets from Zardi’s (each introduced by Buddy de Franco) languished in Verve’s vaults for over 60 years, perhaps because Granz simply had bigger ideas for her recordings. Is this Ella’s BEST recording?

No, but it is perhaps the one that is the most FUN to hear. It represents the turning point in the career of a great jazz artist, for without Granz we would not have her many remarkable recordings from studios, clubs and concert halls around the world. Together, they extended the body of vocal jazz performances available for our enjoyment today. Norman Granz frequently said, “You can hear from the first bars of Ella’s performance if this is to be a jazz session.” This is clearly one of those. That becomes evident from the first song onward as Ella demonstrates her many talents to personalize her performance, employing her unique harmonic and melodic variations intermixed with shifts in tempo to enrich each song. Ella is relaxed, and her creative passion is on full view. You won’t regret purchasing this CD even if you, like me, already own and treasure many of Ella’s recordings.

It will bring you joy and remind you of her absolute passion and commanding artistry. Reviewed by Thomas P. Hustad Professor Emeritus of Marketing, IU Kelley School of Business Author: Born to Play: Ruby Braff’s Discography and Directory of Performances February 2nd, 2018. Title: Artist: Label: Atlantic Records Formats: CD, LP, MP3 Release date: November 10, 2017 Decades after the release of some of her most iconic hits, Aretha Franklin’s soulful songs have been re-imagined in Atlantic Records’ A Brand New Me. The newly-released album preserves Aretha’s uniquely emotional vocals and pairs them with the rich backing of The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (conducted by Steve Sidwell and Robin Smith), to create a fresh take on the Queen of Soul’s classic hits. As shown in the “making of” mini documentary for the album, the producers of A Brand New Me were careful to show respect for the original songs and tastefully enhance them with the orchestral arrangements: The album, which includes timeless songs like “Respect” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” retains the soul, groove, and gospel power that Franklin is so well-known for. The new arrangements provide a lush background for the tracks without overpowering Aretha’s vocals or losing the original essence of the songs.

A Brand New Me is a fusion of gritty, church-infused Detroit soul with the sweet symphonic sound of Philadelphia, a combination that does the Queen of Soul justice and highlights her incredible vocal talent. Reviewed by Chloe McCormick February 2nd, 2018.

Title: Artist: Label: Formats: CD, Vinyl (2 discs with collector postcards), MP3 Release date: January 26, 2018 In my experience, official releases of recordings are, years later, sometimes followed by bootleg reissues. In this case, that sequence is reversed. These recordings, from a Wes Montgomery concert at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees in Paris on March 27, 1965, are being officially issued for the first time by, in collaboration with Montgomery’s family and French ORTF Network. Tabla beats for yamaha keyboard. On this performance, Wes is backed by Johnny Griffin (tenor sax on four titles), Harold Mabern (piano), Arthur Harper (bass), and Jimmy Lovelace (drums). So what do we have? This is the finest live recording by one of the three most important guitarists in jazz history, in my view, linking Wes with Charlie Christian and Django Reinhardt.

Yes, there have been others possessing great talents, but these three were all formative artists in different ways. Superficially, Wes’s recording career can be divided into four stages:.

As a sideman with Lionel Hampton (1948-1950);. As an emerging artist (1950-1959) when he mostly performed with his brothers or other Indianapolis-based musicians and recorded for World Pacific and Pacific Jazz Records;.

As a featured artist (1959-1963) when he then emerged as a heralded new talent on Riverside Records, releasing a series of albums that are hallmarks in the history of jazz guitar. As a popular jazz guitarist after he moved to Verve and then A&M Records and became an artist who reached a broader audience with his recordings but without ever losing his focus on performing in the “Riverside era style” in concerts and clubs. This recording from Paris is perhaps the finest from this final stage of Wes’s career.

His touring group of the day is joined by noted saxophonist Johnny Griffin on several of the tunes. Resonance Records has become a primary source for remarkable releases of previously unissued recordings by Wes, all produced with the highest audio and production standards that truly honor his legacy. It is fitting that the company has released the present recording, the latest chronologically in this family of recordings that and, a few years later, and with pianist Wynton Kelley (these are linked to reviews in earlier issues of Black Grooves).

In Paris has some wonderful music. Performances range from up tempo versions of “Jingles” and “To Wane” to a beautiful slow ballad, “The Girl Next Door.” But there are really no single highlights. The musicians perform as a team, collectively inspired by the occasion.

There is simply no point in singling out individual tunes for this is truly a remarkable performance throughout. It is every bit the equal of Wes’s best albums, ever.

We are so fortunate that it was recorded and is now available in superior sound. When I compare this recording to an earlier bootleg issue on Definitive Records in my collection, I am impressed by the quality of the remixing from the original tapes that increases the richness and power of the performance. The album notes explain that Wes avoided flying and only toured Europe on this single occasion (the 32-page booklet includes essays by Vincent Pelote, Pascal Rozat and Resonance producer Zev Feldman).

Fortunately, this resulted in bootlegged recordings from Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany and England, along with a televised program produced by the BBC from London. But this release of a 1965 performance in Paris is the highlight, and one of the finest in Wes’s career. Reviewed by Thomas P. Hustad Professor Emeritus of Marketing, Kelley School of Business Author: Born to Play: Ruby Braff’s Discography and Directory of Performances February 2nd, 2018.

Title: Artist: All-Star Tribute Label: Formats: CD, MP3, Vinyl Release date: January 26, 2018 In celebration of Elmore James’ 100 th birthday, multiple contemporary artists are rockin’ the blues in tribute to the iconic legend on Strange Angels: In Flight With Elmore James. James’ musical influence is undeniable—not only is he credited for inventing the grittiness of blues rock through his dynamically intense performances, he is hailed as ‘King of the Slide Guitar’ due to his expert use of the.

From his career start on a at the age of 12 to his subsequent hits in the 1950s such as “Dust My Broom” and “Shake Your Money Maker,” James was destined to change the blues world through his passion for the slide sound and his unbridled energy both on stage and in sessions. Artists such as, and the duet stylings of offer their interpretations of James’ hits as homage to the one who paved the way for so many others in the decades that followed. The opening track, “Can’t Stop Lovin’ You,” jumps right onto James’ signature guitar wail. Elayna Boynton provides the sultry vocals that blend seamlessly with the Caribbean beat.

Soul icon Bettye LaVette joins in on the following track, “Person to Person,” and country sing/songwriter Rodney Crowell puts his own sound to James’ classic hit, “Shake Your Money Maker”. Other tracks feature unique acoustical renditions of James’ work. Wayne Haynes, known as a guitarist for the, performs a six minute version of “Mean Mistreatin’ Mama” with Billy Gibbons and Mickey Raphael. A real gem is Keb Mo’s “Look on Yonder Wall,” as its zydeco feel invokes Mardi Gras in its finest form. Strange Angels gives back for the greater good, as well. All the profits go to, The Recording Academy’s charity providing services and resources for music people in times of need, and, who partners with public schools to provide garden and kitchen classes. Produced by drummer Marco Giovino with ample help from house band Elmore’s Latest Broomdusters, Strange Angels offers a celebratory gaze at a star who blazed out way too quickly, but his refrains and public efficacy illuminates the blues cosmos for all eternity.

Reviewed by Amy Aiyegbusi February 2nd, 2018. Within the rather crowded field of reissue labels, some are truly dedicated to producing well-curated, expertly remastered, authoritatively annotated and handsomely packaged sets that bring to light long out-of-print recordings. One of these labels is Omnivore Recordings, a relative newcomer whose projects been featured on our pages before. Founded in Los Angeles in 2010 by four industry veterans, the group is led by former Rhino executive and producer Cheryl Pawelski, who has a long track record producing and supervising reissues and box sets.

True to the company’s name, Omnivore has been avidly releasing projects across multiple music genres. One of their latest acquisitions is the master catalog of Ru-Jac Records. Though soul music fans in the Washington, D.C.

Corridor are likely familiar with Baltimore’s Ru-Jac label, it is not so well known outside the region. Founded in 1963 by local promoter Rufus Mitchell and investor Jack Bennett, Ru-Jac was a singles-only label, releasing music from regional soul/R&B artists until 1980. Omnivore has already spun off a couple of albums featuring the label’s biggest artists—Winfield Parker ( Mr. Clean: Winfield Parker at Ru-Jac) and the duo Gene & Eddie on True Enough ( in Black Grooves). Now Omnivore is offering The Ru-Jac Records Story: a four volume compilation produced by Pawelski and Baltimore soul historian Kevin Coombe, with additional assistance from Ru-Jac’s Winfield Parker. All selections have been meticulously restored by Michael Graves from original master tapes or, where masters were missing, from the cleanest copies of 45s available. Previously unreleased material discovered on session tapes and lacquer discs is also included.

Following are brief reviews of each volume produced by this fantastic team. Title: Artist: Various Label: Omnivore Recordings Formats: CD, Digital Release date: January 19, 2018 As the story of Ru-Jac Records unfolds, Rufus Mitchell owns a tailoring/dry cleaning establishment, but also enjoys a more entertaining pastime hustling gigs as a concert promoter. Spurred by the success of his younger brother, jazz trumpeter Richard “Blue” Mitchell, Rufus sees opportunity in the growing number of area musicians seeking publishers and record labels. After establishing Ace Booking & Promotions, he starts booking Washington, D.C.

Area talent, and soon he’s also handling regional distribution and arranging radio airplay for artists signed to the local Start label. Shortly thereafter, Mitchell is motivated to build his own record label, and starts churning out the singles. Volume 1 opens with the smoking hot instrumental “Fatback,” an unissued, undated take by the Lamont Esquires, one of the early bands signed to Ace. Nine additional previously unissued tracks are also featured on Volume 1, including two by unidentified groups (the title track convincingly sung by a male vocalist and the rhythm and blues instrumental “Trash Can”); five by lesser known artists (the best of these are Flattop Bobby & The Soul Twisters’ “Cross Track” and Jeanne Dee’s “Every Day I Have the Blues); plus two from Baltimore’s more established artists—Winfield Parker (“One of These Mornings”) and the Jolly Jax trio (“Joe”).

Other highlights on this disc include the slow ballads “I Love You So” by Jessie Crawford and the Kay Keys Band, and “When I’m Alone” by Winfield Parker. The vocal styles of Brenda Jones are nicely revealed through the jazzy “That’s All You Have to Do” and the teen-oriented “Let’s Go Back to School,” an R&B dance song written by Baltimore icon Ethel Ennis. Title: Artist: Sheila E. Label: Stiletto Flats Formats: CD, LP, MP3 Release date: September 1, 2017 Sheila E.’s Iconic: Message 4 America offers a musical palette of iconic songs, primarily from the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Though the album dropped in September, the self-released project didn’t garner as much attention as it deserved, so we’re happy to give it a shout out during Black History Month. Described as a musical movement for turbulent times, Sheila conceived of the album as “a call for us to rise up and stand for something that is greater than our self-interest.” Instead of creating new music, she chose to reinvent “some of the greatest protest and revolution songs. To fit current times.” Assisting her in this endeavor are members of her band plus a bevy of exemplary guests. Of course, herself is a renowned drummer and percussionist perhaps best known for her work with Prince, but she’s also an amazing vocalist as she proves on each and every track. The album opens with “,” a powerful medley drawing upon multiple texts beginning with Sheila’s spoken intro from the Declaration of Independence.

After a brief (and yes, very funky) version of the National Anthem, the final three minutes draw upon some of the most famous and inspiring speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

And Presidents John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama. On this track, Sheila issues a “call for our leaders to rise up and work for the betterment of men and women, no matter the race, color, or creed.” The first celebrity guest enters on the Beatles’ “Come Together,” with Ringo Starr taking over the drum kit. Once again, a rousing spoken intro kicks off the arrangement (as in the Primal Scream version): “This is a beautiful day / we are unified / we are of one accord / today we are together / when we are together we got power!” Sly & The Family Stone’s “Everyday People” also features original band members: Freddie Stone on lead vocal and guitar, and Lynn Mabry on tambourine. An album of this nature can’t be complete without representation from Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield. On Gayes’ “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler),” Sheila deftly incorporates elements of “Trouble Man,” with Eddie M.

(former Prince saxophonist) on lead vocals. “Pusherman,” the Mayfield classic from the Superfly soundtrack is sung by Sheila, who adds “You took Prince, Pusherman.” You know she won’t finish this album without a Prince tribute. Anthony Antoine was selected to sing the combined “America – Free,” yet another amazing and provocative track. Israel Houghton takes over on Stevie Wonder’s “,” with Greg Phillinganes on organ and Dino Saldo on harmonica. Really, it doesn’t get any better than this. Another highlight is the.

Bootsy Collins joins Sheila for this funk fest that joins together half a dozen of JB’s Black Power era anthems, beginning with “Talking Loud and Saying Nothing” and concluding with “Super Bad.” And there’s more P-funk. George Clinton sits in for “,” which segues into “Mothership Connection.” These are just some of the treats in store on Sheila’s masterful Iconic: Message 4 America, featuring some of the top musicians in the business performing amazing arrangements of iconic songs. I believe Sheila E. Has also achieved her other goals: “To bring awareness, to spark conversation, to allow healing, to restore hope, to express love, to find peace, and to unite through music.” Reviewed by Brenda Nelson-Strauss February 2nd, 2018. Title: Artist: Label: EH Music Formats: CD, MP3 Release date: September 15, 2017 After four successful albums and TV appearances on the BBC and ABC’s “Good Morning America,” The Ebony Hillbillies are back with their latest album,. The group, which hails from the streets of New York City, is keeping African American string band traditions alive for new generations. Their fifth album features 12 tracks that seamlessly combine pop, folk, bluegrass, and jazz to create The Ebony Hillbillies’ trademark sound.

Calvin Richardson Concert Dates

In addition to reviving string band music through tracks such as “Hog Eyed Man,” a classic 19 th century American fiddle tune from the Upper South, the group also offers new songs with strong social commentary. The gritty “Another Man Done Gone (Hands Up Don’t Shoot)” explores the issue of police brutality, while the similarly-themed “I’m On My Way To Brooklyn” ends with the ominous sound of gunshots. Other songs, like “Fork in the Road,” are more lighthearted and highlight the beauty of the fiddle and banjo, as performed by group leader Henrique Prince and Norris Bennett, respectively. Additional performers include Gloria Thomas Gassaway, Allanah Salter and Iris T.

Olden (vocals, bones, shaker), William “Salty Bill” Salter (acoustic bass), Newman Taylor Baker (washboard percussion), and A.R. (aka Ali Rahman, cowboy percussion). The album concludes with the title track, “Five Miles From Town,” a very lively rendition of the old-timey classic that’s punctuated with plenty of whoopin’ and hollerin’ before fading out on an extended percussive improv section with hints of jazz. Almost 15 years after the release of their first album, The Ebony Hillbillies continue their mission to educate and inspire, fusing the sonic textures of the past with contemporary music elements and socially-relevant lyrics. 5 Miles From Town lives up to the legacy created by the Manhattan-based band and offers a fresh take on the sound that listeners love.

Reviewed by Chloe McCormick February 2nd, 2018. Title: Artist: Label: Formats: CD, MP3 Release date: January 19, 2018, the New Orleans-born drummer, vibraphonist, composer and arranger, released another brilliant album along with his 21 st Century Trad Band—Austin Johnson on piano, Will Goble on bass, and Dave Potter on drums. Melody Reimagined: book 1 is an album comprised of original compositions based on harmonic structures of jazz standards and 1980’s popular music. According to Marsalis, the concept for this album is a result of “spontaneous arrangements that would evolve to spice up the standards” during live performances.

This compositional device, also known as writing a contrafact, is a tradition that has been practiced throughout the history of jazz. On this album we hear Marsalis’ outstanding compositions and his versatility as a performer.

Melody Reimagined begins with “Ratio Man Strikes Again,” a tune based on John Coltrane’s “Traneing In.” The track begins with a melodic motif over a series of rhythmic hits along with harmonic sonorities that give the piece that ratio-theme feeling. Transitioning into a straight-ahead groove, we hear the brilliant piano technique of Austin Johnson, the virtuosic and expressive vocabulary of Marsalis’ performance, followed by a dynamic drum solo by Dave Potter. Mid-album the listener is treated to “A Peaceful Silence,” a breathtaking composition that combines harmonic elements from Horace Silver’s “Peace” with Charlie Haden’s “Silence.” Marsalis’ utilizes melodic content from Silver’s and Haden’s compositions, however, the contour of his melodies and harmonies offers surprising turns that keep the listener fully engaged. Included in this wonderful performance is a warm and complementary bass solo by Will Goble that does not distract from the performance. The rest of the album draws from other standards such as Paul Barbarin’s “Bourbon Street Parade.” Finally, there’s a heartwarming performance of “80” based on Ray Noble’s “The Very Thought of You” featuring Marsalis’ father Ellis Marsalis on piano, and his brother Delfeayo Marsalis on trombone. Melody Reimagined is a demonstration of Jason Marsalis’ brilliance and artistry, including his use of standard harmonic structures as a canvas for creative musical explorations. In doing so, Marsalis pays tribute to these composers while contributing to the legacy of jazz.

Reviewed by Jamaal Baptiste February 2nd, 2018. Title: Artist: David Murray feat. Saul Williams Label: Format: CD, Digital Release Date: February 2, 2018 Released just in time for Black History Month, Blues for Memo is a new album by saxophonist and poet. Williams and Murray met in 2014 at the funeral of the revolutionary poet Amiri Baraka, at which Williams performed a poem and Murray (who worked with Baraka in the past) was in attendance. The chance encounter led to a collaboration between the two artists, with Williams sending Murray a collection of poems to set to music.

Like Baraka, Williams is a challenging poet. He is socially and politically engaged and consistently employs images that are a gut punch to listeners. The tracks on Blues for Memo feature Williams doing what he does best, stringing together images that address topics ranging from politics to the nature of consciousness. On “Cycles and Seasons,” Williams thrives on juxtaposition of large concepts, such as dietary tradition and health to capitalism and forced labor. “Deep in Me” takes on cosmic themes, with lyrics that consider volcanic, geologic and cosmic time in relationship to individuals’ perception of the universe. On the track “Obe,” Murray and his outstanding band match dissonant bebop with lyrics that take on what Williams critiques as a cultural self-obsession, asking whether a variety of pursuits are “self-actualization or self-image actualization.” “Red Summer” is a gospel-inflected ballad about racially-influenced killings of African Americans, from the Mother Emanuel Baptist Church massacre to the wave of police killings of unarmed Black men and boys that sparked a national conversation about continuing systemic racism in American society.

Murray’s task is a difficult one—to compose an appropriate soundtrack to the complex, emotionally-charged themes that Williams adeptly addresses throughout the course of this album. Murray achieves this goal handily — even the instrumental numbers on this album are delivered with the perfect tone. For instance, the heartfelt “Blues for Memo,” a tribute to Istanbul’s jazz legend Mehmet “Memo” Ulug, is solemn and joyous simultaneously, incorporating sounds that “Memo” likely would have appreciated, including elements from blues as well as Turkish music. The latter is provided by Aytac Dogan on kanun, a middle-eastern zither. Williams and Murray are joined by an overall outstanding cast of musicians, including Dogan, Orrin Evans (piano), Nasheet Waits (drums), Jaribu Shahid (bass), Craig Harris (trombone), Pervis Evans (Vocals), Jason Moran (Fender Rhodes), and Mingus Murray (guitar).

Overall, Blues for Memo is both musically beautiful and conceptually challenging, an album best explored gradually and one which holds enough details for listeners to continually return for something as yet unheard. Reviewed by Matthew Alley February 2nd, 2018. Title: Artist: Label: Formats: CD, Mp3, Vinyl Release Date: February 9, 2018 Nina Simone was wooing audiences with her sultry vocals and captivating stage presence well before her first mainstream hit flooded the market. Her 1958 debut album, cut in one day at Belton Studios in midtown Manhattan, earned her the eventual moniker, “High Priestess of Soul”, which is all the more amazing considering Simone was a mere 25 years old.

By 1959, she was a household name in the jazz world with her cover, “Porgy (I Loves You, Porgy)”, released by Bethlehem Records. As the song climbed the charts, Simone moved on to the larger and financially stronger Colpix Records, but not before cutting some of the smoothest tracks of her long career. After her departure, Bethlehem released those six additional tracks, and to commemorate the 60 th anniversary of these recordings, BMG/Bethlehem has compiled these singles together as Mood Indigo: The Complete Bethlehem Singles. This 14-track CD version follows the chronology of Simone’s Bethlehem recordings, starting with the first A-side “Porgy (I Loves You, Porgy)” and ending with the last A-side, My Baby Just Cares for Me”.

The collection also contains an alternative take of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” as well as seven single-only tracks that previously have only been available on the original 45s. The LP version, pressed in standard black and limited edition blue vinyl, holds 12 tracks plus a bonus 7” replica of Simone’s first single backed with “Love Me or Leave Me.” The Bethlehem Sessions displays a young Nina Simone confidently putting her distinctive stamp on the set of jazz numbers and Broadway tunes. Although this was her first album, Simone had contract stipulations asserting her right of musical direction, and she chose songs she was familiar with from her club years. In the collection, she is either performing solo on piano or backed by bassist Jimmy Bond and drummer Al “Tootie” Heath, both of whom went on to lengthy careers. Bonuses nestled in the liner notes are new interviews with Heath and an Ashley Kahn narrative regarding the recording of “Little Girl Blue”.

2018 not only marks the 60 th anniversary of the Bethlehem Sessions, but it will also see Simone’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, slated for April 14. Simone, who would have turned 85 on February 21 st, has never left the public’s eye since her passing in 2003. She recorded numerous albums on diverse labels from 1959-1974, and in the 30 years following her recording period she performed live to multiple global audiences. Just as Simone traveled the world, she also traveled down many musical roads. Mood Indigo captures Nina Simone at an incandescent moment—when her sound held both a complexity of style and a purity of youth that is now preserved for ages to come.

Reviewed by Amy Aiyegbusi February 2nd, 2018. Title: Artist: Label: Shanachie Formats: CD, MP3 Release date: September 29, 2017 Calvin Richardson, aka “The Soul Prince,” grew up in North Carolina, honing his vocals on the local gospel circuit where he first met his longtime friends K-Ci & Jo Jo of Jodeci. In the early ‘90s, Richardson’s urban contemporary vocal group Undacava was briefly signed to Tommy Boy Records during Monica Lynch’s tenure as president. He paid his dues in the game working with acts like Angie Stone, Raphael Saadiq and Charlie Wilson. In 2009, Richardson was chosen to record a tribute album to Bobby Womack, which was nominated for a Grammy.

On a personal note, my ears took notice. If one is asked to pay homage to “the street poet” Mr. Womack, then you must be the real deal, right? Stay tuned for my answer. Richardson’s new album, All or Nothing, is radio friendly.

The title track opens things up with a bouncy flow and ‘80’s vibe: “I want you girl, I like your body.” Not exactly R. Kelly, and that’s a good thing. Joseph Pigee on keyboards is an added bonus. On “Treat Her Right,” Richardson digs deep and channels his inner Bobby Womack. He opens with a spoken intro directed to the audience, just as Womack did on so many of his songs: “Fellas, if you have a good woman, treat her right.” You can’t tell me Richardson didn’t have Womack in mind.

Make her feel special. Ladies will love this tune. Now my answer. Is Richardson the real deal? I’ll play it safe and say he is very talented.

It’s unfortunate he’s still flying under the radar. All or Nothing is quality work from Richardson, who brings back the old school R&B vibe with his passionate vocals and songs that show just how you go about romancing the ladies. Reviewed by Eddie Bowman February 2nd, 2018.

Title: Artist: Jamison Ross Label: Formats: CD, MP3 Release date: January 26, 2018 All For One is the second album by —winnner of the 2012 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz International Drum Competition. A Florida native, currently residing in New Orleans, Ross describes this album as the “second chapter of me revealing myself as a man who loves as a father, husband, friend and brother an as an artist who brings that love to other people while receiving love from my audience.” Ross’ message of love is heard on his compositions dedicated to his wife and daughter—“Unspoken,” “Call Me,” and “Away”—as well as his songs that focus on love and unity in our society. Members of the band include pianist Chris Pattishall, guitarist Rick Lollar, bassist Barry Stephenson, and Cory Irvin on Hammond organ and Fender Rhodes. The album begins with a joyous rendition of “A Mellow Good Time,” a song written by Allen Toussaint, made famous by Lee Dorsey. The lyrics invite listeners to join the party and “have a good time” as the rhythm section create a party-like feeling with their groovy bass-line, foot-stomping drum rhythms, lush harmonies on the piano and organ, coupled with rhythm guitar. This song will certainly make you get up and dance. On “Safe in Arms of Love”—an original up tempo bossa nova by Ross, Lollar and Joshua Starkman—Ross calls on us to “hold on to love as a solution during this time of confusion.” Similarly, the title track, “All For One” by Wilson Turbinton, displays Ross’ soulful vocal-styling as he express the sentiments of love and unity.

While the members of the ensemble offer a supportive role on this album, their contributions do not go unnoticed. Their flawless execution and articulations are not only a sign of professionalism, but also a sign a maturity. Hands down an inspirational and moving album, All For One is soulful, tasteful, and most certainly refreshing. Reviewed by Jamaal Baptiste February 2nd, 2018. Title: Artist: Open Mike Eagle Label: Formats: CD, MP3, Vinyl Release date: September 15, 2017 Urbanity has helped mold the creativity of hip hop artists in some form or the other, and thus forms the foundation of this genre. Is no exception, and his most current album, Brick Body Kids Still Daydream, demonstrates just that. The collection is a tribute to Chicago’s former South Side housing project, where the young Eagle resided with family members during much of his formative years.

Through his concept art, OME humanizes the forgotten ones of this former space, lending credence to their dreams of a better world for all. “Legendary Iron Hood,” the opening track, is a smoothly-spun tale of optimism in the face of adversity.

OME’s laid-back delivery and beat reminds one of a lazy walk with one eye in the clouds and one on the road ahead. An obvious downtempo influence dominates the second tune, “(How could anybody) Feel at Home,” and its lyrics of “We live in a space that should have never existed, we’re used to the taste of a human in spaceIt smells like if you imagined you boiled a rose and the oven is on and the coil’s exposed” deposits you right into an imagined project via sight, taste and smell. Nerdcore rapper displays her lyrical skills on “Hymnal,” and clips in on a later track, “95 Radios.” The apex of the collection, undisputedly, is “Brick Body Complex,” in which OME bares his narrative and his soul without pretention. But it’s the last offering, “,” that forces attention by way of poignant activist lines such as: “They say America fights fair, but they won’t demolish your timeshare; blew up my Auntie’s building, put out her great-grandchildren.” Lyrical and mystical, pensive yet precise. OME tears it down to the ground with his remembrance of lives lost under the rubble and dust of project demolition. As the title succinctly states, brick body kids still daydream. It’s up to us to make sure we give them something positive to dream about.

Reviewed by Amy Aiyegbusi February 2nd, 2018.

(CD) 10dB - Steppin' Out (VBR) (CD) Abstrac' - Abstrac' (VBR) After 7 - After 7 (VBR) (CD) Babyface - Jewels-Babyface's Best Works On Solar (VBR) Babyface - Tender Lover (VBR) Bert Robinson - I Promise You Love (VBR) Blue Magic - From Out Of The Blue (128k) Bobby Brown - Dance!Ya Know It! (VBR) (CD) By All Means - Beyond A Dream (VBR) Calloway - All The Way (VBR) (CD) Christopher Williams - Adventures In Paradise (VBR) Club Nouveau - Under A Nouveau Groove (VBR) (CD) Entouch - All Nite (VBR) Faze- Faze 1 (192k) Finest Hour - Make That Move (VBR) (CD) Full Force - Smoove (VBR) Jody Watley - Larger Than Life (VBR) Joyce Sims - All About Love (VBR) La Rue - There's Love Out There (192k) Marcus Lewis - Sing Me A Song (192k) Michael Cooper - Just What I Like (VBR) Michael Jeffries - Michael Jeffries (VBR) Mikki Bleu - I Promise (VBR) (CD) S.O.S. Band - Diamonds In The Raw (VBR) S.O.S. Band - In One Go (VBR) (CD) Skyy - Start Of A Romance (VBR) Stephanie Mills - Home (VBR) (CD) Tashan - On The Horizon (VBR) The Gap Band - Round Trip (VBR) The Jacksons - 2300 Jackson Street (VBR) Troop - Attitude (VBR) (CD) Will Downing - Come Together As One (VBR). Band - Genie (VBR) Babyface - Lovers (VBR) (CD) Bobby Brown - King Of Stage (VBR) Cat Miller - Cat (192k) Chico DeBarge - Chico DeBarge (192k) Club Nouveau - Life, Love & Pain (VBR) Five Star - Silk & Steel (VBR) Gregory Abbott - Shake You Down (VBR) Jaki Graham - Breaking Away (320k) Janice McClain - Janice McClain (192k) Klymaxx - Klymaxx (VBR) Loose Ends - Zagora (VBR) Michael Jonzun - Money Isn't Everything (192k) (CD) Midnight Star - Headlines (VBR) Ready For The World - Long Time Coming (VBR) S.O.S. Band - Sands Of Time (VBR) Shirley Jones - Always In The Mood (192k) Skyy - From The Left Side (192k) Surface - Surface (192k) Tease - Tease (224k) Tramaine - The Search Is Over (192k) Vesta Williams - Vesta (VBR) Warp 9 - Fade In Fade Out (192k).